
Pastor Matters
The Pastor Matters Podcast seeks to equip and encourage pastors and church leaders in whatever context of ministry they find themselves in. Join Chuck Lawless and Caleb Iversen each week as they look at various topics related to preaching and pastoral leadership.
Pastor Matters is produced by the Center for Preaching and Pastoral Leadership at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Latest episodes

May 13, 2024 • 30min
Importance of State Conventions with Dr. Brian Autry - EP146
How does a state convention fit in with what a church does? How does the local church help the work of a state convention? Why should a pastor or local church invest in the cooperative efforts of the state convention?
In this episode we are joined by Dr. Brian Autry. Dr. Autry serves as Executive Director of the SBC of Virginia.
Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

May 6, 2024 • 31min
Leading from Weakness with Dr. Brian Autry - EP145
What does it look like for the pastor to lead from weakness? How is the theme of weakness on display throughout the Bible? How did Jesus lead from weakness?
In this episode we are joined by Dr. Brian Autry. Dr. Autry serves as Executive Director of the SBC of Virginia.
Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

Apr 29, 2024 • 33min
Denominational Involvement with Dr. Danny Akin - EP144
What are the greatest joys of being a part of a denomination, specifically the Southern Baptist Convention? Why should the pastor and the church invest in the denomination? Why should a pastor remain invested when there is denominational strife?
In this episode we are joined by Dr. Danny Akin to discuss the importance of denominational involvement.
Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

Apr 22, 2024 • 27min
Friendship in Ministry with Dr. Danny Akin - EP143
What is the value of friendship in ministry? What are the dangers of isolation in ministry? Should pastors have friendships in the church?
In this episode we are joined by Dr. Danny Akin to discuss friendship in ministry!
Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

Apr 15, 2024 • 32min
Bi-vocational Ministry with Dr. Benjamin Quinn - EP142
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Benjamin Quinn Associate Professor of Theology and History of Ideas, Associate Director of the Center for Faith and Culture, and senior pastor at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Spring Hope, NC. We discuss bi-vocational ministry.
What are some benefits that you enjoy and challenges of bi-vocational ministry? How do you balance working a job, ministry responsibilities, time with family, and rest? Is balance the right word?
We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!
Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

Apr 8, 2024 • 29min
Discipleship through Mentoring - EP141
In this episode, we discuss discipleship through mentoring.
Is mentoring and discipleship the same thing?
Why is mentoring crucial to a pastor's ministry?
Why should a pastor consider mentoring?
We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!
Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

Apr 1, 2024 • 24min
Corporate Prayer Meetings with Dr. Tom Elliff - EP140
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Tom Elliff, a teaching pastor at First Southern Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dr. Elliff has served as a pastor, president of the International Mission Board, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and more.
We discuss corporate prayer meetings, leading the church to pray, examining our own hearts to pray, and more.
We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!
Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

Mar 25, 2024 • 25min
Prayer Life of the Pastor with Tom Elliff - EP139
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Tom Elliff, a teaching pastor at First Southern Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dr. Elliff has served as a pastor, president of the International Mission Board, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and more.
We discuss the prayer life of the pastor, persevering in prayer, and more.
We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!
Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

Mar 18, 2024 • 31min
Leadership from the Pulpit with Dr. Scott Pace - EP138
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Scott Pace, Provost, Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Preaching, and Dean of Graduate Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
How does a pastor lead through his pulpit ministry and preaching?
Dr. Pace also highlights his and Dr. Jim Shaddix's book, "Expositional Leadership"
You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Expositional-Leadership-Shepherding-People-Pulpit/dp/1433588021
We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!
Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

Mar 11, 2024 • 30min
Pastor, Do Not Quit on Monday - EP137
In this episode, we discuss how to stay encouraged on difficult Mondays in ministry. The Monday after a tough ministry weekend can be challenging. Pastor, do not quit! We are praying for you! We are thankful for the calling that God has placed on your life to shepherd His people.
We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!
Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.