Pastor Pastor

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 the world?"

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 us see why the Christian life is not divided into sacred and secular categories, and how even ordinary moments, including watching the Super Bowl, can become occasions for growing in holiness as we learn to live all of life before God.

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 divided church failing to love and honor one another. Learn how this passage, considered in context, does not present the Lord's Supper as a test of personal worthiness, but as a safeguard to strength and unity in the church as believers behold Christ together.

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, and helps us recover the full weight of Jesus’ call. Wes then turns to New England, presenting a compelling case for the spiritual benefits to both pastors and lay people of serving in one of our country's neediest mission fields, and how NETS can prepare you and your family for faithful, long-term ministry in the region.

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 promise of resurrection, and the sober realities of judgment, while also considering why facing death honestly can deepen our faith and shape how we live today.

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" and shares how this vital truth can profoundly affect your life and your church. 

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 closer to the true meaning of Christmas, with a compelling reminder of who Jesus is and why that matters, not only at Christmas, but throughout the year.

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 this next generation of pastors—including so many of you, our listeners—is uniquely positioned for courageous, convictional leadership, and how faithful and grounded ministry, wherever it is planted, can spark genuine renewal.

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 mundane moments into worship. With gentle wisdom and relatable insight, Wes shows how joy, purpose, and faithfulness grow when we begin to think as Jesus would.

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 Bible through the lens of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection helps fix your gaze on the Savior.

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 fundamentally about the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, and shares how embracing this view of the Bible can transform your ministry and your life.

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 neighborhood outreach to global missions, this episode delivers bold direction for building a mission mindset in every congregant. If you’re serious about seeing the Great Commission drive your church, be sure to listen.

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 partnership. From their early ministry beginnings to their latest church plant, Wes and Sue open up about what it really means to be happy, who’s responsible for it, and how couples can stay connected and effective in both life and ministry.

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. Wes also gets practical, talking about how preaching, teaching, and cultivating church-centered lives all play a vital role in faithful shepherding.

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 church landscape, and why strong, gospel-centered leadership matters more than ever. 

Is your church characterized by evangelistic zeal? Are you? Evangelism is a team sport involving every member of the church and fueled by gospel preaching that doesn't shy away from the hard truths. In this episode, Wes shares how pastors can lead their churches to move beyond occasional outreach events and build a culture of gospel witness fueled by love, biblical teaching, and personal testimony.

In this 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 congregation to stir hearts, challenge minds, and call both believers and nonbelievers to repentance.

In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes digs into the heart of gospel shepherding as it applies to older saints. This season of life is not about coasting or settling into spiritual autopilot, but about living sacrificially with grit, grace, and purpose. Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or simply feeling the pull to slow down, you'll come away encouraged that your best years for Christ's kingdom might well be ahead of you.

In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Rob invites Wes to share his experience and insight on small group ministry—why it matters, what helps it flourish, and how it functions as a mini church. Wes lays out the role of the leader, the importance of using the time well, and how small groups can foster real discipleship, care, and connection. This conversation offers practical wisdom and a clear reminder that leading a healthy small group takes preparation, intentionality, and a commitment to shepherd well.

In this fascinating episode, Wes is joined by special guest Nate Pickowicz, pastor, author, and proud New Englander. Nate is known for numerous books, including "Reviving New England" and "Dear Titus: Letters on Church Planting" (with a chapter contributed by Wes). But Nate brings more than ideas to the table—he brings hard-earned insight from the frontlines of New England pastoral ministry. Wes and Nate talk about the cost and the calling of church planting, the convictions that drive them, and why they’re both committed to staying here for life and raising up the next generation of faithful shepherds. It’s a heartfelt, boots-on-the-ground conversation between two men who know the struggle, see the beauty, and believe the work is worth it.