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

In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Robert Smith, Jr., shares his journey in preaching, emphasizing the importance of sermon preparation, internalization, and the role of the Holy Spirit. He discusses his early experiences, the evolution of his preaching style, and offers practical advice for young preachers. This interview is sure to help every preacher improve on crafting sermons.

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.

Podcast Highlight - Crafting the Sermon with Robert Smith Jr. - EP178

In this episode, the Pastor Matters team discusses the importance of evangelism and the authority of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. They explore various miracles performed by Jesus, emphasizing the transformation that occurs in individuals' lives when they encounter Him. The conversation highlights the need for believers to maintain a sense of wonder and amazement about Jesus, as familiarity can lead to complacency in sharing the gospel.

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.

The Danger of Familiarity with Jesus - EP198

In this episode, the Pastor Matters team discusses the challenges of recruiting volunteers in the local church, emphasizing the importance of personal engagement and effective communication. They explore the reasons behind volunteer apathy, the need for training and support, and the significance of celebrating volunteers' contributions. The conversation highlights strategies for effective recruitment, common pitfalls to avoid, and the importance of prayer in the process.

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.

Equipping and Recruiting Volunteers - EP199

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

In this episode of Pastor Matters, the podcast team welcomes HB Charles Jr., author and veteran pastor of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Orange Park, Florida, about the intricacies of pastoral ministry. They discuss the importance of preaching, the challenges of counseling, the significance of mentorship, and the necessity of balancing family life with ministry responsibilities. HB shares personal anecdotes and practical advice for both new and seasoned pastors, emphasizing the need for prayer, preparation, and patience in navigating the complexities of church leadership.

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 in this episode:
 www.HBCharlesJr.com
www.Shiloh.Church
It Happens After Prayer by HB Charles Jr.

Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Podcast Highlight: Talking Pastoral Ministry with H.B. Charles Jr. - EP187

The good, the bad, and the hopeful shifts in family and gender dynamics in this cultural moment. In this conversation, Benjamin Quinn and Dr. Nathan Finn explore significant cultural trends related to family, marriage, and gender identity. They discuss the increasing delay in marriage and declining birth rates, emphasizing the need for young people to prepare for marriage and family life. The conversation also touches on the implications of transgenderism in sports and the challenges posed by pornography in society. They conclude by discussing the concept of Fidelity Month as a counter-narrative to Pride Month, advocating for a focus on traditional family values and the importance of marriage.
- Website: cfc.sebts.edu 
- Contact us: cfc.sebts.edu/about/contact-us/ 
- Support the work of the Center: cfc.sebts.edu/about/give/ 
All opinions and views expressed by guest speakers are solely their own. They do not speak for nor represent SEBTS. Read our expressed views and confessions: www.sebts.edu/about/what_we_believe.aspx

Cultural Shifts in Family and Gender Dynamics (with Nathan Finn) - EP 204

Sometimes it feels like a preacher lives in his own cultural bubble. Alistair Begg joins the show to discuss how to engage culture while remaining faithful to the Bible. Dr. Begg shares insights on preaching with cultural awareness, reflecting on his journey into pastoral ministry, the importance of understanding the culture while remaining faithful to biblical teachings, and the necessity of reading broadly to enrich sermon preparation. He discusses the challenges of navigating cultural turbulence in ministry and emphasizes the significance of the gospel in unifying diverse perspectives.
- Website: cfc.sebts.edu 
- Contact us: cfc.sebts.edu/about/contact-us/ 
- Support the work of the Center: cfc.sebts.edu/about/give/ 
All opinions and views expressed by guest speakers are solely their own. They do not speak for nor represent SEBTS. Read our expressed views and confessions: www.sebts.edu/about/what_we_believe.aspx 

Alistair Begg: Culturally Aware Sermons - EP 205

It's undeniable that missionary work is hard work. It comes with a unique set of challenges and trials that make staying on the field incredibly difficult at times. The question is, how can missionaries endure through trauma and hardship as they seek to obey God's call on their lives? On this installment of the Summer Lecture Series, Scott and Keelan sit down with IMB missionary Rick Fraley to talk about how he and his family endured through extreme circumstances. Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a song Rick wrote about the Lord's faithfulness in his family's story. You don't want to miss this episode of The Sent Life!

Summer Lecture Series: Missionary Resilience and a Theology of Risk with Rick Fraley - EP159

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

In this episode of Pastor Matters, the team revisits their conversation with Dr. Al Jackson, a long-time pastor with a deep commitment to missions. They explore the roots of Dr. Jackson's missionary passion, local church engagement in missions, and the challenges faced in promoting a mission-focused culture. Dr. Jackson shares insights from his pastoral journey, emphasizing the need for churches to prioritize missions alongside worship and gives practical steps for churches to foster a global mindset and a heart for supporting missionaries.

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.

Podcast Highlight: The Pastor’s Role in Leading a Missions-Minded Church - EP183

Cultural idols weave themselves into the lives of Christians and the church. Preaching confronts these idols by showing the bankruptcy of the promises of culture compared to the gospel.

In this conversation, Benjamin Quinn and Andrew Arndt explore the intersection of faith, culture, and ministry. They discuss Andrew's journey to faith and his role in ministry, emphasizing the importance of culturally aware preaching. The conversation delves into the challenges of addressing cultural issues in sermons while maintaining a focus on grace and spiritual maturity. Andrew shares insights from his writing journey, including his books that aim to deepen spiritual understanding and practice. The discussion also highlights the significance of community, the role of the Sabbath, and the need to confront cultural idols in the lives of congregants.
- Website: cfc.sebts.edu 
- Contact us: cfc.sebts.edu/about/contact-us/ 
- Support the work of the Center: cfc.sebts.edu/about/give/ 
All opinions and views expressed by guest speakers are solely their own. They do not speak for nor represent SEBTS. Read our expressed views and confessions: www.sebts.edu/about/what_we_believe.aspx 

Preaching to Confront Cultural Idols (with Andrew Arndt) - EP 206

In this special 200th episode of Pastor Matters, the team reflects on their journey and time on the podcast. They also emphasize the need for pastors to remember God's faithfulness and take time to slow down and reflect. This episode serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the ongoing work in pastoral ministry.

We’re running a special Pastor Matters giveaway in celebration of our 200th episode! The giveaway includes a Pastors' Center branded journal, a Pastors' Center mug, and an exclusive Pastor Matters t-shirt.

To enter by August 4th:

1. Share the 200th episode post on Facebook or Instagram
2. Tag a pastor who would be encouraged by Pastor 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.

Reflecting on God's Faithfulness - EP200

What and who we read shapes who we are. From C. S. Lewis and Augustine, Dr. Benjamin Quinn and Andy Shurson discuss books that have shaped them. Reading is a powerful tool; learn how to read and how to use what you read to grow more like Christ and to engage the people of God.
- Website: cfc.sebts.edu 
- Contact us: cfc.sebts.edu/about/contact-us/ 
- Support the work of the Center: cfc.sebts.edu/about/give/ 
All opinions and views expressed by guest speakers are solely their own. They do not speak for nor represent SEBTS. Read our expressed views and confessions: www.sebts.edu/about/what_we_believe.aspx 

How Reading Shapes You - EP 207

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.