The Everyday Pastor

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

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

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.

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