Ronjour and Brandon talk pastors and spiritual warfare with Dr. Chuck Lawless (VP of Spiritual Formation at Southeastern). 

What does the Bible tell us about spiritual warfare? How do we discern what is spiritual warfare and what isn’t? What is the enemy’s endgame when it comes to spiritual warfare and believers? Join us this week as we tackle these questions (and many more)!

Pastors and Spiritual Warfare (with Chuck Lawless) - EP68

What does the Bible say about spiritual warfare? What implications does spiritual warfare have on how we approach evangelism? How can pastors equip their church members to be more evangelistic? 

Join Chuck and Caleb as they sit down to discuss spiritual warfare, evangelism, and how pastors can equip their church members.

Spiritual Warfare And Evangelism - EP114

What are some common characteristics of struggling churches? Where do you begin if you recognize unhealthy patterns in your church? What do bumper cars and train tracks have to do with church health? 

This week we are joined by Dr. John Ewart to discuss how to evaluate and address the health of your church.

Evaluating Church Health with John Ewart - EP115

What are the signs of leadership fatigue? How do you recognize these signs in your own life? What are the dangers of leadership fatigue? 

Join us as we sit down to discuss this important topic.

Signs of Leadership Fatigue - EP118

In this episode, we discuss how to practically address the signs of leadership fatigue in your life and ministry. 

Feeling tired or worn out? Do you feel like you've lost vision or passion for ministry? Are you struggling with your spiritual disciplines? 

If so, we hope this episode encourages you today and helps you take the next step forward. 

Let us know how we can pray for or serve you by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

Addressing Signs of Leadership Fatigue - EP123

What qualities make a great leader? What are some failures seen in Christian leaders today? How do leaders lead their team well?

In this episode, Dr. Akin reflects on his leadership journey, leadership mentors, and lessons learned.

Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

Lessons On Leadership with Dr. Danny Akin - EP125

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.

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 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.

Ministry Sayings with Dr. Tom Elliff - EP 129

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.

The Hope Initiative with Thom Rainer - EP130

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.

Preaching Teams - EP131

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.

Shepherds on Guard with Philip Crouse Jr. - EP132

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

Growing and Improving in Preaching - EP133

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/

Strategic Next-Gen Ministry - EP134

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.

Testimony and Aspirations for Ministry - EP135

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.

Illustrations In Preaching with Dr. Scott Pace - EP136

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.

Pastor, Do Not Quit on Monday - EP137

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.

Leadership from the Pulpit with Dr. Scott Pace - EP138

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.

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 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.

Corporate Prayer Meetings with Dr. Tom Elliff - EP140

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.

Discipleship through Mentoring - EP141

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.

Bi-vocational Ministry with Dr. Benjamin Quinn - EP142

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.

Friendship in Ministry with Dr. Danny Akin - EP143

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.

Denominational Involvement with Dr. Danny Akin - EP144

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.

Leading from Weakness with Dr. Brian Autry - EP145

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.

Importance of State Conventions with Dr. Brian Autry - EP146

In this episode we are joined by Dr. George Robinson, professor of Global Disciple-Making at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Robinson reflects on his discipleship journey, the keys to making reproducing disciples, and more!

Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

Pastors and Disciple-Making with Dr. George Robinson - EP147

In this episode we are joined by Dr. George Robinson, professor of Global Disciple-Making at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

We discuss the pastor doing the work of an evangelist, modeling personal evangelism, where to begin with personal evangelism, and more!

Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

Resource discussed in the episode: https://app.blesseveryhome.com

Do the Work of an Evangelist with Dr. George Robinson - EP148

In this episode we are joined by Danny Franks, Pastor of Guest Services at The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. 

What does "guest services" in the church mean? Is a dedicated ministry like guest services necessary? What is the biblical rationale for guest services?

Connect with Danny Franks: https://dfranks.com

"People Are The Mission" Book: https://www.amazon.com/People-Are-Mission-Churches-Compromising/dp/031053867X

Let us know how this episode encouraged you! You can send us feedback by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

Why Guest Services? with Danny Franks - EP149

This summer we are highlighting some of your favorite podcasts from the past year!

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.

Podcast Highlight: Finishing Well with Tom Elliff - EP128

This is the 150th episode of Pastor Matters! In this episode we reflect on God's faithfulness, look ahead, and share exciting updates! We hope this episode is encouraging to you today!

The Pastors' Center received a grant from the Lily Foundation for compelling preaching. 

Learn more here: https://www.sebts.edu/news-and-events/headlines/2024/05/southeastern-receives-1-25-million-grant-from-lilly-endowment-inc/

Sign up for the Engaging Exposition Preaching Conference here: 
https://www.sebts.edu/event/engaging-exposition-preaching-conference/

Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu.

150th Episode: What's Next? - EP150

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.

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