The Everyday Pastor

What is the gospel—really?

In this episode, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan tackle the confusion surrounding one of the most important words in Christianity. They explain why the gospel isn’t self-help advice or vague spiritual encouragement, but the good news of what God has done in Jesus Christ to save sinners.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Before You Share Your Faith by Matt Smethurst

What Is Wrong with the World by Tim Keller

God Is the Gospel by John Piper

The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

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.

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 Brooks
The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall
The Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon
The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
The Work of the Holy Spirit by Abraham Kuyper
New Life in the Wasteland by Douglas F. Kelly
The 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.