The Everyday Pastor

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 If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. 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). If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. 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. If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. 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.

Michael Lawrence, lead pastor in Portland and Gospel Coalition council member, brings decades of pastoral experience. He explores why similar doctrine yields different practices. He warns against pragmatic methods that mask assumptions. He outlines historical ministry models and proposes a word-driven philosophy centered on Scripture, prayer, and ordinances.

Practical strategies for equipping members to care for one another and shift pastors from sole caregivers to trainers. Training elders and lay counselors for visible pastoral presence and crisis referral gets attention. Concrete ideas for mentoring, hospitality, and tangible ministries like meals and bereavement teams are explored.

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 If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. 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 If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.