Pastor Matters

By Southeastern SeminaryReligion & Spirituality

Pastor Matters episodes

June 01 Transitioning Well: Final Encouragements from Zac - EP243
In this episode of Pastor Matters, we honor Zac Menser for his time serving in the Pastors’ Center, equipping and encouraging pastors. Zac shares what he has learned in his time at the Pastors' Center, where he is going next, and how the Lord has led him and his wife to this decision. We also discuss what it looks like to transition well when you feel the Lord calling you to something new, and why how you transition is so important.

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 [email protected].
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.
31 min
May 25 The Danger of Loner Leadership with Dr. Brian Autry - EP242
In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Dr. Brian Autry who discusses the dangers of isolation in ministry and the importance of community among pastors. He shares personal experiences and insights on how intentional relationships can prevent burnout. The conversation emphasizes the need for pastors to engage with peers, fostering friendships that provide support and accountability. The episode concludes with practical advice for pastors to take proactive steps in building meaningful connections within their communities.
We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!
Resources from today's episode:
Serving Jesus without Burning Out: Faithful Ministry for the Long Haul
Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at [email protected].
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

28 min
May 18 The Purpose of Preaching - EP241
In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Chuck Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser seek to answer the question "Why do we preach?" We identify the wrong motivations for preaching and our real goal behind preaching each week. We emphasize that the purpose of our preaching should shape how we deliver the Word and how we prepare to preach. Lastly, we discuss how the preacher can convey the purpose to his congregation and help prepare their hearts to receive a word from the Lord. When we truly recognize the purpose of our preaching, we become
humbled that God has entrusted us with such a privilege!
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 [email protected].
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

30 min
May 11 The Significance of State Conventions with Tony Wolfe - EP240
In today's episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Dr. Tony Wolfe, the Executive Director-Treasurer of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Tony shares how state conventions provide valuable resources to pastors, equipping them with tools to reach their communities with the Gospel. We emphasize state conventions' crucial role in developing a statewide or regional missional strategy to accomplish the Great Commission. Whether you're a pastor not yet connected to your state convention or already deeply involved, this episode offers insights and encouragement for contributing to a mission beyond your church's boundaries.
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 [email protected].
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

33 min
May 04 Standing in the Gap with Craig Carlisle - EP239
In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Dr. Craig Carlisle, a seasoned leader in the Southern Baptist Convention, to explore the vital role of intercessory prayer in pastoral life. You’ll hear about the origin of his prayer calendar and how it blossomed into a spiritual discipline that has profoundly impacted both his personal faith and his relationships with pastors and leaders. Dr. Carlisle’s story reminds us that prayer is not only our greatest ministry but also the fuel for healthy churches, fruitful leadership, and enduring faith.
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 [email protected].
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

36 min
April 27 Navigating Ministry Pressures as a Family with Candi and Mike Powers - EP238
In this episode of Pastor Matters, we welcome Mike and Candi Powers to discuss the challenges of navigating ministry pressures as a family. Mike, a lead pastor, and Candi, a women's life coordinator, share their personal journeys into ministry and the unique expectations placed on pastors' families. We talk through the importance of setting realistic expectations, maintaining family rhythms, and creating space for open conversations about faith. The discussion also highlights the significance of balancing ministry work with family life and the spiritual growth of their children.
We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!
Resources from today's episode:
Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
Your Child's Profession of Faith by Dennis Gundersen
Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at [email protected].
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

38 min
April 20 Leading Strategic Change in the Church with Jeff Struecker - EP237
Most churches are running on plans, not strategy — and that’s what keeps them from truly transforming. What if a focused, biblical strategy could revolutionize your church's future?
In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Dr. Jeff Struecker, who shares how strategic change—when done right—can redefine a church’s identity. He discusses leading strategic change in the church, emphasizing the importance of a God-given strategy, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and patience in long-term vision. He shares insights from his military background and pastoral experience, encouraging pastors to pursue God's strategy in prayer.
We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!
Resources from today's episode:
The Warrior's Soul
Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at [email protected].
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

29 min
April 13 Understanding Connections Between the OT and NT with Benjamin Gladd and Charles Quarles EP236
This episode of Pastor Matters features a discussion with Dr. Benjamin Gladd and Dr. Charles Quarles on the intricate connections between the Old and New Testament. We explore the significance of Biblical allusions and quotations, emphasizing how these elements enrich our understanding of scripture. The conversation highlights the development of the CSB Connecting Scripture New Testament, a resource designed to help readers identify and appreciate these connections. The guests also provide practical advice for pastors on how to engage with these scriptural links to deepen their Biblical knowledge and enrich their preaching.
We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!
Resources from today's episode:
CSB Connecting Scripture New Testament
Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at [email protected].
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

38 min
April 06 The Evolving Role of Worship Pastors with Dr. Jonathan Welch - EP235
This episode of Pastor Matters features Dr. Jonathan Welch, Assistant Professor of Christian Worship, discussing the role of worship pastors, the relationship between preaching and worship, and how churches can develop and support worship leaders. Dr. Jonathan Welch shares his journey and offers valuable perspectives on the evolving responsibilities of worship leaders in today's churches. We also emphasize the importance of cultivating a theology of worship and explore common challenges faced by worship pastors.
We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!
Resources from today's episode:
SBC Worship Survey
Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at [email protected].
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.
32 min
March 30 The Necessity of Application in Preaching - EP234
In this episode of Pastor Matters, we explore the crucial role of application in preaching. We discuss how integrating application throughout a sermon connects God's timeless truth with our everyday lives. We share insights from our preaching labs, emphasizing that effective application begins with intentional study and understanding your congregation. This episode encourages pastors to enhance their sermons with Christ-centered application, so their congregation can walk away knowing what's next.
We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!
Resources from today's episode:
The Heart is the Target by Murray Capill
Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at [email protected].
Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.
31 min

About Pastor Matters

From the publisher's feed

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…