The Everyday Pastor

Theology is vital for life. We know this as pastors, but do our members? Are we helping them to grow in thinking theologically?In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan discuss practical ways to promote deeper love for God’s truth. After all, how our people view him will make all the difference in their lives. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Paul lists elder qualifications, he mentions Satan twice (1 Tim. 3:6–7). Why? The devil loves to stalk and destroy shepherds. And one of his main strategies is tempting us toward little compromises—which never remain little—in the realm of sexual purity.In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Garrett Kell joins Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan to discuss lessons he’s learned the hard way, how to foster transparency among leadership, practical tools for pursuing purity, and more.Recommended resource: Pure in Heart: Sexual Sin and the Promises of God by Garrett Kell Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Assurance of salvation is a deeply precious gift, but many Christians struggle to experience it. Pastors have the unique privilege—and challenge—of being “soul doctors” in our people’s lives.In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan discuss how to apply the gospel to nominal Christians (who shouldn’t have assurance), struggling Christians (who should), and all Christ’s sheep who are meant to revel in marvelous news: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Explore the significance of regular church attendance and its biblical foundations. Discover how members can better prepare their hearts for worship through communal Bible readings and curated playlists. Learn about fostering meaningful conversations after church to deepen engagement with faith. Delve into the vital role of church community in personal and communal spiritual growth, emphasizing the ongoing support that fuels faith journeys beyond Sundays.

Men and women aren't interchangeable, and God’s gendered design is a beautiful thing. How can pastors encourage and equip the godly women that the Lord entrusts to their care? It has been said, after all, that there’s no such thing as a healthy church in which the men flourish but the women don't.In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan discuss how pastors can better support the women in their churches, highlighting the vital role women play in the overall health of the congregation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover the fascinating concept of theological triage, a method to prioritize doctrines within the church. Learn how some beliefs carry more weight than others and the importance of unity despite differing views. Delve into the balance between doctrinal minimalism and sectarianism, and how love can coexist with truth. The role of pastors in navigating these complexities is vital for fostering spiritual growth and maturity among congregations. Historical creeds serve as crucial tools in maintaining clarity on essential beliefs.

Have you ever wondered why two churches can be so similar in their doctrinal beliefs but so different in their practices? How can we make sure our methodology is rooted in theology, not mere pragmatism?In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan are joined by Michael Lawrence to discuss the underrated importance of ministry philosophy in our churches. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If pastors are the supply line, members are the front line. How can pastors equip their sheep to take responsibility for one another’s spiritual well-being? How can pastors foster a culture of relational initiative and deliberate discipleship?In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan share practical ideas on how to shepherd your congregations to have a discipleship mindset. “I Was Discipled by … the Church” by Brian BowmanThe Compelling Community: Where God’s Power Makes a Church Attractive by Mark Dever and Jamie DunlopSpiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cures by David Martyn Lloyd-JonesPraying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation by D.A. Carson Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pastoral ministry is far more than preaching. Pastors are fundamentally shepherds, which means we’re called to care for particular sheep. How do we do that well?In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan consider specific ways pastors can care for their congregation.Recommended resources:Jordan Stone, Love to Christ: Robert Murray M’Cheyne and the Pursuit of HolinessJordan Stone, A Communion of Love: The Christ-Centered Spirituality of Robert Murray M’CheyneJordan Stone, A Holy Minister: The Life and Spiritual Legacy of Robert Murray M’Cheyne Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching,” Paul exhorts the young pastor Timothy (1 Tim. 4:16). For many of us, it’s dangerously easy to guard our doctrine but not our lives. How can a busy pastor tend to his soul?In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan discuss practices for maintaining intimacy with Christ amid the demands of ministry.Recommended resources:Josiah Bull (ed.), Letters of John NewtonJonathan Aitken, John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing GraceTony Reinke, Newton on the Christian Life: To Live Is ChristSinclair Ferguson, The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance—Why the Marrow Controversy Still MattersDavid Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.