
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

Mar 4, 2024 • 26min
Illustrations In Preaching with Dr. Scott Pace - EP136
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.
What is an illustration? What are the purposes of illustrating a sermon? What are some pitfalls in sermon illustration?
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.

Feb 26, 2024 • 32min
Testimony and Aspirations for Ministry - EP135
In this episode, you will hear the testimonies of two young men, Caleb Iversen and Zac Menser, who have the blessing of serving at the Pastor's Center with Dr. Chuck Lawless. We discuss the excitement of aspiring future ministry and concerns entering ministry.
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.

Feb 19, 2024 • 29min
Strategic Next-Gen Ministry - EP134
In this episode, we are joined by Jay Veverka to talk about a strategic plan for next-gen ministry from newborn babies through college graduation. Jay Veverka is the Next Generation Pastor at Open Door Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
You may contact Jay via email: jay@opendoorlife.com
For the Children's Ministry podcast, "Wise For Salvation," and the Student Ministry podcast, "The Way"
https://www.opendoorlife.com/podcasts
Open Door's website:
https://www.opendoorlife.com/

Feb 12, 2024 • 28min
Growing and Improving in Preaching - EP133
In this episode, we discuss 11 practical ways to grow and improve in your preaching in 2024 and in the years to come.
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.
For additional preaching resources:
https://www.pastorscenter.org/blog/5-recommended-books-on-preaching/
If you would like to sign-up for the Christ-Centered Exposition Workshop: Exalting Jesus in John, sign-up here: https://CCEworkshop2024.eventbrite.com

Feb 5, 2024 • 27min
Shepherds on Guard with Philip Crouse Jr. - EP132
We are joined by Philip Crouse Jr. to talk about his book, "Shepherds On Guard." We discuss guarding our holiness, joy, family, and church as pastors.
Philip Crouse Jr. is the pastor at Germanton Baptist Church and adjunct professor at Carolina University.
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.

Jan 29, 2024 • 26min
Preaching Teams - EP131
In this episode, we discuss growing as a preacher, the idea of preaching teams, and the value in preparing a sermon in community.
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.

Jan 22, 2024 • 24min
The Hope Initiative with Thom Rainer - EP130
In this episode we talk with Dr. Thom Rainer, the founder and CEO of Church Answers. Dr. Rainer served as president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. Before LifeWay, he served at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for twelve years where he was the founding dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions and Evangelism. He is the author of many books, including I Am a Church Member, Breakout Churches, Autopsy of a Deceased Church, Who Moved My Pulpit?, and Anatomy of a Revived Church.
We discuss Dr. Rainer's journey, churchanswers.com, The Hope Initiative, 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.

Jan 15, 2024 • 21min
Ministry Sayings with Dr. Tom Elliff - EP 129
In this episode, we talk to 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.
Dr. Elliff imparts wisdom and short sayings to challenge and encourage us. He also shares the background of those sayings.
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.

Jan 8, 2024 • 27min
Finishing Well with Dr. Tom Elliff - EP 128
In this episode, we talk to 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.
Dr. Elliff reflects on his leadership journey, what he would do differently in ministry, finishing well in ministry, and the discipline of prayer.
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.

Jan 1, 2024 • 12min
New Year 2024 - EP127
Happy New Year from Pastor Matters!
Do you want to know what is coming from the Center for Preaching and Pastoral Leadership in 2024?
Dr. Lawless and Caleb Iversen preview upcoming podcast guests, mentorship lunches, Pastor's Center events, etc.
Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.