The Everyday Pastor

Matt Smethurst, Ligon Duncan

The Everyday Pastor is a new podcast from TGC on the nuts and bolts of ministry. Hosted by Ligon Duncan, with nearly 20 years of pastoral experience, and Matt Smethurst, who planted a church three years ago, it seeks to model how ministers of different generations, levels of experience, and even denominations can apply God’s never-changing Word in a fast-changing world. Tune in for wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights to help you navigate the trenches of ministry with fortitude and joy.

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20 episodes
Avg 41 min
English

Episodes 20

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#54
June 22 · 40 min
Planting a Church
Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan discuss the joys, challenges, and realities of church planting.
#53
June 8 · 35 min
How to Preach the Gospel
Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan tackle one of the most important questions in pastoral ministry: How do you preach Christ from all of Scripture?
#52
May 25 · 40 min
The Power of the Pulpit (with H. B. Charles, Jr.)
H.B. Charles, Jr. shares why faithful preaching still changes lives—and how pastors can endure the weekly grind of ministry with confidence in the power of God’s Word.
#51
May 11 · 33 min
How to Use Confessions and Church Covenants in Ministry
Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan make the case for recovering confessions of faith and church covenants as practical pastoral tools for discipleship, unity, and church health.
#50
April 27 · 1 hr 1 min
How to Talk About Jesus in a Post-Christian Age (with Glen Scrivener)
Glen Scrivener joins Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan to help pastors navigate evangelism in a world where people no longer share basic Christian assumptions.
#49
April 13 · 55 min
What Is the Gospel?
If pastors don’t define the gospel clearly, they risk losing it entirely. This conversation offers a simple, biblical framework to help you preach and share the gospel with clarity and confidence.
#48
March 30 · 32 min
How to Preach Evangelistically (with Garrett Kell)
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.
#47
March 16 · 47 min
Practical Effects of 'Big God' Theology
Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst discuss how a “big God” theology—especially the doctrines of grace and God’s sovereignty—brings deep pastoral comfort, fuels humility, strengthens assurance, and stabilizes believers in suffering.
#46
March 2 · 43 min
How to Handle Conflict and Controversy in Ministry
Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst offer pastoral wisdom for navigating controversy—urging leaders to contend for truth without becoming quarrelsome, to prioritize edification over denunciation, and to pursue unity with humility in both public and local church conflicts.
#45
February 16 · 38 min
Spiritual Warfare in Ministry
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.
#43
January 19 · 36 min
Teach People How to Read Their Bibles
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.
#42
Nov 24, 2025 · 50 min
Giving & Budgeting (with Jamie Dunlop)
Jamie Dunlop joins Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan to show how gospel-driven generosity and transparent budgeting build trust, form disciples, and free both pastors and churches from money’s grip.
#41
Nov 10, 2025 · 35 min
How to Stay Sharp As a Pastor
Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan discuss how pastors can keep growing—through daily study, conferences, and even formal education—so they stay spiritually sharp, theologically grounded, and better equipped to serve their people.
#40
Oct 27, 2025 · 27 min
Preparing Believers to Suffer
Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst discuss how pastors can prepare their people to face suffering with faith, showing that true victory in the Christian life is not avoiding pain—but trusting God through it.
#39
Oct 13, 2025 · 36 min
Effective Church Administration (with Jamie Dunlop)
Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan talk with Jamie Dunlop about how faithful, biblically grounded church administration protects unity, supports preaching, and strengthens trust within the body of Christ.
#38
Sep 29, 2025 · 52 min
The Pastor and Counseling (with Deepak Reju)
Deepak Reju joins Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst to discuss how pastors can build a culture of care within their church, and find practical help to counsel when they feel unequipped.
#37
Sep 15, 2025 · 32 min
Prepare People for Church Discipline
Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst explore the often-overlooked biblical practice of church discipline, explaining its loving purpose, importance for healthy congregations, and how to cultivate a church culture where it is understood and embraced.
#36
Sep 1, 2025 · 43 min
Preparing Members for Death and Heaven
Matt McCullough joins Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst to discuss how to shepherd God’s people to embrace their mortality, anticipate their heavenly inheritance, and make the most of their lives.
#35
Aug 18, 2025 · 50 min
Ministry to Children and Youth (with Jared Kennedy)
Jared Kennedy joins Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst to discuss how churches can serve children and youth through strong ministry models and to provide wisdom for equipping families and volunteers.
#34
Aug 4, 2025 · 39 min
The Pastor and Friendships
Garrett Kell joins Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst to discuss how pastors can cultivate deep, sustaining friendships despite the demands of ministry.

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