Passing The Pulpit

SermonCentral.com

Ever wonder how seasoned pastors navigate ministry's toughest challenges? Passing the Pulpit brings generations together for insightful, encouraging conversations where veteran leaders mentor emerging ones on life, faith, and shepherding God's people. Each episode mixes hard-won wisdom with youthful enthusiasm, covering everything from church planting and powerful preaching to conflict resolution and soul care—complete with stories of triumphs and hilarious missteps. Brought to you by Outreach's SermonCentral.com, it's your audible Paul-and-Timothy experience: practical tips, fresh ideas, and authentic Q&A you can apply this Sunday. Whether you're a long-time pastor investing in the next gen or a young leader craving guidance, join us to preach effectively, lead with boldness, and finish faithfully. Subscribe now and equip your ministry journey!

  1. 19 FEB

    From the Military to the Ministry: Finding Purpose, Identity, and Calling with Ray Diaz

    What happens when a life built on discipline, structure, and service in the military collides with an unexpected calling into ministry? In this powerful episode, Ray Diaz shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Army to discovering his identity, faith, and purpose beyond the uniform. What began as a pursuit of direction and belonging through military life ultimately became a pathway God used to shape his leadership, career in cybersecurity, and passion for ministry. Ray opens up about the defining moments that changed his trajectory—from basic training and leadership responsibility to a surprising Bible challenge that sparked spiritual curiosity. He also talks honestly about the transition out of the military, the search for meaning many veterans face, and how small steps of obedience can lead to life-changing opportunities. Whether you’re a veteran, a ministry leader, someone discerning your calling, or simply wrestling with questions about purpose and identity, this conversation offers practical wisdom and hope. You’ll discover: • How military experiences can prepare you for leadership in ministry• Why knowing your “why” matters more than the path you choose• The unexpected ways God uses career skills for Kingdom impact• Encouragement for veterans transitioning into civilian life or ministry• How faith often grows through ordinary obedience, not dramatic moments If you’ve ever wondered how God can use your past to shape your future, this episode will remind you that no season is wasted. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one… Feel free to email me HERE.  Join the conversation on our Instagram Channel HERE. You can find SermonCentral on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube

    1h 7m
  2. 4 FEB

    Unashamed: Why the Gospel Still Changes Everything with Greg Stier

    Is evangelism still possible in today’s hostile, distracted, and post-Christian culture—or have we simply lost our nerve? In this episode of Passing the Pulpit, Matt sits down with Greg Stier, founder of Dare 2 Share Ministries, for a direct, gospel-centered conversation about the urgency of evangelism in our moment. Greg challenges the fear, apathy, and theological confusion that often keep believers silent, and calls the Church back to bold, simple, Spirit-empowered gospel proclamation. Drawing from decades of youth evangelism, ministry leadership, and frontline gospel conversations, Greg unpacks why clarity matters more than cleverness, why teenagers may be more open to the gospel than we think, and how pastors and leaders can create cultures where evangelism is normal—not intimidating. Together, they talk about gospel fluency, the danger of assuming people already know the message, and why the Church must stop outsourcing evangelism to professionals instead of equipping everyday believers. Greg also shares why urgency doesn’t come from fear—but from love—and how confidence in the gospel changes everything. This is a convicting and hope-filled conversation for pastors, parents, and leaders who want to see real spiritual fruit and raise up a generation unashamed of the gospel. Join the conversation on our Instagram Channel HERE. You can find SermonCentral on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube The results of our Gospel Advancing research - https://dontmissit.report/ A free download of Greg's book Gospelize Your Youth Ministry A site to download our free Life in 6 Words app Learn about Energize Your Youth Ministry Conference, April 23-25, 2026 >HERE

    1h 3m
  3. 16 JAN

    Private Sin, Public Fallout, and the Future of Church Leadership

    What does faithful leadership require in a year already marked by tension, failure, and spiritual urgency? In this episode of Passing the Pulpit, Matt sits down with Jesse Jackson, Senior Content Editor at ChurchLeaders, to talk about the stories that are shaping the Church in early 2026—and why pastors can’t afford to ignore them. Drawing from Jesse’s daily work covering church and ministry news, the conversation moves beyond headlines to the deeper spiritual realities underneath them. Together, they discuss pastoral vulnerability, the danger of private sin, and the small decisions that often lead to public collapse. They reflect on recent high-profile ministry failures, the necessity of repentance and restoration, and why isolation is one of the greatest threats to leaders today. The conversation also turns toward hope: God’s mercy toward repentant sinners, the compassion of Christ for doubters, and the call for pastors to be prepared—not presumptuous—in the face of temptation. This is an honest, pastoral conversation for leaders who want to finish well by choosing humility, community, and faithfulness over image and self-protection. You can keep up with Jesse on ChurchLeaders or read more about who he is HERE.  Join the conversation on our Instagram Channel HERE. You can find SermonCentral on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube Here are links to the stories referenced in the episode;  https://churchleaders.com/news/2211627-philip-yancey-confesses-to-8-year-extramarital-affair.html https://churchleaders.com/news/2211986-dilbert-scott-adams-passes-away-jesus-christ.html https://churchleaders.com/news/2211845-tony-evans-unbound-podcast-restoration.html

    1h 11m

About

Ever wonder how seasoned pastors navigate ministry's toughest challenges? Passing the Pulpit brings generations together for insightful, encouraging conversations where veteran leaders mentor emerging ones on life, faith, and shepherding God's people. Each episode mixes hard-won wisdom with youthful enthusiasm, covering everything from church planting and powerful preaching to conflict resolution and soul care—complete with stories of triumphs and hilarious missteps. Brought to you by Outreach's SermonCentral.com, it's your audible Paul-and-Timothy experience: practical tips, fresh ideas, and authentic Q&A you can apply this Sunday. Whether you're a long-time pastor investing in the next gen or a young leader craving guidance, join us to preach effectively, lead with boldness, and finish faithfully. Subscribe now and equip your ministry journey!