Podcast appearances and mentions of chuck lawless

Chuck Lawless interviews Rebekah Naylor on her path to becoming a medical missionary and the lessons her fellow believers can learn from her life.

In this episode, Dr. Chuck Lawless reflects on 45 years of ministry experience, discussing the importance of mentorship, the pain of church leadership, impactful books, and the joy found in preaching. The conversation also touches on understanding one's calling in ministry and the future challenges of pastoral leadership in a changing cultural landscape. Young pastors and seasoned pastors are sure to glean wisdom and encouragement from this episode. 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, Chuck Lawless and Caleb Iversen talk 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.

Chuck Lawless speaks from Psalm 19 in praise of God's revelation og himself to the world, exhorting believers to be moved to missional evangelism by an overflow of thanksgiving,

In this episode, Dr. Chuck Lawless and Caleb Iversen welcome pastors Jeff Isenhour and Andrew Clark of Arran Lake Baptist Church in Fayetteville, NC. They share their experience of making and implementing a succession plan after Pastor Jeff's 35 years of ministry at Arran Lake. They discuss the process of co-pastoring, mentorship, and the challenges of transitioning leadership roles. As more and more pastors age out of the pulpit, the demand is high for young pastors to step into established churches and take the reins. Listen in for valuable information on the issue of pastoral succession. 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: For more information about Arran Lake Baptist, visit their website at www.b3church.org Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst celebrate their 200th episode and discuss some reasons that pastors need other pastors as prayer partners. Many pastors have few prayer partners. Only another pastor really understands the burdens pastors carry. Pastors will answer to God for the spiritual care of the sheep they shepherd (Heb 13:17). Pastors need friends. Pastors face a real enemy who wants to destroy them. Pastors need a prayer partner who is also a trusted listening ear. Pastors sometimes struggle with hidden sin. Some pastors wrestle with prioritizing their families – and they need prayer support and accountability. Pastors never get done with their work. Most pastors don't pray enough. Resources related to this episode: 10 Reasons Pastors Need Another Pastor as a Prayer Pastor by Chuck Lawless

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Chuck Lawless about why churches get stuck. Church leaders are not raising up new leaders. The pastor may be feeling a tug toward some other opportunity. The church is comfortable where it is. The community is changing. The church operates in maintenance mode. The church doesn't pray much together anymore. Resources Related to this Episode: 10 Reasons Why Churches Get Stuck, Stop Growing by Chuck Lawless

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Chuck Lawless about why churches get stuck. Nobody is paying much attention to the numbers. The church has outgrown the pastor's leadership style. The church is out of space. The church's small groups have hit their maximum. Resources Related to this Episode: 10 Reasons Why Churches Get Stuck, Stop Growing by Chuck Lawless

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some reasons that pastors must be patient when it comes to making change. The best change takes place on the wings of persistent study and prayer. Many churches simply don't recognize the need for change. Some changes require structural change – even a change in the church's by-laws at times – and that process usually takes a while. Too much change in too little time can backfire. Sometimes those members who've been the most faithful over the years are the ones who most need convincing of the change. We're often trying to change churches that have been in maintenance mode for a long time. Some members aren't unwilling to change; they're just tired of change in general. Resources related to this episode: 7 Reasons We Must Be Patient with Church Change by Chuck Lawless

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Kyle Bueermann discuss some why it's so painful when church leaders experience moral failure. We never expect church leaders to fall. We genuinely love our leaders. We watch a leader's family suffer. We watch a church grieve. We know it's not a good witness. A call can create a faith crisis for others. It makes us feel vulnerable. It feels like it will never end. Resources related to this episode: 8 Reasons the Fall of a Church Leader Hurts So Badly by Chuck Lawless

Neighbors and Nations 2024

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Kyle Bueermann discuss what happens when church committees go off the rails in a church. When there are almost more committees in the church constitution than there are people in the church. When the church has not examined, revised, and strengthened its committee structure in years (perhaps even a decade or longer). When the progress of the church gets bogged down in competing or controlling committees. When one committee is the power broker of the entire church. When most committee members can't tell you what their committee does. When committees actually haven't met or functioned for years. When committees meet, but they don't actually do anything. When committee membership becomes a goal for church members who want power and control. When the church still has business meetings simply so the committees can report. When no one in the church will publicly question the value of these committees. Resources related to this episode: 10 Indications That a Church's Committees Are Out of Control by Chuck Lawless

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Kyle Bueermann discuss some reasons that church announcements don't usually lead to church member involvement. Folks aren't listening to your announcements (or reading your emails…or newsletters). Announcements seldom include the “why” with the “what.” Listeners hear a corporate announcement (if they hear it at all) for everyone else – not for themselves. Some church members carry baggage that makes it difficult for them to hear a call for workers. The wrong people make the announcements. Announcements put the responsibility on the respondent rather than on the recruiter. The church is making announcements, but not one's praying for the Lord to raise up the laborers. Resources related to this episode: 7 Reasons Why Announcements Don't Usually Lead to Church Member Involvement by Chuck Lawless

In this episode of Pastor Matters, hosts Chuck Lawless and Caleb Iversen talk with Dr. Randy Mann and his wife, Melanie, about the intricacies of a pastor's marriage. They share their journey from meeting in nursing school to navigating the ministry and parenting. The discussion highlights the importance of prioritizing family, the unique challenges facing the role of a pastor's wife, and practical advice for strengthening marriages and parenting in a pastoral context. 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. You can contact Dr. Randy Mann at Wake Cross Roads Church at rmann@wakecrossroads.com Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Kyle Bueermann discuss the next five of ten “Church Diseases” from a fascinating article by Chuck Lawless about some afflictions that affect churches. Community Disconnect Disease Methodological Arthritis “The Grass is Greener” Syndrome Professional Wrestling Sickness Program Nausea Resources related to this episode: 10 Church Diseases That Might Be Afflicting Your Church by Chuck Lawless Free NAMB Demographic Report

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Kyle Bueermann discuss the first five of ten “Church Diseases” from a  fascinating article by Chuck Lawless about some afflictions that affect churches. Congregational Myopia Talking in Your Sleep Disease “Unrecoverable Void” Syndrome • You must be willing to be fired. • You can't make decisions based on not losing people. Theological Self-Deception Ailment Baby Believer Malady Resources related to this episode: 10 Church Diseases That Might Be Afflicting Your Church by Chuck Lawless CP Stories: Missionary stories

In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Chuck Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser discuss the critical topic of Bible intake for pastors. They explore the struggles many face in maintaining a consistent and meaningful engagement with Scripture amidst life's busyness. Dr. Lawless shares his personal methods for Bible reading and the overlap between personal devotion and sermon preparation, encouraging pastors to let the Word transform their lives before teaching it to others. 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.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, hosts Chuck Lawless and Caleb Iversen welcome Dr. Dwayne Milioni, lead pastor of Open Door Church in Raleigh, NC, and associate professor at Southeastern Seminary. The conversation explores Dr. Milioni's journey in preaching through the entire Bible, his upcoming resource, Jesus Daily Bible, and insights on effective sermon preparation and the importance of commitment in pastoral leadership. They discuss the Old Testament's role in the context of the whole biblical narrative and the challenges of preaching in a way that encourages belief and application among congregants. 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: Dr. Milioni's book, Jesus Daily Bible, is available for preorder at: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/csb-jesus-daily-bible-hardcover-M00101397/005837914h Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

At Englewood, our mission is to see every home reaching every home with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We would love to help you find your next steps with Jesus. Reach out to us here so we can help you: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/u743XvZQ6ocKTv1N6—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/EBCRockyMt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/EBCRockyMt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Englewood Baptist Church is located in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

At Englewood, our mission is to see every home reaching every home with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We would love to help you find your next steps with Jesus. Reach out to us here so we can help you: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/u743XvZQ6ocKTv1N6—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/EBCRockyMt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/EBCRockyMt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Englewood Baptist Church is located in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

At Englewood, our mission is to see every home reaching every home with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We would love to help you find your next steps with Jesus. Reach out to us here so we can help you: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/u743XvZQ6ocKTv1N6—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/EBCRockyMt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/EBCRockyMt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Englewood Baptist Church is located in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, Chuck Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser express their gratitude to pastors in celebration of Pastor Appreciation Month. They reflect on the impact of influential pastors in their lives, discuss the importance of faithfulness in ministry, and highlight the challenges pastors face, including the need for preaching the Word and serving in difficult circumstances. Pastors, this episode is sure to make you feel appreciated as you run the race with endurance that is set before you. 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.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on some reasons that pastors may fear entering into revitalization. Revitalization requires a long-term vision for a church. It requires facing reality. It demands patience. It requires prayer. It might requires asking for help. It requires “stick-to-it-ness” It might mean hurting people you love. It requires taking a risk. Resources related to this podcast: “Why Some Pastors Aren't Ready to Lead in Church Revitalization” by Chuck Lawless

In this episode of Pastor Matters, Chuck Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser discuss the topic of rest for pastors. They share their own struggles with finding rest and the temptation to be constantly busy. They talk about the importance of embracing limitations, learning to delegate tasks to others, the theological aspect of rest and the need to trust in God's sovereignty. Are you a pastor struggling to create boundaries to protect your time of rest? Then this episode is for you. 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 the Lead On podcast, Jeff Iorg, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Executive Committee, addresses the challenges of ministry leadership, particularly the tendency for Christian leaders to become isolated within Christian circles. Inspired by Chuck Lawless's article, Iorg reflects on questions that probe whether leaders are too cocooned among believers, have made evangelism purely a corporate effort, or lack intentional personal engagement with non-Christians. He emphasizes the importance of breaking out of this Christian subculture to share the gospel personally. Iorg identifies personal and theological barriers, such as fear of failure, fear of cultural engagement, concerns about compromise, and misconceptions about church and discipleship. He advocates for intentionality in changing one's thinking, schedule, and involvement in activities that connect with non-Christians, urging leaders to model gospel-sharing in their daily lives.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, Chuck Lawless, Caleb Iversen, and Zac Menser discuss their summer experiences and the upcoming school year. Caleb shares his role as a college director and the importance of forming relationships with college students. They provide advice for pastors who have college students in their church and for pastors whose students have left for college. 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.

In this episode, Dr. Chuck Lawless reflects on his 50 years of being a believer and shares the lessons he has learned along the way. He talks about the joy of mentoring and discipling others and the impact it has had on his life. Additionally, he shares insights on the power of prayer and the privilege of preaching the Word.

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on some reasons that churches drift away from their mission. Nobody's even talking about the possibility of mission drift – almost as if “it surely won't happen here.” IF the church has a mission statement, it's only a sentence on the website. The church ministries have been, and continue to be, siloed from each other. Pastoral leaders have lost any sense of vision for the church. Members have expected their pastoral leaders to take care of them primarily rather than reach outsiders. Recent – and sometimes, not so recent, conflict has left scars in the congregation. Leaders hesitate to make hard calls to keep the mission primary. The church has been large enough that the drift is so slow it's almost imperceptible. The church's leadership recruitment process is weak. Resources related to this podcast: “9 Reasons Churches Drift from Their Mission” by Chuck Lawless Anatomy of a Revived Church by Thom Rainer

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on prayerlessness among pastors and church leaders. Leaders are “fixers” by nature. We never learned how to pray. Prayer has become more about ritual than about relationship. Prayerlessness can be hidden. We don't really believe prayer works. We have never been broken under God's hand. Leaders read the Word in a one-sided way. Some leaders have simply lost hope. We miss the gospel focus on the prayer life of Jesus. We have no role models. We don't have God-sized goals. Resources related to this podcast: “11 Reasons Church Leaders Struggle with Prayer” by Chuck Lawless

In this episode of Pastor Matters, Chuck Lawless and Caleb Iversen continue their conversation with Dr. Eddie Moody, the executive secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists. They discuss the challenges that churches and pastors are facing in 2024, focusing on the topics of getting members to put their faith into practice, effectively evangelizing people contacted through outreach activities, and growing small group participation.

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on some church members who can create headaches for pastors. The “doom and gloom” member The “on the edge of leaving” member The “amateur theologian” member The “have you heard?” member The “church shopper” member The “constitutional lawyer” member The “internet sermon troll” member The “nostalgia” member The “unforgiving saint” member The “on permanent sabbatical” member The “unidentified ‘pot stirrer'” member The “financial threat” member The “professional critic” member Resources related to this podcast: https://chucklawless.com/2020/01/13-church-members-who-sometimes-drive-me-crazy/

In this episode of Talk Truth Podcast, host Mark Bricker and guest Russell Howard delve into the biblical concept of spiritual warfare, emphasizing victory through Christ over Satan. Russell uses the analogy of a skillful thief to illustrate Satan's subtle attacks and stresses the importance of being alert and rooted in God's word. Key scriptures, such as Revelation 12:11 and Ephesians 6, are discussed to highlight the significance of truth, righteousness, and faith in resisting the devil. They also explore the dangers of false teachings and recommend valuable resources for deeper understanding, like "Kingdom Authority" by Adrian Rogers and "How to Meet the Enemy" by John MacArthur. Resources: John MacArthur, How to Meet the Enemy William F. Cook III and Chuck Lawless, Spiritual Warfare in the Storyline of Scripture: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach Adrian Rogers, Kingdom Authority Presented by McGregor Podcast 2024 Visit Our Website at https://TalkTruthPodcast.com

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and JimBo Stewart discuss an article from Chuck Lawless about why ministry can often hurt so much. We mourn when marriages fall apart. We hurt when young people make decisions that lead to trouble. We occasionally beat ourselves up when our sermon wasn't nearly as strong as we thought it would be. We sometimes grieve the sin of others more than they do. We ache when our church must carry out church discipline. We struggle when the churches we lead aren't growing. We sometimes hurt when we see the loneliness and struggles of our families. We quietly grieve funerals for persons who showed no evidence of Christian conversion. We wrestle with loneliness when we don't know how to develop strong friendships. We often feel guilty even expressing any of these thoughts. Resources related to this podcast: “10 Heartaches of Being a Pastor” by Chuck Lawless

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In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Chuck Lawless about why pastors bear scars from churches they serve. Few pastors fully expect the anguish that church members can sometimes cause. The arrows often come from formerly close friends. Wounds affect not only the pastor, but also his family. Many pastors hurt alone. Some pastors view conflict as ministry failure. Pastoral grief at times stretches a pastor's theology uncomfortably. Some pastors experience pain in more than one church. Too many pastors are blinded to their own role in the conflict. Some criticism of pastors is simply unfounded. Pastors sometimes refuse to admit they have scars. Resources related to this podcast: “10 REASONS PASTORS SOMETIMES BEAR SCARS OF CHURCH WOUNDS–AND A CHALLENGE TO ADDRESS THEM” by Chuck Lawless

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on some helpful questions to ask church members when they leave your church. Why did you come to our church in the first place? How often did you attend and/or participate in church? Did you feel connected to the church? Were you involved in a small group? If so, which one? What did you most appreciate about the Sunday morning worship event? Least appreciate? What the PRIMARY reason you're leaving? What ONE THING must the church continue to do? Are you already attending/joining another congregation? How can we pray for you now? Resources related to this podcast: “10 Things I'd Ask in an Exit Interview When Church Members Leave” by Chuck Lawless

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on some helpful questions for pastor search teams. “What is your church's doctrinal statement – and how much attention has your congregation given to understanding and affirming it?” “What person is the most powerful member in the church? What group or committee is the most powerful?” “When's the last time your congregation did church discipline – and would you do it again?” “How much freedom would I have to hire and fire staff members?” “Would you please connect me with your last 2-3 pastors (assuming they're all available) for a conversation?” “What's the financial condition of the church?” “Does the church have business meetings – and if so, what things must they vote on?” “Why are you interested in my becoming your pastor?” “Would you hire all your current staff again?” “What will be the most difficult things a new pastor will have to address in this church?” “What have you not told me that you should tell me if you were completely honest?” “In your opinion, is your church a church that makes hell shake?” Resources related to this podcast: “12 Questions I Might Ask a Pastor Search Team” by Chuck Lawless

“You set it up in such a way to say one of our goals as a church is that we want to raise up new leaders; to prepare the next generation of preachers of the word.” Dr. Chuck Lawless discusses the many benefits for churches and congregants of team preaching, including giving opportunities for younger leaders in the church to find their calling. Dr. Lawless is Dean of Doctoral Studies and Vice-President of Spiritual Formation and Ministry Centers at Southeastern Seminary. Find more from him at https://chucklawless.com. #NAFWB #BetterTogether #Preaching

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on March 26 in a case that will rule on the availability of mifepristone, a drug commonly used in medication abortions. Sight & Sound's “Jesus,” portraying the Savior's life in a theatrical musical, will be available for free livestreaming Good Friday through Easter, March 29-31. And, everyone involved in ministry faces challenges. In the Baptist Press Toolbox, Chuck Lawless writes about the sad consequences when we start blaming others for more than their share.

Message from Chuck Lawless on March 24, 2024

Americans are preparing for a total solar eclipse that will spread across the country on April 8. Prayer is a key component of someone coming to know Jesus Christ. And, how can you small group be more outwardly focused? Here's a couple of ideas from Chuck Lawless.

The International Mission Board (IMB) Senders Summit, held near Richmond, Virginia, gathered 124 participants to discuss and share strategies for missionary training and sending within their churches. As debate surrounding the issue of life takes center stage in America's political debate, pregnancy resource centers stand as beacons of hope, providing essential support and guidance to expectant mothers, affirming the sanctity of life. And, maybe you're involved a small group or Bible study connected to your church. How can your group be outwardly focused? That is…helping people come to know Jesus Christ. Chuck Lawless provides some tips in the Baptist Press Toolbox.

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.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some more interesting findings regarding church conflict. This is the second of a 2-part series. Conflict is not usually over tradition; it's over Much conflict reveals the spiritual immaturity of members of the congregation. Somehow, prayer gets lost in the conflict. Some conflict is scarring. Conflict that leads to honest conversation, repentance, and renewal can be good for the church. Resources mentioned in this episode: 10 Findings About Church Conflict by Chuck Lawless

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Chuck Lawless about obstacles to church growth. A worn-out pastor. Inward focus. Bad preaching. Evangelistic apathy. No growth strategy. Turf wars. Prayerlessness. Space issues. Poor discipleship. Retreat mentality. Resources mentioned: Chuck Lawless: 10 Obstacles to Church Growth

The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission is urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to rescind a recently proposed regulation regarding foster care providers and foster children who identify as LGBTQ+. The chefs who are preparing meals for hundreds of Secret Service agents, Georgia Highway Patrol troopers, National Guard troops, and others providing security during three days of memorials for former first lady Rosalynn Carter have vast experience feeding huge crowds, usually in disaster zones. And, in the Baptist Press Toolbox, Chuck Lawless urges churches and believers to reach out to college students.

In the third and final part of a 3-part series, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss 4 ways to improve your preaching. Simplify and clearly answer the “what,” “so what,” and “now what” questions. Practice. Do immediate reflection. Listen to and watch your own sermons or lessons. Resources mentioned: 15 Ways to Improve Your Preaching or Teaching by Chuck Lawless

In the second of a 3-part series, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss 4 ways to improve your preaching. Enlist a prayer team. Study preaching and teaching. Listen to other preachers. Invite others to help you prepare. Resources mentioned: 15 Ways to Improve Your Preaching or Teaching by Chuck Lawless

In the first of a 3-part series, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss 4 ways to improve your preaching. Assume you need to improve. Consider the last time you intentionally improved your approach. Read the Bible and pray every day. Forsake sin in your life. Resources mentioned: 15 Ways to Improve Your Preaching or Teaching by Chuck Lawless

Join Chuck Lawless and Caleb Iversen—new co-hosts of the PastorMatters podcast—as they share how they have sensed God's call in their lives and their excitement for the future of the Center for Preaching and Pastoral Leadership.