Pastors Talk

Pastors Talk is a weekly conversation between Jonathan Leeman and Mark Dever about practical aspects of the Christian life and pastoral ministry.

Pastors Talk

Episode 22: On the Conscience & Christian Freedom

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 10.10.2017

In this episode, Jonathan Leeman sat down with Mark Dever to talk about the conscience and Christian liberty.

Episode 21: On Missions

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 10.03.2017

Jonathan Leeman sits down with Mark Dever to talk about how local churches can more wisely support overseas work.

Episode 20: On the Reformation

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 9Marks Journal: The Reformation and Your Church | 09.26.2017

Jonathan Leeman interviews Mark Dever on the Reformation and its usefulness for Christians today

Episode 19: Church Mergers and Plants

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 9Marks Journal: Church Mergers and Plants | 06.20.2017

We just released a Journal on church planting and church mergers. Because neither Mark nor Jonathan wrote an article for it, we devoted this episode of Pastors’ Talk to the topic.

Episode 18: On Conversion

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 06.13.2017

Mark and Jonathan chat about how a pastor’s doctrine of conversion will have massive effects on his philosophy of ministry.

Episode 17: On How to Receive and Dismiss Members

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 06.06.2017

One of the most important and time-consuming tasks for a church and its pastors involves receiving and releasing members. And yet, it’s almost never talked about in books on the church or in seminary.

Episode 16: On Corporate Prayer

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 05.30.2017

In many evangelical churches, the public prayers are casual, short, and few. Is that a problem?

Episode 15: On How Quickly a Pastor Should Make Changes

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 05.24.2017

It’s tempting for a new pastor to show up with a laundry list of problems that need to be fixed. But that approach almost never works.

Episode 14: How the “Senior Pastor” Relates to Other Pastors

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 05.16.2017

If you’ve served in a church with a plurality of elders, then you’ve felt tension over questions about how the “senior” pastor relates to other pastors.

Episode 13: On Being a Word-Centered Church

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 05.09.2017

How can I grow my church? If your answer doesn’t mention God’s Word, then you’re starting in the wrong place.

Episode 12: On Small Groups

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 05.02.2017

These days, small groups are quite common. But are they enough for community and accountability? What’s the best way to do small groups such that they don’t interfere with the regular Sunday gathering?

Episode 11: On Being “Called” to Ministry

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 04.25.2017

Jonathan asked Mark about common misconceptions of pastoral calling, how pastors can cultivate an environment where callings get tested, and the role of the church throughout.

Episode 10: Should A Church Reflect Its Surrounding Community?

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 04.18.2017

Does your congregation look like the people who live around it? If not, does it matter? How important is it that a church reflects its surrounding community?

Episode 9: On the Use and Abuse of Authority

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 04.10.2017

Authority is God’s good and dangerous gift. Therefore, it’s important for pastors and church leaders to exercise their authority well, and in doing so image God.

Episode 8: What Makes a Good Pastor?

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 04.04.2017

How do we know what makes a good pastor? Jonathan chats with Mark about what a pastor is, and what it means to take a pastoral approach to Christian ministry.