The Everyday Pastor

Join Collin Hansen and Melissa Kruger for their annual discussion as they look back on the top theology stories of 2024. They also share their favorite books from 2024, updates on personal projects, and what they're each looking forward to in life and ministry in 2025. They discuss: The rise in Bible sales in 2024Declining fertility rates worldwideBig changes for the United Methodist Church and the role of the Global SouthThe advance of assisted suicide in the UKThe Cass Report and the truth about transgender treatmentsEncouraging signs among Gen ZTrump’s election victory and a GOP shiftAnticipating the 2025 Gospelbound seasonBook highlights from 2024Personal projects and updatesDon Carson’s legacy and an important update about his life and ministryMentioned on this episode:"My Top 10 Theology Stories of 2024" by Collin Hansen (article)Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sinclair Ferguson, a long-time pastor and theology professor known for his reflective Advent devotionals, joins Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst to explore the wonder of the incarnation. They discuss how boredom can dull the message of Christmas, suggesting ways for pastors to revive excitement in their congregations. The trio reflects on the humility of God becoming human, the profound mystery of Christ's dual nature, and emphasizes the importance of incorporating scripture and music in worship to enrich the Christmas narrative.

Church polity is like stretching. It seems boring until something tears—and then you wish you’d devoted more time to it. Despite their differences (Matt Smethurst is a congregationalist and Ligon Duncan is a Presbyterian), both agree Scripture has a lot to say—more than many evangelicals assume—about how a local church should be structured. This is an underrated topic, and pastors impoverish themselves by not giving careful attention to it.In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Smethurst and Duncan explore why church polity matters and its overlooked biblical importance.Recommended resource: Jonathan Leeman, Authority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human FlourishingHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When it comes to the art of delivering sermons, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. But Matt Smethurst and (especially) Ligon Duncan have learned helpful lessons over the years.In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt and Ligon offer practical tips to help pastors reflect on and improve their sermon delivery.Recommended resources:Mark Dever, Application GridThomas Brooks, Precious Remedies Against Satan’s DevicesHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What are your rhythms for sermon preparation? How should this be prioritized alongside other responsibilities? How can you grow more efficient and effective while remaining faithful to the task?In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan discuss the rigors and joys of sermon prep.Recommended resources:The Practical Works of Richard Baxter, Vol. 1: A Christian DirectoryJ. I. Packer, Truth and Power: The Place of Scripture in the Christian LifeJay Adams, Be Careful How You Listen: How to Get the Most Out of a SermonJoel Beeke, Reformed Preaching: Proclaiming God’s Word from the Heart of the Preacher to the Heart of His PeopleLigon Duncan, “How to Listen to a Bad Sermon”Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Would your sermons make sense if Jesus didn’t die and rise again? If the answer is yes, your sermons may well be instructive, insightful, and inspiring, but they aren't yet Christian.In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Bryan Chapell—a “Jedi master” on the topic of Christ-centered preaching—brings decades of experience to this conversation with Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan on why (and how) to make Jesus Christ the hero of every sermon.Recommended resources:Bryan Chapell, Christ-Centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository SermonBryan Chapell, Christ-Centered Sermons: Models of Redemptive PreachingBryan Chapell, Christ-Centered Worship: Letting the Gospel Shape Our PracticeHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This discussion delves into the vital role of liturgy in Sunday worship, highlighting how structured practices enhance congregational participation. Explore the interplay between personal faith and communal rituals, and discover the significance of benedictions as a closing act of worship. Emphasizing the value of tradition amidst modern challenges, the conversation reveals how effective leadership can navigate differing worship preferences. Insights on enriching service experiences through active dialogue and Scripture add depth to the importance of intentional worship.

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.

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.

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.