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Ministry Central

Ministry Central

by Central Florida Baptist Association

Season 1

S1E5 Pastoring People, Not Numbers | Greg Wilkerson

Pastoring People, Not Numbers | Greg Wilkerson What really matters after years of serving in ministry? In this episode of Ministry Central, Richard Williamson sits down with Greg Wilkerson, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Mulberry, for a conversation about calling, church revitalization, pastoral ministry, prayer, and the relationships that sustain us along the way. For Greg, ministry eventually brought him right back where he started. After growing up in Mulberry and spending part of his teenage years at First Baptist, God eventually called him back to pastor the church that had poured into his life. Greg shares what it’s like to shepherd people who have known him since childhood and why he believes legacy churches are worth investing in and helping thrive again. Greg also reflects on the unexpected path God used to prepare him for ministry—from initially resisting God’s call, to serving in youth ministry, moving away from everything familiar to serve in Atlanta, and eventually returning home to pastor in Polk County. Along the way, even difficult seasons taught him to trust God and prepared him for what was ahead. Throughout the conversation, Greg returns to a simple conviction: ministry is about people. Pastors can become distracted by attendance, budgets, titles, and measures of success, but God has called them to shepherd His people—to love them, teach His Word, and walk alongside them through both celebrations and some of life’s most difficult moments. Richard and Greg also discuss authenticity in ministry, resisting the temptation to put pastors on pedestals, developing the next generation of church leaders, growing personally in prayer, and building friendships with other pastors who understand the unique joys and challenges of ministry. In This Episode: What it’s like to pastor the church where you grew up How difficult seasons can prepare us for future ministry Why ministry success isn’t ultimately about numbers or money The privilege of walking with people through joy and grief Why pastors shouldn’t be placed on pedestals Why pastors need friendship and encouragement from other pastors Key Takeaways: People matter more than numbers. Pastors are ultimately called to love and shepherd God’s people. God can use difficult seasons as preparation. Some of the seasons we would never choose may be the ones God uses to prepare us for what comes next. Legacy churches still have a mission. The faithfulness of previous generations can become a foundation for renewed ministry. Ministry leaders must live what they preach. Greg candidly shares how God challenged him personally while he was preaching about prayer. Pastors need one another. Ministry leaders aren’t competitors. Friendship, encouragement, prayer, and Scripture can make a lasting difference during difficult seasons. About Our Guest Greg Wilkerson is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Mulberry, Florida. A Mulberry native with deep roots in the community, Greg returned to pastor a church that had played an important role in his own teenage years. His ministry experience includes serving in youth and associate ministry as well as more than two decades of pastoral ministry. His heart for shepherding people, strengthening the local church, teaching God's Word, and encouraging fellow pastors is evident throughout this conversation.

S1E4: Why You Need the Persecuted Church More Than They Need You | Robert Beckman

Why You Need the Persecuted Church More Than They Need You | Robert Beckman What can American Christians learn from believers who follow Jesus in the face of persecution? In this episode of Ministry Central, Richard Williamson sits down with Robert Beckman, Director of Partnerships for Open Doors, to explore the reality of the persecuted church and why every Christian should be connected to brothers and sisters suffering for their faith around the world. Drawing from decades of ministry—including youth ministry, international missions with the International Mission Board, church planting, and his current work with Open Doors—Robert shares how God has called him to strengthen and encourage believers living in some of the world's most difficult places to follow Christ. Rather than viewing persecuted Christians simply as people who need our help, Robert challenges listeners to see them as fellow members of the body of Christ whose faith, perseverance, and dependence on God have much to teach the Western church. The conversation explores what it means to pray with persecuted believers instead of merely praying for them, why discipleship must prepare believers to count the cost of following Jesus, and how the New Testament itself was written in the context of persecution. This episode is both a challenge and an encouragement to develop a deeper prayer life, embrace biblical discipleship, and remember that the global church is one family united in Christ. In This Episode Robert's call to ministry and missionary journey Serving overseas with the International Mission Board The mission and history of Open Doors Why persecuted Christians ask us to pray with them How to pray with greater understanding and specificity The biblical reality of persecution Why American Christians have much to learn from the global church Preparing believers to count the cost of following Jesus Lessons from the book of Ecclesiastes Practical ways churches can support and connect with the persecuted church Key Takeaways The persecuted church doesn't simply need our sympathy—they invite us into partnership through prayer. Specific, informed prayer strengthens our connection with believers around the world. Persecution is not an exception to Christianity but a recurring theme throughout Scripture. Faith often grows deepest when believers depend fully on Christ. Every church can cultivate a greater awareness of the global body of Christ and its ongoing challenges. Memorable Quotes "Pray with us, not just for us." "You need the persecuted church more than they need you." "Count the cost of following Jesus." "The New Testament was written by persecuted people to persecuted people." About Our Guest Robert Beckman serves as the Director of Partnerships for Open Doors, a ministry dedicated to strengthening and supporting persecuted Christians around the world. His ministry experience includes youth ministry, international missions with the International Mission Board, church planting, and helping churches connect with the global body of Christ through informed prayer and biblical partnership.

S1E3: Deployed for the Kingdom | Jason Seger

S1E3: Deployed for the Kingdom | Jason Seger What does it look like to faithfully lead through seasons of change, uncertainty, and transition? In this episode of Ministry Central, Richard Williamson sits down with Jason Seger, pastor of Revive Church in Lakeland and a chaplain in the Florida National Guard, to discuss more than two decades of ministry, his call to serve, and the unique journey of leading both a local church and soldiers in the military. Jason shares how faithful Sunday School teachers, pastors, and church members shaped his life from an early age, leading him to pursue God's call to ministry. He reflects on the joy of teaching God's Word, the lessons he's learned through ministry, and how God used a year-long military deployment to deepen his understanding of leadership, community, and trust. The conversation explores what it means to serve others rather than build a personal platform, how churches can prepare for healthy leadership transitions, and why every believer—not just pastors—is called to live "deployed" on mission wherever God places them. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, volunteer, or someone seeking to faithfully follow Christ, this episode offers practical encouragement for serving with humility and finishing well. In This Episode Jason's testimony and call to ministry The church leaders who invested in his life Finding joy in teaching and preaching God's Word Lessons learned through 20+ years of ministry Why healthy churches prepare leaders—not just pastors Serving as both a local church pastor and military chaplain What Jason learned during a year-long deployment overseas Leading a church through seasons of change and transition The importance of community in ministry Why ministry is about serving others, not building a platform Key Takeaways Faithful discipleship often begins with ordinary people investing in the next generation. Great ministry happens when leaders focus on serving people rather than promoting themselves. Healthy churches build teams and develop leaders who can faithfully carry the mission forward. Seasons of change can become opportunities for spiritual growth and renewed vision. God calls every believer—not just church staff—to live on mission wherever He places them. Community is essential for ministry leaders; no one is meant to serve alone. Memorable Quotes "God's gifts are not for me—they're for serving others." "We're built for community." "It's not about building my platform. It's about displaying God's glory." "If your first ministry is changing diapers or setting up chairs, do it with all your heart for the glory of God." About Our Guest Jason Seger serves as the lead pastor of Revive Church in Lakeland, Florida, and as a chaplain in the Florida National Guard. With more than 20 years of ministry experience, he is passionate about teaching God's Word, developing disciples, and helping believers faithfully serve Christ wherever they are called. His unique experience in both the local church and military ministry has given him valuable insight into leadership, perseverance, and living on mission.

S1E2 Who Encourages the Pastor's Wife? | Beth Harris

S1E2 Who Encourages the Pastor's Wife? | Beth Harris What is it really like to serve in ministry alongside a pastor? In this episode of Ministry Central, Richard Williamson sits down with Beth Harris, pastor's wife at Scott Lake Baptist Church and Pastor's Wives Coordinator for the Central Florida Baptist Association. Drawing from more than 25 years of ministry experience across multiple states and ministry roles, Beth offers a candid look into the joys, challenges, and unique calling of being a pastor's wife. Beth shares how God led her into ministry, what she has learned through serving alongside her husband, and why encouragement and authentic relationships are so important for ministry families. She discusses the burdens many pastor's wives quietly carry, from walking alongside church members through tragedy to navigating the hurt that comes when people leave a church. The conversation also explores the importance of creating meaningful support systems for pastor's wives, the value of friendships within ministry, and how churches can better care for the women who faithfully serve behind the scenes. Beth also shares powerful lessons from the lives of King Jehoshaphat and the prophet Habakkuk, reminding listeners that faith means praising God before the answer comes and trusting Him even when circumstances seem uncertain. In This Episode Beth's testimony and journey into ministry Life as a pastor's wife across multiple ministry roles Common misconceptions about pastor's wives The joys and challenges of ministry family life How churches can encourage and support ministry wives The unique burdens carried by ministry families Why community and friendship matter for pastor's wives Lessons from Jehoshaphat: "We don't know what to do, but we look to You" Finding faith and hope in the book of Habakkuk Learning to praise God before the answer arrives Key Takeaways Pastor's wives are not expected to be perfect—they are fellow believers navigating life and ministry just like everyone else. Encouragement toward pastors and ministry families has a greater impact than many church members realize. Ministry can be lonely, making intentional friendships and support networks essential. Faithfulness means trusting God even when answers are unclear or results are unseen. The local church has a vital role in caring for those who serve within it. Memorable Quotes "We don't know what to do, but we look to You." "Praise the Lord before the answer comes." "Yet I will rejoice in the God of my salvation." About Our Guest Beth Harris serves as the Pastor's Wives Coordinator for the Central Florida Baptist Association and is the pastor's wife at Scott Lake Baptist Church in Lakeland, Florida. She is passionate about encouraging ministry wives, building meaningful relationships, and helping women thrive in their calling to serve Christ and His church.

S1E1: Holy, Humble, Wise | Matt McCraw

Season 1, Episode 1: Holy, Humble, Wise | Matt McCraw What does faithful ministry look like over the long haul? In this episode of Ministry Central, Richard Williamson sits down with Dr. Matt McCraw, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Bartow, to discuss his journey into ministry, the leaders who shaped him, and the lessons he's learned through more than two decades of serving the local church. From his call to ministry as a teenager in Polk County to pastoring in Kentucky and Florida, Matt shares practical wisdom for ministry leaders seeking to serve Christ faithfully. Together, they discuss the importance of pursuing holiness, humility, and wisdom, the challenges that come with leading people, and why every ministry leader must remember that Jesus—not the pastor—is the hero of the story. Matt also reflects on influential mentors, favorite books, church leadership, and what God has been teaching him through preaching books like Revelation, Nehemiah, and John. Whether you're a pastor, church staff member, volunteer leader, or simply someone who desires to serve the church well, this conversation offers encouragement, perspective, and practical insights for the journey. In This Episode: Matt's testimony and call to ministry The influence of pastors, mentors, and faithful church leaders Why holiness, humility, and wisdom are essential for ministry Leadership lessons learned through 25+ years of service Navigating difficult seasons and ministry hurts The importance of reconciliation in the local church Why pastors must remember they are not the hero Insights from preaching through Revelation, Nehemiah, and John Books that have shaped Matt's ministry philosophy Encouragement for current and future ministry leaders Resources Mentioned: Desiring God by John Piper Simple Church by Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren Jesus Driven Ministry by Ajith Fernando The Best Question Ever by Andy Stanley Church Answers Key Quote: "People need Jesus, and I need Jesus. Ministry is a reminder that we're not the hero—Jesus is." About Our Guest: Dr. Matt McCraw serves as Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church Bartow in Bartow, Florida. He has served in ministry for more than 25 years in Florida and Kentucky and is passionate about helping people follow Jesus and helping churches become healthy and effective in their mission. Ministry Central is a ministry of the Central Florida Baptist Association, featuring conversations with pastors, ministry leaders, and those who serve alongside the local church. Our hope is that these conversations encourage and equip you to serve Christ faithfully wherever God has placed you. Please subscribe and share with others in ministry.

Podcast Trailer

Welcome to Ministry Central, a podcast from the Central Florida Baptist Association. In this trailer, you'll hear the vision behind the show and what you can expect from future conversations with pastors and ministry leaders. Each episode is designed to encourage, equip, and inspire those serving in and alongside the local church through practical wisdom, personal stories, and biblical truth. If you know Jesus, you are called to walk with Him, serve Him, and share Him wherever you go. Subscribe today and join the conversation!