In this episode of Pastor Matters, we discuss our hopes and plans for 2026, focusing on equipping pastors through various programs and events. We highlight the Christ-Centered Exposition Workshop, the Timothy Scholars Program, and monthly equipping lunches aimed at fostering community and learning. The conversation also covers the upcoming Engaging Exposition Conference and preaching labs designed to provide practical training for pastors.  We hope this episode is encouraging to you today! Helpful Links: Signup for CCE 2026  Checkout our Latest Articles Learn More About Timothy Scholars  Follow us on Instagram @thecppl.  Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage with guests Zac Workun and Chad Higgins to discuss the critical role of families in student ministry. They share about their new book 'Define the Relationship: Growing a Parent Ministry that Brings Families and Churchs Together,' which explores the disconnect between families and church activities and the importance of defining the role of parents in discipleship. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective parent ministries, practical steps for engaging families, and the significance of building relationships within the church community.  Resources in this Episode:  Student Ministry Booster  Define the Relationship: Growing a Parent Ministry that Brings Families and Churchs Together 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. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.  

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage with Dr. Stephen Wade, who shares insights on the benefits of forming a pastor cohort. Dr. Wade discusses the vision behind his cohort, emphasizing the need for support and encouragement among pastors, especially in a competitive church environment. The conversation highlights the benefits of building relationships, sharing resources, and fostering a community that uplifts one another in ministry. Dr. Wade also provides practical advice for those looking to establish similar cohorts in their areas, stressing that even small gatherings can lead to significant encouragement and growth. 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. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Josh Wredberg, one of the authors of 'Every Member Matters: Why Your Church Needs You and Why You Need Your Church'. We discuss the significance of church membership, the roles of members, and the importance of active participation in church life. Wredberg shares his personal journey to understanding membership, the structure of his book, and practical insights for pastors and church members alike. The conversation emphasizes the need for church members to take ownership, engage in ministry, and support one another through prayer and service, ultimately aiming for a healthy and vibrant church community.  Resources in today's episode:         Every Member Matters Resources            Purchase Every Member Matters  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. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we discuss the importance of preaching to a diverse audience within the church. We delve into strategies for engaging all age groups and backgrounds during sermons. The conversation highlights the challenges preachers face in connecting with their congregations and offers practical tips for effective communication, including the use of visual aids and understanding the unique needs of children and teens. The episode concludes with encouragement for pastors to consider their audience thoughtfully in their sermon preparation. 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. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we discuss the critical elements of sermon introductions and conclusions. We emphasize the importance of engaging the audience from the start and providing a clear, impactful conclusion that encourages action. The conversation includes practical tips for crafting effective introductions, the significance of knowing the audience, and the need for intentionality throughout the sermon preparation process. We share personal experiences and insights on how to connect with listeners and ensure that the message resonates long after the sermon ends. 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. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that come with preaching during the Christmas season. Dr. Allan Moseley shares insights on how to effectively incorporate Old Testament references into Christmas sermons, emphasizing the importance of understanding the context and avoiding common interpretative mistakes. The conversation also highlights the significance of preparation, the role of New Testament texts, and the need for pastors to shepherd their congregations with grace and joy during this special time of year. 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. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

This week's conversation revovles around how to be a faithful pastor during the holiday season. We discuss how to be intentional in creating a holiday schedule and leading both family and congregation. We also share insight on preaching the Christmas story, emphasizing the significance of God's incarnation in Christ and its implications for preaching and evangelism. 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. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we discuss the challenges of dealing with criticism in ministry. We consider the importance of having a support system, the need for prayer, and the value of responding thoughtfully rather than hastily. Our conversation also touches on the significance of staying focused on the mission of the church and recognizing that someone is always observing how leaders handle criticism.  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. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Chuck Lawless shares what he misses about being a pastor. We discuss the profound significance of pastoral work, emphasizing its eternal impact and the unique privileges it offers. We reflect on the transformative power of the gospel in the lives of parishioners and the importance of walking alongside them through life's highs and lows. The conversation also highlights the learning opportunities pastors have from their congregations. 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. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Tim Beougher and Dr. Scott Hildreth to discuss the critical theme of 'finishing well' in ministry. They explore the dangers of 'drowning in shallow water,' the importance of accountability, the role of spiritual warfare, and the necessity of prayer in sustaining a healthy ministry. The conversation highlights lessons learned from evangelists who did not finish well and emphasizes the need for pastors to remain vigilant and humble in their calling. 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.  Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu. 

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we welcome Dr. Craig Webb, the Executive Director Treasurer of the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention. The conversation explores Craig's ministry journey, his work with Lifeway on Deacon Magazine, and the vital role of prayer in church leadership. Craig shares insights on developing a prayer life, practical advice for deacons and pastors, and the importance of journaling prayers. The episode emphasizes the necessity of prayer as a foundational element in ministry for all church leaders.   Resources in this episode: Deacon Magazine   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.  Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.   

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage in a pastors roundtable discussion with Dr. Scott Pace and Dr. Allan Moseley to discuss the significance of Pastor Appreciation Month. We explore the vital role of interim pastors in providing stability and guidance during transitions, the profound impact of influential pastors in our lives, and the importance of being present in the lives of congregants. The conversation also provides practical ways to show appreciation for pastors and offers encouragement to those in 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.  To celebrate Pastor Appreciation month we are giving away a Pastor Matters t-shirt! Comment "Pastor" on this episode to be entered to win! Keep an eye on our website to see if you are the lucky winner! Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu. 

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by JT English, the lead pastor of Storyline Church. We discuss the significance of discipleship in the local church, the concept of deep discipleship, and the importance of holistic growth in Christian education. Our discussion emphasizes the need for local churches to implement effective discipleship strategies and provides resources for pastors to strengthen their initiatives. Resources in this episode: Deep Discipleship by J.T. English - https://a.co/d/8yc34Gq 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. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage in a lively discussion with Shane Pruitt , the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board. Shane discusses his role in empowering the next generation of church leaders and introduces his new Bible study, 'Not My Jesus,' which aims to clarify misconceptions about Jesus in contemporary culture. Resources in this episode: Calling Out the Called by Scott Pace and Shane Pruitt - https://a.co/d/4WpkDnv Not My Jesus Teen Bible Study by Shane Pruitt - https://a.co/d/6C9zUCi Not MY Jesus Bible Study with video access - https://a.co/d/8MKnoXa GenSend - https://www.gensend.org/ 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. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage in a pastors roundtable discussion with Dr. Scott Pace and Dr. Allan Moseley about the nature of calling in ministry. They share personal stories of their own calls to ministry, explore the complexities of discerning one's calling, and emphasize the importance of testing and affirming that call within the church community. The conversation also highlights the role of pastors in encouraging future leaders and the significance of being honest about the challenges of 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. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Danny Akin and his wife Charlotte share their experiences and insights on parenting, faith, and family dynamics. They discuss the importance of instilling a love for Jesus in their children, the challenges of balancing ministry and family life, and the significance of creating a fun and loving home environment. 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. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we engage in a deep conversation with Dr. Andy Davis about church revitalization. Dr. Davis shares his personal journey to faith, his ministry experiences, and the challenges he has faced while leading First Baptist Church of Durham. The discussion highlights the importance of God's guidance, the struggles of revitalizing a church, and the significance of expository preaching. 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. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we explore Dr. Jeff Struecker's unique journey from a military career to becoming a pastor and educator. Our discussion highlights the intersection of military leadership principles and church leadership, the importance of continuous learning, the role of vision in leadership, and challenges faced by pastors. 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. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Michael McEwen, the publisher for B&H Academic. We discuss the importance of publishing and writing in pastoral ministry, Dr. McEwen's journey in academia, and the role of B&H Academic in providing essential resources for pastors. Resources in this episode: https://bhacademic.bhpublishinggroup.com/ 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. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.