The Everyday Pastor

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“Walk to a wedding, but run to a funeral.” So advised an older pastor to a young Ligon Duncan.In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst discuss the powerful opportunity that funerals present to hold out gospel hope, as well as common pitfalls and practical advice for navigating dynamics surrounding the death of a loved one.Recommended Resources:Remember Death: The Surprising Path to Living Hope  by Matt McCulloughRemember Heaven: Meditations on the World to Come for Life in the Meantime  by Matt McCullough Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joni Eareckson Tada, founder of Joni and Friends, shares her profound insights from decades of living with quadriplegia. She discusses how her experiences have reshaped her theology of suffering, emphasizing the importance of focusing on Jesus rather than just the pain. Joni offers practical advice for pastors, urging them to comfort those in suffering with compassion and to engage their churches in meaningful acts of service. She also highlights the role of hymns in her life, using music as a source of strength and hope.

Every pastor has the joy (at least usually it’s a joy) of officiating Christian weddings, which can be a beautiful picture of the gospel. In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst offer practical advice for stewarding these opportunities and making the most of a wedding weekend. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Two years ago today, Tim Keller went to be with the Lord. Using Matt’s new book—Tim Keller on the Christian Life, published by Crossway—as a discussion guide, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst reflect on underappreciated teachings from Tim’s body of work. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Melissa Kruger, Vice President of Discipleship Programming at TGC, and Courtney Doctor, Director of Women's Initiatives at TGC, share their insights on women's ministry in the church. They discuss the significance of gender-specific learning environments and offer strategies for pastors to effectively engage women. The conversation emphasizes the vital roles women play in church leadership and how collaboration enriches community. They also highlight the importance of supportive environments that encourage growth and equip women to disciple one another.

Explore the vital role deacons play in church life, from caring for the needy to supporting elders. Discover how the biblical definition of deacons emphasizes service, unity, and tangible care. Learn the importance of wise and competent deacons who can address practical needs while fostering harmony. The discussion critiques common misconceptions about deacon roles and highlights their foundational responsibilities. Delve into how effective deacons protect the mission of the church and enable effective ministry through compassion and support.

Last week, we considered what elders are, biblically speaking, and which traits should characterize a candidate for the office.In this follow-up episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan get even more “nuts and boltsy,” discussing tips for working with fellow elders, leading elders’ meetings, establishing healthy cultural dynamics, and more.Recommended resources:“Want to Be an Elder? Start Eldering Now.” by Bobby JamiesonChurch Elders: How to Shepherd God's People Like Jesus (Building Healthy Churches) by Jeramie Rinne Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are few greater gifts for a pastor than getting to serve with a godly band of brothers. But not every church has multiple elders—and not every elder team functions in a healthy way.In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan discuss what elders are, why every church should seek to have them, and what a pastor should be looking for in potential elders.Recommended resources: Christ’s Call to Discipleship by James BoiceThe Elder and His Work by David Dickson“Want to Be an Elder? Start Eldering Now.” by Bobby JamiesonThe Path to Being a Pastor by Bobby Jamieson“On Transitioning to Elders - Part 2” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s the most important book in the universe, but it can also be intimidating. Many of our members may be discouraged to admit that their resolutions have sputtered out—again. As pastors, how can we prepare and motivate our members to dive into God’s Word for themselves?In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan share practical tips for promoting a culture of biblical literacy in the local church.Recommended resources: Matt Smethurst at Southern SeminaryBible Talk by 9MarksFor a full list of recommended resources on this episode, visit our website. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.