The Everyday Pastor

Should Sunday sermons be evangelistic—or focused on believers? In this episode, Matt Smethurst, Ligon Duncan, and Garrett Kell tackle a false dichotomy: faithful preaching should do both. They explore how pastors can preach in a way that honors God, builds up the church, and clearly calls unbelievers to repentance and faith. From cultivating an evangelistic culture to preaching about hard truths like hell with compassion, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for pastors who want their preaching to reach both the saved and the lost. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Making Sense of God by Tim Keller The Air We Breathe by Glen Scrivener Evangelistic Expository Preaching by Mark Dever The Message of the Old and New Testament by Mark Dever If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What practical difference does a high view of God’s sovereignty actually make in everyday ministry? In this episode, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst reflect on the doctrines of grace—often associated with Calvinism—and explore how a “big God” theology shapes assurance, prayer, evangelism, pastoral care, and suffering. They emphasize that God’s sovereignty is not a weapon for debate but a pillow for weary saints, a stabilizer in crisis, and a source of deep humility. From hospital rooms to anxiety, from Scripture’s storyline to church history, this conversation shows why knowing a sovereign, wise, and compassionate God is not advanced theology—it’s everyday hope. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Commentary on the Gospel According to John by John Calvin How to Care for Sufferers (with Joni Eareckson Tada) [The Everyday Pastor - Ep. 30] If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Conflict is inevitable in pastoral ministry—but how pastors handle it shapes the health of their church. In this episode, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst explore theological controversy, denominational tension, and local church conflict, offering biblical wisdom for leading with courage, humility, and love. RESOURCES MENTIONED: When Martyn Lloyd-Jones Confronted a Pastor Who Loved Controversy and Denunciation by Justin Taylor On Controversy by John Newton The Multi-Directional Leader by Trevin Wax Forgive by Tim Keller The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit by Jeremiah Burroughs If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Spiritual warfare is real in ministry—but often misunderstood. Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan help pastors think biblically and pastorally about Satan’s schemes, the Spirit’s indwelling power, and how to resist discouragement while persevering in faithful ministry.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices by Thomas BrooksThe Christian in Complete Armour by William GurnallThe Treasury of David by Charles SpurgeonThe Pilgrim's Progress by John BunyanThe Work of the Holy Spirit by Abraham KuyperNew Life in the Wasteland by Douglas F. KellyThe Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What is true of Christ becomes true of us. Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan are joined by Sam Allberry to discuss his book One with My Lord: The Life-Changing Reality of Being in Christ and explore how pastors can recover the often overlooked doctrine of union with Christ and share it with their congregations.RESOURCES MENTIONED:One With My Lord by Sam AllberryBy Faith, Not by Sight by Richard Gaffin If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

One of a pastor’s primary responsibilities is not only to teach Scripture, but also to help his people learn how to read the Bible for themselves. Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan share how pastors can encourage their congregations to engage deeply with God’s Word, meditate on how he has revealed himself, and approach Scripture with obedience and joy.Resources Mentioned:A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation by Matthew C. BinghamA Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life by J. I. PackerBefore You Open Your Bible: Nine Heart Postures For Approaching God's Word by Matt SmethurstThe Message of the Old Testament: Promises Made by Mark DeverThe Message of the New Testament: Promises Kept by Mark DeverRyken's Bible Handbook by Leland Ryken, Philip Ryken, and James WilhoitSurvey of the Bible by William Hendriksen If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A church budget is not primarily a financial tool, but a spiritual one. Jamie Dunlop joins Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan to discuss how pastors can encourage generous giving with theological clarity, and steward their church’s budget in a way that models trusted leadership and God-honoring faith.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Why Should I Give to My Church? by Jamie DunlopBudgeting for a Healthy Church by Jamie DunlopThe Compelling Community by Jamie DunlopLove the Ones Who Drive You Crazy by Jamie Dunlop If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pastors are expected to keep learning—just like doctors, teachers, and counselors. In this episode, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan unpack formal and informal ways to stay sharp: carving out daily reading, using journals and courses, attending conferences, leaning on study Bibles, pursuing study leave or targeted coursework (ThM/DMin), and even teaching as adjuncts. They also warn against using degrees as an escape from ministry and offer practical counsel for staying current on cultural issues while remaining focused on your flock.Resources Mentioned:TGC’s Themelios journalTGC courses & pastors’ hubThe Carson Center at TGCStudy Bibles If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Suffering is not a glitch in the Christian life—it’s part of it. In this conversation, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan talk about how pastors can prepare their people to face pain with faith and endurance. They discuss what it means to view hardship through God’s providence, why the “victorious Christian life” often looks like just hanging on, and how preaching, hymns, and patient shepherding can help believers trust God when He seems silent.Resources Mentioned:When Pain Is Real and God Seems Silent by Ligon DuncanJoni Eareckson TadaMark Talbot, When the Stars DisappearJohn Piper, Don’t Waste Your LifePsalm 88; Psalm 40; 2 Corinthians 4; Romans 8; Genesis 50:20Hymns: How Firm a Foundation, Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul, Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many pastors enter ministry to preach and shepherd, not manage spreadsheets—but good administration is deeply spiritual work. Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan talk with Jamie Dunlop (Capitol Hill Baptist Church) about how faithful administration protects unity, supports preaching, and strengthens trust in the church. They discuss deacons, elders, executive pastors, and practical ways to build systems that serve people, not just processes. RESOURCES MENTIONED:The Compelling CommunityLove the Ones Who Drive You Crazy Budgeting for a Healthy Church Deacons by Matt Smethurst The Pastor and Counseling If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Every pastor wants a culture of care, but not every pastor feels equipped to counsel—much less to equip others to counsel one another. In this episode, Deepak Reju—a Delaware pastor who served for nearly 20 years as the counseling pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church—joins Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst to discuss counseling versus discipling, how to build a culture of lay counseling, advice for getting tooled up, tips for pastors who feel out of their depth, thoughts on medication and referrals, and more.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Cure of Souls by David PowilsonGood and Angry: Redeeming Anger, Irritation, Complaining, and Bitterness by David PowlisonHow People Change by Paul David TrippHow to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David BrooksInstruments in the Redeemer's Hands by Paul David TrippThe Art of Disagreeing: How to Keep Calm and Stay Friends in Hard Conversations by Gavin OrtlundThe Pastor and Counseling: The Basics of Shepherding Members in Need, by Jeremy Pierre and Deepak RejuJournal of Biblical CounselingNew Growth Press Minibook Counseling Resource PackCounseling Talk PodcastChristian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) Course If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Practicing church discipline is a vital biblical responsibility that’s often ignored in our modern age. In this episode, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst discuss what church discipline is (and isn’t), why healthy congregations practice it, and why it’s actually a form of love. Drawing from experience, they also offer advice for fostering a culture in your church where discipline will seem faithful, not foreign.Resources Mentioned:Is It Loving to Practice Church Discipline? By Jonathan LeemanWhat Should We Do about Members Who Won’t Attend? By Alex DukeUnderstanding Church Discipline by Jonathan LeemanChurch Discipline: How the Church Protects the Name of Jesus by Jonathan Leeman If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ministry is about a lot of things, but central to the task is preparing people to die and face their Creator. This is deeply challenging, though, in a death-denying age. In this episode, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst welcome Matt McCullough—a pastor in Nashville and the author of two excellent books, ‘Remember Death’ and ‘Remember Heaven’—to discuss how to shepherd God’s people to embrace their mortality, anticipate their heavenly inheritance, and make the most of their lives.Resources Mentioned:Remember Death: The Surprising Path to Living Hope by Matt McCulloughDoes God Love Everyone? (Church Questions) by Matt McCulloughRemember Heaven: Meditations on the World to Come for Life in the Meantime by Matt McCulloughThe Saints' Everlasting Rest: Updated and Abridgedby Richard Baxter, abridged by Tim Cooper If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Every church has the privilege of thinking about how to best serve the children and youth entrusted to its care. In this episode, Jared Kennedy joins Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst to discuss various ministry models and best practices, as well as wisdom for equipping parents, selecting curriculum, vetting volunteers, caring for children with special needs, and more. Resources Mentioned:Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families, by Sandra PeoplesDid the Resurrection Really Happen?, by Timothy Paul JonesGospel-Centered Youth Ministry: A Practical Guide, by Cameron Cole and Jon NielsonSame Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability, by Stephanie O. HubachThe Gospel Way Catechism: 50 Truths That Take On the World, by Trevin Wax and Thomas WestWhere Is God in a World with So Much Evil?, by Collin HansenSee Jesus Ministries (Paul Miller)Simply the Gospel: Resource Library If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Real friendship is an irreplaceable gift from God. Without it we will struggle—and shrivel—as humans made for one another. Pastors know this, and yet ministry can be exceedingly lonely. In this episode, Garrett Kell joins Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst to discuss how a busy pastor can foster (and maintain) meaningful, life-giving friendships amid the complicated dynamics of ministry.Recommended Resources:Augustine of Hippo: A Biography, by Peter BrownMade for Friendship: The Relationship That Halves Our Sorrows and Doubles Our Joys, by Drew HunterThe Four Loves, by C.S. LewisTim Keller on the Christian Life, by Matt SmethurstWise Counsel, by John Newton If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a special crossover episode of The Everyday Pastor and Gospelbound, Wesley Huff joins Lig, Matt, and Collin to discuss the role of apologetics in pastoral ministry. How can pastors excel in giving a compelling reason for the hope within us—and train others to do the same? Drawing from both academic expertise and personal experience, Huff offers various cautions and tips for everyday pastors and believers. He shares examples of good apologists today, recommends books, and answers a lightning round of classic objections to the Christian faith. If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you prioritize health? How do you stay sharp? Can you be friends with church members? How do you care for your wife? When’s a time you were wrong? How do you choose what to preach? And many, many more questions pastors may be asking.In this special episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan answer listener-submitted questions, recorded live at TGC’s 2025 National Conference. If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.