Pastor Matters

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 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. John Ewart, a seasoned church consultant and veteran pastor. He helps us explore the often-overlooked world of church bylaws. He exposes how outdated, weaponized, or overly complex documents create more harm than good, and explains why a fresh, living constitution can streamline decision-making, protect accountability, and reflect your church’s mission. We discuss how to balance tradition with flexibility, avoid common legal and ecclesiological mistakes, and involve the right leaders to lead this vital process. We hope this episode is encouraging to you today! Resources from today's episode:  A New Normal: Creating Understood Value for a Revitalized Church  A New Normal: For Missional Small Groups  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 Dr. Sam Rainer, president of Church Answers, to discuss the concept of the neighborhood church and how pastors can better understand and engage with their communities. The conversation highlights the importance of demographic awareness and building real relationships outside the office to foster meaningful ministry. The episode concludes with encouragement for pastors to enjoy ministry, network with community leaders, and live out their faith in daily encounters, demonstrating what it means for a church to be integrated into its community. We hope this episode is encouraging to you today! Resources from today's episode:  Know Your Community Report Church Answers 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 challenging topic of humility in ministry. We explore the fine line between using one's gifts for God's work and falling into the trap of pride. The conversation highlights the importance of staying grounded through regular engagement with the Word of God and the role of community in maintaining humility. We emphasize that this is a battle we can't win on this side of Heaven, but we can partner together to fight the battle against pride.  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," the hosts welcome back Dr. Art Rainer, founder of Christian Money Solutions, to discuss the often-overlooked topic of church budgeting. Dr. Rainer emphasizes that a church budget is not just a financial document but a blueprint for mission, aligning financial resources with the church's vision and goals. He shares insights on how to evaluate and adjust budgets to ensure they support the church's mission effectively, rather than being a relic of past priorities. The conversation also touches on the importance of building a culture of generosity within the church, encouraging pastors to view budgeting as an opportunity to advance their mission and engage their congregation in meaningful ways. We hope this episode is encouraging to you today! Resources from today's episode:  Christian Money Solutions 8 Money Milestones My Church Staff: Stewardship  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.

Rebekah (Becca) Hannah, CEO of Anchored Virtual and founder of Road Leadership, and Dr. Kristin Kellen, counseling professor and EdD director, discuss pressures ministry wives face. They talk about visibility vs invisibility, identity beyond roles, the need for real community and counseling, recovery after relational hurts, and how spouses and churches can offer better support.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we discuss the importance of church planting and the role of residencies in developing future pastors. Our guest, Dr. Matt Rogers, shares on his personal journey into ministry, the significance of mentorship, and the various models of residency that can be adapted to different church contexts. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentionality in pastoral development and offers practical advice for both aspiring pastors seeking experience and established leaders who would like to offer residency at their church. 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 Dr. Art Rainer to discuss the importance of financial stewardship for pastors and church leaders. He shares insights on common financial challenges faced by those in ministry, the significance of budgeting, and the steps to achieving financial health. The conversation also covers practical advice on navigating housing allowances, taxes, and the implications of opting out of Social Security. Dr. Rainer emphasizes the need for open communication about finances in marriage and provides resources for listeners to improve their financial literacy and management. We hope this episode is encouraging to you today! Resources from today's episode:  The Money Challenge: 30 Days of Discovering God's Design For You and Your Money Christian Money Solutions 8 Money Milestones Money Personality Survey 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.

Wendy Cockrell, marriage conference speaker who shares vulnerable, practical counsel. Tate Cockrell, counseling professor and director who teaches scripture-centered marriage help. They tell their early marriage story and recovery, discuss ministry pressures, the danger of prioritizing work over marriage, daily 20-minute check-ins, and a structured weekly talk to strengthen communication and intimacy.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we discuss the practice of scripture memorization. Dr. Andrew Davis shares his personal journey with memorizing scripture, the techniques he employs, and the profound impact this practice has had on his pastoral ministry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in the Word of God for spiritual growth, equipping pastors for effective ministry, and fostering a deeper relationship with Christ.  We hope this episode is encouraging to you today! Book - How to Memorize Scripture for Life: From One Verse to Entire Books 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.