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.
In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes explores one of the most critical—and often overlooked—aspects of shepherding: gospel counseling. Wes explains what makes gospel counseling unique, why it’s essential, and how it strengthens both a pastor’s preaching and his relationships within the church. Drawing on over three decades of pastoral wisdom, Wes offers practical insight for every pastor.
Our second episode of listener-submitted questions gets personal as Wes shares stories and insights on pastoring, parenting, what NETS needs, and more. There's something for everyone, from pastors to brand-new believers, grandparents to teenage girls. Tune in for another episode filled with pastoral warmth and wisdom.
In this fast-paced and fun episode of “Pastor Pastor,” Wes answers a wide range of listener-submitted questions—some deep and theological, others lighthearted and personal. Listen as Wes addresses each topic with honesty, humor, and the pastoral wisdom you've come to expect.
In this week's podcast we unpack a phrase that captures the heartbeat of the NETS Network churches: "Calvinism with a smile." Wes explores why Calvinism often gets a bad rap, clarifies misconceptions, and shows how understanding Reformed theology actually leads to joyful mission, evangelistic passion, and churches that are solidly biblical and boldly missional.
In today's episode, Wes Pastor is joined in the studio by B.J. Walters, lead pastor of Redeeming Grace Church, a NETS Network church in northern Vermont. Grab your Bible and listen in as these skilled pastor-theologians take a deep yet practical dive into Romans 7. Does Romans 7 describe your life? Discover why your answer to that question is crucial to shepherding your flock—and even to your own soul.
If sin’s power has been broken in a Christian's life, why do we still sin? Is it a failure to walk by the Spirit moment by moment? Building on our last episode, "Slave or Free?," Wes Pastor unpacks key passages that shape our understanding of sin's influence and our freedom in Christ. This thought-provoking conversation clarifies common misconceptions concerning growth in holiness, struggles with sin, and what it really means to walk by the Spirit.
What does it mean to be a Christian? In this thought-provoking conversation, Wes Pastor 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 explains what it looks like to have a faith that works.
Parenting is never easy, and for pastors, the challenges can be even more complex. In this episode, Rob Trubia asks Wes Pastor how parents can raise children who love the church rather than grow to resent it. Wes offers wisdom on building strong, lasting relationships that carry through the teenage years and into adulthood.
Wes Pastor and Rob Trubia continue their conversation on anger with a discussion on what habitual anger can reveal about the state of your soul. Wes shares biblically and practically from his own experience battling this besetting sin, including adjusting expectations to keep anger at bay, practicing righteousness in the power of the Spirit, and embracing the confidence a Christian has in winning the battle against anger.