PODCAST · religion
Pastor Pastor
by The NETS Center
Welcome to "Pastor Pastor," a podcast designed especially for pastors, church planters, and church revitalizers. Hosted by Wes Pastor, the president of The NETS Center for Church Planting and Revitalization, this series serves as a vital resource for anyone dedicated to gospel-driven ministry. With over three decades of experience as a church planter, pastor, mentor, and coach, Wes brings a wealth of knowledge and lived experience to each episode. Join him as he offers counsel that is both biblical and practical, helping you to navigate the challenges of ministry effectively and enduringly.
Episodes
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Where Is Your Hope?
We place our hope in good things, convinced that lasting peace is just one answered prayer or accomplishment away. But what happens when those good things become our greatest hope? Join Wes as he points us to the one hope that cannot fail, the return of Christ, and shows us how eagerly…
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Is Sports Betting a Sin?
Your phone is now a sportsbook, and the game you used to watch for fun suddenly has your paycheck on the line. Christians are asking: Where does harmless fun end and something dangerous begin? Wes explores the biblical concerns surrounding sports betting, including stewardship, greed, and how a...
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All You Need Is Love
What is the defining mark of a healthy church? Wes explores why Jesus places such importance on believers loving one another and why that love says something profound about whether Christ has truly changed us. What does this kind of love actually look like in the life of a church, and what does…
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Your Catholic Friend
If a friend genuinely loves and follows Jesus but chooses to remain in the Catholic Church, should you try to convince them to leave? Or should we look at Roman Catholicism as simply another Christian denomination? That question feels especially urgent as a younger generation, hungry for…
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Addicted
Can a true believer stay hopelessly trapped in pornography or other habitual sins? Joining us for episode two of Season 4, Wes tackles the uncomfortable reality of addiction and grace, exploring why willpower fails, why zero progress demands hard self-examination, and how Christ offers true…
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The Key to Happiness
Are you tired of a happiness that depends on having a good day? Real joy isn't about easier circumstances: it's about a fundamentally different way of living. In the Season 4 premiere, Wes explores how Jesus maintained an unshakable joy through hardship, and how looking to Him changes everything...
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Slave or Free? (encore)
What does it mean to be a Christian? In this thought-provoking conversation, Wes brings a clarity to conversion that has sobering implications both for pastors and the flocks they shepherd. Drawing on his pastoral experience and his PhD studies, Wes exposes the root of conversion confusion and...
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What Did You Say? (encore)
"Churches struggle from ungodly communication more than any single problem." In this encore episode, Wes draws on his decades of experience as both a husband and pastor as he explores what it looks like to speak with truth, love, and clarity. Learn the keys to godly communication and why it's...
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Preaching That Pops
In this encore episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes unpacks the art and craft of preaching, from the early stages of sermon prep to the final moments of delivery. You'll hear how NETS builds on seminary studies in training men to handle God’s Word, and why it's essential to connect with your particular...
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The Happy Wife Test (encore)
In this encore episode, Wes and Sue share what they call the “Happy Wife Test” and how it reveals the foundation of a thriving marriage. Drawing from their 45-year journey in marriage and ministry, they offer practical wisdom on communication, mutual support, and finding joy in partnership. From...
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I Thought I Was a Christian (encore)
In this encore episode of Pastor Pastor, we revisit episode 7 of season 1, where we examine the nature of true conversion and the perils of being deceived about our own salvation. Wes reflects on the early years of Christ Memorial Church and the surprising movement of God's Spirit in committed...
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Soul Physician (encore)
This Summer Encore Series episode of "Pastor Pastor" dives deep into the heart of pastoral ministry as Wes answers the critical but often neglected question, "What does it mean to shepherd as a soul physician?" Listen as Wes and Rob explore how pastors can discern the spiritual health of those...
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Expository Preaching (encore)
As part of our Summer Encore Series, Wes explains how the NETS Residency Program equips pastors to become exceptional preachers on "Pastor Pastor." Wes and Rob dive into the heart of the NETS Residency Program's exegesis, theology, and preaching track, and its focus on crafting sermons that stay...
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A Girl Named Sue (encore)
As part of our Summer Encore Series, we're revisiting an inspiring and heartfelt conversation on "Pastor Pastor" with Wes and his wife, Sue, who shares her remarkable journey of faith. You'll hear about Sue's life before Christ and the powerful moment that changed everything. With her practical...
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Baptizing Kindergarteners (encore)
In this encore episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes helps us think through what it means to lead with courage, clarity, and compassion. From baptizing young children to guiding church members on communion and leading an elder board, Wes highlights the lead pastor’s pivotal role in helping the church…
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Customizing the Gospel (encore)
In this encore episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes helps us think about what faithful ministry requires in the gospel-parched soil of New England. This conversation is a timely reminder that shepherding is never one-size-fits-all. Pastors must know their people, understand their context, and bring the...
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Faithful Planning
How should pastors think about their finances? In this episode, Wes responds to a pastor’s question about providing faithfully today while preparing wisely for the future. While the conversation is especially aimed at pastors, it offers helpful wisdom for every Christian and encourages churches…
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What Is Free Will?
If God is absolutely sovereign, then how can we have free will? Does God merely allow evil, or does He ordain it? In this episode, Wes helps us untangle what the Bible says about free will and how it relates to election, suffering, and salvation.
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Trustworthy Translations
Why are there so many Bible translations, and does it matter which one you use? A loyal listener asks Wes to explain why today's most popular translations are different, why they exist, and how those differences affect the way we read Scripture. Wes offers practical guidance for choosing a Bible...
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The Next Chapter
In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Rob and Wes share some exciting news: NETS is partnering with The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to offer an MDiv on the NETS Center campus starting in fall of 2027. Learn more about this unique program that combines the rigorous theological education...
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Thoughtful Communication
How do we know when we've truly communicated? In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes talks about the hard work that real communication requires, the heart behind it, and how pastors in particular can communicate with clarity and care.
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Intentional Marriage
Back by popular demand, Sue Pastor joins Wes to share how being proactive about their marriage has kept them well connected for over 45 years. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the interactive, intentional marriage retreat framework they've used for decades to improve communication, set goals, and...
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Devotional Transformation
In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes shows how our freedom to behold Christ through praise, prayer, and presentation leads to true transformation, and why sanctification is not merely behavior modification but Spirit-empowered metamorphosis.
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Strategic Reading
What are some books every Christian should read? Wes's answers may surprise you. In this episode you'll get both theological and practical recommendations, along with tips for more focused Bible reading. And Wes names his favorite book of Scripture — can you guess what it is?
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Leaving a Church
How do you know when it's time to leave your church? In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes discusses mission drift and heresy by omission, the importance of a membership commitment, and how to leave in a way that protects unity and honors your pastor.
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What Is Our Mission?
In this continuation of our discussion on the biblical definition of “neighbor,” Wes demonstrates how a proper interpretation of the Good Samaritan parable clarifies the evangelical mission of the church and protects the church from missional drift.
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Who Is My Neighbor?
How does the Bible answer the question, "Who is my neighbor?" Get ready to have your assumptions challenged. The Good Samaritan is one of the most familiar parables in the Bible, but it may also be one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes traces the exegetical path of...
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Jesus Wins
Whether your view of Jesus' return is premillenial, postmillenial, or amillenial, one thing is clear: Jesus wins. In response to a listener's question, Wes briefly explains each view, then shows how the return of Christ grounds our hope as we go about our daily lives.
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What Does It Mean to Be Biblical?
Christians can hold differing views on a variety of issues. How do we distinguish between what's biblical, and what's mere conviction, tradition, or preference? In this episode, Wes helps us draw that line, looking at numerous examples and contrasting what the Bible explicitly teaches with what's...
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Why Trust Scripture?
Why can you trust that the Bible is God’s Word? Because Jesus did! In this thought-provoking episode, Wes presents evidence for the validity of the Bible, including the self-authenticating nature of Scripture and what to do with textual variants.
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Be Anxious For Nothing
Anxiety seems increasingly common today. Is the cause primarily emotional, physical, spiritual—or something else? In this practical and pastoral episode, Wes gives a biblical framework for thinking and shepherding through anxiety. Wes counsels us to repent of sinful anxiety, stay in the lane of...
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Eternal Rewards
In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes responds to a listener’s question about whether the Bible teaches differing rewards in heaven and varying degrees of punishment in hell. It’s a conversation that raises important questions about eternity—questions that, once asked, are hard to ignore.
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Desperate People Pray
When circumstances are desperate, prayer flows. But for a Christian, a life of prayer flows from a desperation to see God's promises fulfilled. In this candid conversation, Wes reflects on the truths of Scripture, the life of Jesus, and his own personal experience as he challenges pastors, and…
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Is Hell Eternal?
In this episode, Wes responds to a listener question: Do the wicked face everlasting conscious punishment or eventual annihilation? Wes demonstrates the consistency and clarity of Scripture concerning the fate of the wicked and discusses the significance of this sobering topic.
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Do You Fear God?
Is the fear of God something to dread, or something to treasure? Wes helps Rob explore the dual nature of holy fear: the servile fear that awakens the lost to their need for mercy, and the filial fear that steadies the believer in worship and obedience. Listen in as they consider why fearing God…
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The Devil Made Me Do It
How can Christians avoid either overestimating or underestimating the power and influence of the evil one? In today's episode, Wes answers another thoughtful question from one of our listeners: "How does Scripture help us distinguish between the effects of the fall and the active work of Satan in...
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Touchdown Jesus
In this episode, Wes opens with an addendum to an earlier discussion, “What Happens When I Die?”, offering further clarity on what Scripture teaches about life after death. From there, the conversation turns toward personal holiness and what it looks like to behold God in everyday life. Wes helps...
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In an Unworthy Manner
What does it mean to take communion "in an unworthy manner"? In this episode, Wes clarifies one of the New Testament’s most often misunderstood warnings. As we walk through 1 Corinthians 11:27–29, Wes directs our focus away from excessive self-examination and toward Paul’s real concern — a…
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I’d Rather Be in Orlando
In this episode we continue our new weekly format with a question and a challenge. First, Wes walks us through Luke 9:23, clarifying what Jesus means when he tells us to take up our cross. Wes explains how cross-bearing is not a later stage of discipleship, but a defining mark of genuine faith…
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What Happens When I Die?
What actually happens the moment we die? In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Rob invites Wes into a thoughtful, hope-filled conversation about death, heaven, and what lies ahead both for those in Christ and for those outside of Him. Wes shares what Scripture teaches about being with the Lord, the...
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Free Indeed!
Why would a man who has pastored for over 30 years, earned two seminary degrees, planted a thriving church, and launched a successful church planting ministry, earn a PhD? For the sake of his own soul, and for yours. As Season 3 begins, Wes gets personal about what it means to be "free indeed"…
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The God-Man
In this season finale, Wes tackles one of Christianity’s essential doctrines: the hypostatic union—Jesus Christ as fully God and fully man. Wes shows why this truth undergirds our entire hope of salvation. As Advent draws our attention to the mystery of the incarnation, this episode draws us…
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Seeding Revival: A Conversation With Dr. Albert Mohler
On this episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes is joined by special guest Dr. Albert Mohler. Dr. Mohler reflects on the societal and geographic forces shaping the church’s future, including New England’s historic and continued influence, and the need for gospel reformation across the nation. Find out why...
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What Would Jesus Think?
What would it look like to see your entire day through the lens of Christ? In this episode, Wes invites listeners to rediscover the gospel in the ordinary, from morning routines and workdays to family life and rest. He talks about cultivating a Christocentric mindset that transforms even the most...
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The New Interprets the Old
In this second episode in our series on Christocentric hermeneutics, Wes demonstrates how passages throughout the New Testament validate this approach to understanding God's Word. Listen in as Jesus gives the disciples a lesson in biblical interpretation, and discover how learning to see the…
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It's All About Jesus
Biblical hermeneutics. Allegorical interpretations. Motifs. Whether these words excite you or leave your eyes glazed, this episode is for you! Wes explains why he approaches the Bible from a viewpoint that is both grammatical-historical and Christocentric, with the recognition that Scripture is...
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Making Disciples
In episode 20 of season 2, Wes discusses the true mission of the church and offers clarity on what it means to make disciples. With Scripture as the guide and lessons from church history as context, he addresses the social gospel head-on, including the debate around social justice. From...
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The Happy Wife Test
In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes and Sue share what they call the “Happy Wife Test” and how it reveals the foundation of a thriving marriage. Drawing from their 45-year journey in marriage and ministry, they offer practical wisdom on communication, mutual support, and finding joy in...
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Do Your Job
In this episode, Wes shares why shepherding is central to pastoral duty, grounding his insights in passages like 1 Peter 5 and Ephesians 4. He explains that the true goal of shepherding is to help the church grow in maturity and Christlikeness, with sound doctrine and genuine love at its core.…
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Partners for Life
In this episode, Pastor Mike Ruel of Highlands Bible Church sits down with Wes and Rob to share his journey from corporate America to full-time ministry and how God prepared his heart for local church leadership along the way. Mike reflects on his church’s partnership with NETS, the changing…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to "Pastor Pastor," a podcast designed especially for pastors, church planters, and church revitalizers. Hosted by Wes Pastor, the president of The NETS Center for Church Planting and Revitalization, this series serves as a vital resource for anyone dedicated to gospel-driven ministry. With over three decades of experience as a church planter, pastor, mentor, and coach, Wes brings a wealth of knowledge and lived experience to each episode. Join him as he offers counsel that is both biblical and practical, helping you to navigate the challenges of ministry effectively and enduringly.
HOSTED BY
The NETS Center
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Pastor Pastor have?
Pastor Pastor currently has 81 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Pastor Pastor about?
Welcome to "Pastor Pastor," a podcast designed especially for pastors, church planters, and church revitalizers. Hosted by Wes Pastor, the president of The NETS Center for Church Planting and Revitalization, this series serves as a vital resource for anyone dedicated to gospel-driven ministry. With...
How often does Pastor Pastor release new episodes?
Pastor Pastor has 81 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Pastor Pastor?
You can listen to Pastor Pastor on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Pastor Pastor?
Pastor Pastor is created and hosted by The NETS Center.
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