
The Everyday Pastor
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.
Latest episodes

Nov 4, 2024 • 33min
How the Regulative Principle Can Free You
Discover how pastors prepare for Sunday worship with intentionality and reverence, akin to an NFL quarterback on game day. Dive into the regulative principle of worship, which, paradoxically, offers freedom by grounding practices in scripture rather than personal preference. Learn about the importance of prayer and public Scripture reading, emphasizing engaging with God through His prescribed terms. The dialogue critiques contemporary trends that may stray from biblical guidelines, affirming the need to shape worship around Scripture.

15 snips
Oct 28, 2024 • 32min
The Humble Pastor
Explore the vital role of humility in pastoral leadership, revealing how strength stems from faith. Discover personal struggles with pride and the importance of accountability among leaders. The discussion highlights the challenge of balancing local ministry with social media engagement, emphasizing genuine connections over online validation. Learn how supportive relationships and constructive criticism foster humility and growth, ultimately promoting a culture of openness and effectiveness in ministry.

12 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 36min
The Unique Joys of Ministry
Pastoral ministry can be tough, often overshadowed by challenges and discouragement. Yet, amidst these struggles, there are profound joys that make the journey rewarding. Engaging in conversations about shared experiences fosters understanding and solidarity among pastors. Stories of faith journeys reveal the importance of mentorship and community. Joy in ministry is rooted in a deep connection with Jesus, offering rejuvenation and purpose. Together, they highlight the enduring impact pastors have on spiritual growth.

Oct 8, 2024 • 1min
Introducing The Everyday Pastor
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.It’s not an easy time to be a pastor, but it’s an exciting one—because the Lord is on his throne and his Word is enough to help us navigate the trenches of ministry with fortitude and joy. So join Matt and Lig (and special guests along the way) as they seek to help you think wisely about nitty-gritty issues of everyday ministry. Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together