Episode 109, October 12, 2026: Have you ever considered how something as simple as where you sit in church might affect your pastor? In this heartfelt episode, Brother Byron shares his personal experience with the discouragement of preaching to a congregation scattered across the back and far corners of the sanctuary, leaving rows of empty pews in between. He discusses how this affects preaching, fellowship, visitors, and the overall atmosphere of worship. More importantly, he offers an honest look at the often-unseen struggles of pastoral ministry and reminds us how even the smallest acts of consideration can make a tremendous difference. It’s not about filling the front pews; it’s about closing the distance between us.
There is something that can be very discouraging to a pastor, and it’s something most church members probably never think about. It’s walking into the sanctuary on Sunday morning and seeing nearly every pew in the front and center of the church completely empty, while everyone is scattered across the back rows and far corners of the building.
It may seem like a small thing, but from behind the pulpit, it can be heartbreaking.
A pastor spends hours studying, praying, and preparing a message that he believes God has laid upon his heart. He looks forward to standing before his church family and sharing God’s Word. But when he looks out and sees nothing but empty pews in front of him, with people sitting as far away as possible, it can make an already small congregation feel even smaller.
Preaching is more than simply standing behind a pulpit and talking. There is a connection between a pastor and his people. He looks into their faces, sees their expressions, and senses their attentiveness. But when everyone is spread out in opposite directions, that connection becomes much more difficult. Instead of preaching to a congregation gathered together, it can feel like he’s preaching to a nearly empty room.
And believe me, that can wear on a pastor.
Most people have their favorite place to sit, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. Some have legitimate reasons for sitting where they do. But I wonder how many ever stop to think about how it looks and feels from the pulpit.
A small congregation sitting together can make a sanctuary feel warm, welcoming, and alive. The singing sounds fuller, the fellowship feels closer, and the whole atmosphere becomes more inviting. But take that same congregation and scatter them across the back pews and far corners of the building, leaving the front and center completely empty, and suddenly the church feels cold, empty, and disconnected. It can even give visitors the wrong impression. Instead of seeing a close-knit church family gathered together in worship, they may wonder why everyone is sitting so far apart, or worse, whether something is wrong within the congregation.
Where we sit may seem like a small thing, but it can make a tremendous difference in how a church feels, both to those visiting and to the pastor standing behind the pulpit.
Someone might say, “Well, the preacher ought to preach the same no matter where people sit.” And that’s true. But pastors are human too. They get tired, they get discouraged, and sometimes they wonder whether they’re really making a difference.
In fact, discouragement in ministry can become so overwhelming that some pastors begin questioning whether they should continue where they are. It’s rarely just one thing, but sometimes even the little things add to a burden that nobody else sees.
A pastor can dearly love his congregation and still feel very lonely standing behind the pulpit.
I’m not suggesting everyone needs to sit on the front row. I’m simply asking church members to be thoughtful. Move a little closer. Sit together when possible. Help create an atmosphere of warmth and fellowship rather than one of distance and separation.
Hebrews 10:24 reminds us, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”
That consideration ought to include the pastor as well.
Sometimes encouraging your pastor doesn’t require a gift, a card, or even a word of appreciation. Sometimes it’s as simple as moving a few pews closer, looking him in the eye, and letting him know by your presence that you’re there with him.
Those empty pews between the pastor and his congregation may not mean much to the people sitting in the back, but to the man standing behind the pulpit, they can feel like a hundred miles.
Episode 108, August 27, 2026: In Episode 108, “The Dolly Dilemma,” Brother Byron addresses the disturbing condemnation directed toward Dolly Parton by some professing conservative Christians following her death. He examines the difference between biblical discernment and self-righteous judgment, questions why those now condemning her never appeared concerned about her salvation while she was alive, and warns against claiming knowledge that belongs to God alone. This episode calls Christians to speak truth without cruelty, show compassion toward the grieving, and spend less time judging another person’s soul and more time examining their own relationship with Jesus Christ.
Episode 107, August 20, 2026: In this episode, Brother Byron reflects on turning 60 before tackling a common misunderstanding about the purpose of the church. Using Ephesians 4:11–16, he explains that church success is not measured by attendance, money, buildings, or packed pews, but by spiritual growth and maturity in Christ. He challenges believers to see the church as a place where Christians are equipped and edified so they can carry the Gospel into the world.
Episode 106, July 7, 2026: After a 39 day break, Brother Byron returns with a special catch up episode, sharing highlights from the past several weeks of ministry and personal life. He reflects on the passing of a faithful church member, the lasting spiritual legacy of his father, recent preaching at Northside Baptist Church, the conclusion of a 70 week verse by verse study through the Book of Romans, and an upcoming study of the Book of Revelation. He also discusses several new additions to his theological library and offers biblical insight into the growing trend of questioning the salvation of those with whom we disagree, reminding listeners that only God truly knows the heart.
Episode 105, May 29, 2026: In Episode 105 of the Brother Byron Podcast, Brother Byron shares a heartfelt look at the role hymns and spiritual songs have played throughout his life. Drawing from cherished memories of family singings around the piano with the Red Back Church Hymnal and Baptist Hymnal, he explores the biblical foundation for sacred music, the difference between hymns and gospel songs, and the inspiring stories behind beloved classics such as “Amazing Grace,” “It Is Well With My Soul,” and “Just A Little Talk With Jesus.” Along the way, listeners are reminded of the rich heritage, timeless truths, and lasting impact these songs continue to have on the hearts of God’s people.
Episode 104, May 13, 2026: In this episode, Brother Byron examines the recent UFO/UAP disclosures from the U.S. Government through the lens of Scripture. Are these sightings extraterrestrial, secret technology, or something spiritual in nature? This episode explores popular conspiracy theories, end times deception, demonic counterfeits, and what the King James Bible says about seducing spirits, lying wonders, and spiritual warfare in the last days. Most importantly, listeners are reminded not to be swept away by fear or sensationalism, but to stay grounded in the truth of God’s Word and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Episode 103, May 2, 2026: Churches are closing. Not suddenly, but slowly over time. In this episode, we talk about:
The real statistics behind church closures Why churches are declining since 2020 The common excuses people use for not attending The pressure pastors carry behind the scenes The impact of a church closing on families and communities What YOU can do to help keep your church strong
This is a needed conversation for anyone who cares about the future of the local church.
Episode 102, April 13, 2026: As churches trade pews for chairs and remove crosses, hymn books, and visible symbols, something deeper is happening. The church is losing its distinct identity. In this episode, we take a clear look at how these changes affect reverence, participation, and faithfulness, and why God calls His people to be separate, not conformed to the world.
Episode 101, April 10, 2026: In this episode, Brother Byron reflects on how much church attendance and Easter Sunday have changed over the years. From packed pews and family traditions to smaller congregations and shifting priorities, he shares honest observations and biblical encouragement for staying faithful in a time when many have drifted away. No matter the crowd size, the mission remains the same, trust the Lord, preach the truth, and press on.
