The Everyday Pastor

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.

Garrett Kell, pastor of Delray Baptist Church in Virginia, shares his family's journey through profound hardship, including a medical emergency involving their daughter and a mother's cancer diagnosis. He highlights the transformative power of community support during trials, emphasizing vulnerability and open communication. Kell discusses the dual nature of God as sovereign yet deeply compassionate, reminding listeners that even pastors face struggles and should open themselves to receiving care. His heartfelt insights encourage trust in God's goodness amid suffering.

Every pastor affirms the importance of prayer and likely excels at it publicly, but consistency in private prayer is hard. And it isn't easy to foster a congregation-wide culture of prayer.In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan discuss practical tips for improving your prayer life—and the praying habits of your whole congregation. After all, a church that will be found faithful is a church that will be found praying.Recommended resources:A Way to Pray by Matthew Henry5 Things to Pray for Your Kids by Melissa Kruger5 Things to Pray for Your Spouse: Prayers That Change and Strengthen Your Marriage by Michael and Melissa KrugerI'm Praying for You: 40 Days of Praying the Bible for Someone Who Is Suffering by Nancy GuthriePrayers on the Psalms by David Calhoun (ed.)Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation by Don  Carson Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leadership is an art, and many pastors get it wrong—sometimes with devastating results.In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Paul Tripp joins Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan to discuss how a pastor can lead well for the flourishing of the whole church. The conversation touches on the importance of fostering a healthy leadership community, the gift of limits, responding to criticism and praise, the difference-making role of gospel grace, and more.Recommended resources:Dangerous Calling by Paul David TrippLead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church by Paul David TrippInstruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul David Tripp Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.