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. Aug 27

    Something Is Happening: Revival, Baptisms, and the American Church with Jesse Jackson

    Is the Church in America dying—or could something deeper be stirring beneath the surface? In this episode of Passing the Pulpit, Matt sits down with Jesse Jackson, Senior Content Editor at ChurchLeaders, for a wide-ranging conversation about what he’s seeing from his unique vantage point covering the Church, Christian culture, pastors, and ministry news every day. From packed pastor gatherings and college campus ministries to hundreds of baptisms happening at Christian concerts and events, Jesse shares why he believes there are real signs of spiritual hunger—especially among younger generations. But seeing what God is doing requires more than watching from the sidelines. It requires Christians to get involved, stay rooted in the local church, and approach the rapidly changing cultural landscape with biblical discernment rather than fear or skepticism. Matt and Jesse also discuss the importance of discipleship, filtering the overwhelming amount of information we consume through Scripture, staying open to how God may be working outside our familiar circles, and what Cory Asbury’s return to worship music can teach us about rekindling faith through christian community. Through it all, one challenge continues to surface: don’t become apathetic. Get engaged. For pastors and church leaders navigating a complicated cultural moment, this conversation offers both encouragement and a challenge to stay informed, stay grounded, and faithfully participate in what God is doing right now. Check out the Lucas Miles report HERE.  Check out what Erika Kirk had to say HERE.  Check out what Greg Laurie said about evangelising HERE. Lucas Miles recalls Charlie Kirk’s final message to pastors HERE.  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

  2. Aug 13

    Stop Trying to Do It Alone: Identity, Calling, and the Power of Community

    In a world that has never been more connected digitally, why do so many people still feel isolated? In this episode of Passing the Pulpit, Matt sits down with author, CEO, and community builder Johnny Levy to talk about our growing hunger for genuine relationships—and what it actually takes to build communities that last. Johnny shares lessons from years of bringing people together, including the communities that flourished, the ones that failed, and why clarity of vision matters when asking people to invest their time and trust.  Along the way, they explore the relationship between identity, design, calling, and assignment; the importance of recognizing the gifts God has placed in others; and why healthy community moves beyond networking toward encouragement, advice, connection, and ultimately collaboration.  Whether you’re a pastor building a church community, a leader gathering people around a shared mission, or simply someone longing for deeper relationships, this conversation is a reminder that God never designed us to do meaningful work alone. We are so much better, together.  My guest today - Johnny Levy is a CEO, Author, Poet, Connector, Dreamer. He creates communities of authentic connection for mutual progress and writes about his passions: Superpowers, Faith, Identity, Creativity, Human Stories. Links; You can find Johnny here —> https://substack.com/@johnnylevy or pickup his book HERE and you can get involved with his growing community of Kingdom-minded humans HERE. Follow SermonCentral on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube

  3. May 21

    Kids Worship Camp: A New Model for Discipleship and Creativity with Jason Millsaps

    In this episode, we sit down with Jason Millsaps, worship pastor at Bell Shoals Church, to talk about a powerful ministry idea that is helping churches rethink discipleship, creativity, and the next generation. What began as a simple burden to better equip creative kids in the church eventually became Kids Worship Camp—a hands-on ministry experience where children learn worship, songwriting, production, filmmaking, photography, stage design, and more while actively serving the church. Jason shares how the camp was built, why it has been so effective, and how churches of any size can adapt the model in their own context. Along the way, this conversation explores why many churches unintentionally limit creativity, how giving young people responsibility changes their ownership of faith, and what it looks like to build a true pipeline for future worship leaders, creatives, and servants in the local church. Jason also opens up about his journey as an endurance athlete, completing sixteen Ironman races, overcoming major back surgeries, and the spiritual lessons he learned about perseverance, calling, and keeping your eyes on the prize. Whether you are a pastor, worship leader, creative, volunteer coordinator, or someone passionate about discipleship, this episode offers practical insight and a compelling vision for investing in the next generation. If you want to keep up with Jason: Kids Worship Camp ResourceChurch: Bellshoals.com   My book, “From 37 Yards to Kona”Coaching/speaking website: 121tricoaching.com  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

  4. May 14

    What Do You Preach When Holidays Collide? | Pentecost, Memorial Day & Graduation Weekend

    When Pentecost Sunday lands on Memorial Day weekend during graduation season, pastors face a unique challenge: what exactly are you supposed to preach on? Do you lean into the church calendar, address the cultural moment, honor life transitions, or try to somehow hold all of it together in one message? In this episode, Matt Redder shares five practical and pastoral ways to discern what to preach when multiple important moments converge at once. From theological priorities to congregational needs, this conversation explores how pastors can prepare sermons that are spiritually grounded, emotionally aware, and clear in focus—even on the most crowded weekends of the year. If you’ve ever wrestled with sermon direction during holiday weekends, special occasions, or culturally significant moments, this episode will help you think more clearly, pastor more faithfully, and preach with greater confidence. And if you’re in a pinch and need some fresh ideas or resources, head over to SermonCentral.com where I’ve been stockpiling them for years for times just like this. The Premium Sermon Kits have several options for either Memorial Day, Pentecost, or Graduation depending on which route you choose to travel.  Thanks a ton for listening, 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

  5. Apr 23

    When Your Career Changes but Your Calling Doesn’t and the Future of Church Media with Luke Miller

    What happens when your career changes but your calling doesn’t?  In this episode, we sit down with Luke Miller to explore his unique journey from pastoral ministry to the marketplace—and how his calling never changed, even when his job title did. From church planting in Dallas to spending over 15 years in church media, Luke shares honest insights on bi-vocational ministry, identity, and the tension between calling and compensation that many leaders quietly carry. We also dive deep into the evolving role of media in the Church—how storytelling shapes spiritual formation, why authenticity is winning over production, and what churches often get wrong when trying to stay “relevant.” And of course, we tackle the big question everyone’s asking: What does AI mean for ministry? Luke offers a grounded, thoughtful perspective on where AI helps, where it falls short, and why human connection will always be at the center of gospel work. This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply encouraging for pastors, creatives, and anyone trying to faithfully live out their calling in a rapidly changing world. Grab a friend to share this one with, you’re going to want to discuss it with someone.  Key Topics: Calling vs. career in ministryThe rise of bivocational leadershipHow media shapes message retention and impactAuthenticity vs. production in church contentAI, creativity, and the future of ministryWhy human connection still matters mostYou can reach Luke HERE 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

  6. Apr 16

    Preaching the Gospel or Selling It: Culture, Clickbait, and Following Christ with Jesse Jackson

    In this episode, we sit down with Jesse to unpack some of the most thought-provoking—and at times controversial—stories shaping the church today. From a provocative Easter marketing campaign that sparked major backlash, to a powerful conversation about engaging culture without compromising truth, this episode doesn’t shy away from the tension leaders are facing right now. We wrestle with questions like: Has the Church started to rely too much on shock value? Is the gospel enough on its own? And what happens when cultural relevance begins to blur the line between creativity and compromise? We also dive into a fascinating interview between a young evangelist and a well-known prosperity preacher, exploring what it looks like to have honest, respectful conversations across deep theological differences. In a time where disagreement often leads to division, this conversation challenges us to recover the lost art of sitting at the table together. Finally, we explore a powerful moment between a Christian artist and a curious interviewer who asks a deeply human question: “Is there room for me?” That question opens the door to a bigger conversation about belonging, truth, and how the Church engages a searching world. This episode is honest, challenging, and deeply relevant for pastors, leaders, and anyone trying to faithfully navigate faith in today’s cultural moment. Check out the Bryce Crawford article here. Check out the Brandon Lake article here. Check out the easter bunny article here.  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

  7. Apr 9

    Lead, Let Go, Repeat: The Long Game of Developing Leaders with Jim Mullins

    What does it actually look like to lead in a way that outlasts you? In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Jim Mullins to unpack a leadership decision most leaders avoid: intentionally raising up and handing off leadership to others—before you have to. After nearly two decades of ministry, Jim didn’t just talk about leadership development—he lived it. Through a years-long process, he identified, invested in, and ultimately promoted two leaders to take his place… while he stepped aside to serve under them. But this isn’t just a conversation about succession planning. It’s about the deeper work most leaders never address: The hidden idol of significance that drives so much of our ambitionWhy letting go feels like death (because, in many ways, it is)How to build a culture where leadership actually multiplies instead of bottlenecksThe overlooked power of small, consistent investments over timeAnd why the healthiest leaders are thinking about replacement from day oneJim also shares practical frameworks like Model–Assist–Watch–Leave, the importance of creating a leadership ecosystem (not just a pipeline), and why most leaders fail at the final—and most important—step: leaving. Along the way, this conversation expands beyond church leadership into a bigger vision: What if every role—no matter how unseen—actually mattered in the Kingdom of God? From spreadsheets to sermons, from gardens to boardrooms, this episode reframes what meaningful work really looks like—and how to lead in a way that reflects it. If you’re a pastor, leader, or anyone who wants their life to count for something bigger than themselves, this conversation will challenge you, stretch you, and give you a vision worth building toward. You can check out Jim’s book HERE. 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

  8. Mar 19

    From Mission Fields to Machine Learning: When the Computer Starts Working for You with Josh Read

    In this episode, Matt sits down with Josh Read—a former pastor’s kid, missionary, and now senior product leader—to explore the intersection of ministry, technology, and calling. Josh shares stories from growing up in a ministry home, navigating a life of global missions, and building a career in the digital space—all while staying rooted in a deep awareness of God’s presence. From self-funded missions in South Africa to leading innovation at SermonCentral, his journey is marked by obedience, risk, and long seasons of faith. The conversation takes a compelling turn into the rise of AI and what it means for the future of ministry. Josh offers a grounded and honest perspective: AI isn’t a replacement for pastors—it’s a tool that can free them to focus on what matters most. But with that opportunity comes a warning about losing the personal, Spirit-led wrestling that real preaching requires. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how SermonCentral is evolving, why tools built by pastors for pastors matter, and the global impact these resources are having—from local churches to pastors around the world with little to no formal training. If you’re in ministry, feeling stretched thin, or trying to navigate the rapidly changing digital landscape, this episode will challenge and encourage you to think differently about both your calling and your tools. Read Josh’s thoughts on Ai HERE. 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

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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!

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  • Creator
    SermonCentral.com
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 SermonCentral.com
  • Show Website
    Passing The Pulpit