The Everyday Pastor - Matt Smethurst, Ligon Duncan

Latest Episodes:

Ministry to Children and Youth (with Jared Kennedy) Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Every church has the privilege of thinking about how to best serve the children and youth entrusted to its care. In this episode, Jared Kennedy joins Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst to discuss various ministry models and best practices, as well as wisdom for equipping parents, selecting curriculum, vetting volunteers, caring for children with special needs, and more.

Resources Mentioned:

Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families, by Sandra Peoples
Did the Resurrection Really Happen?, by Timothy Paul Jones
Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry: A Practical Guide, by Cameron Cole and Jon Nielson
Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability, by Stephanie O. Hubach
The Gospel Way Catechism: 50 Truths That Take On the World, by Trevin Wax and Thomas West
Where Is God in a World with So Much Evil?, by Collin Hansen
See Jesus Ministries (Paul Miller)
Simply the Gospel: Resource Library

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

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The Pastor and Friendships Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

Real friendship is an irreplaceable gift from God. Without it we will struggle—and shrivel—as humans made for one another. Pastors know this, and yet ministry can be exceedingly lonely. In this episode, Garrett Kell joins Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst to discuss how a busy pastor can foster (and maintain) meaningful, life-giving friendships amid the complicated dynamics of ministry.

Recommended Resources:

Augustine of Hippo: A Biography, by Peter Brown
Made for Friendship: The Relationship That Halves Our Sorrows and Doubles Our Joys, by Drew Hunter
The Four Loves, by C.S. Lewis
Tim Keller on the Christian Life, by Matt Smethurst
Wise Counsel, by John Newton

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

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BONUS: Advice for Apologetics (with Wes Huff) Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

In a special crossover episode of The Everyday Pastor and Gospelbound, Wesley Huff joins Lig, Matt, and Collin to discuss the role of apologetics in pastoral ministry. How can pastors excel in giving a compelling reason for the hope within us—and train others to do the same? Drawing from both academic expertise and personal experience, Huff offers various cautions and tips for everyday pastors and believers. He shares examples of good apologists today, recommends books, and answers a lightning round of classic objections to the Christian faith.

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

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Live: Listener Questions! Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

How do you prioritize health? How do you stay sharp? Can you be friends with church members? How do you care for your wife? When’s a time you were wrong? How do you choose what to preach? And many, many more questions pastors may be asking.

In this special episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan answer listener-submitted questions, recorded live at TGC’s 2025 National Conference.

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

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Funerals Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

“Walk to a wedding, but run to a funeral.” So advised an older pastor to a young Ligon Duncan.

In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst discuss the powerful opportunity that funerals present to hold out gospel hope, as well as common pitfalls and practical advice for navigating dynamics surrounding the death of a loved one.

Recommended Resources:

Remember Death: The Surprising Path to Living Hope by Matt McCullough
Remember Heaven: Meditations on the World to Come for Life in the Meantime by Matt McCullough

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

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How to Care for Sufferers (with Joni Eareckson Tada) Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

Joni Eareckson Tada knows a thing or two about suffering. Ever since a diving accident left her paralyzed nearly 60 years ago, she has given eloquent testimony to the sovereign goodness of our Savior.

In this powerful episode of The Everyday Pastor, Joni joins Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan to share lessons she’s learned about enduring hardship, and practical advice for pastors who wish to care for sufferers well.

Resources mentioned:

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

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Weddings May 26, 2025

Show notes

Every pastor has the joy (at least usually it’s a joy) of officiating Christian weddings, which can be a beautiful picture of the gospel. In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst offer practical advice for stewarding these opportunities and making the most of a wedding weekend.

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

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Ministry Lessons from Tim Keller May 19, 2025

Show notes

Two years ago today, Tim Keller went to be with the Lord. Using Matt’s new book—Tim Keller on the Christian Life, published by Crossway—as a discussion guide, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst reflect on underappreciated teachings from Tim’s body of work.

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

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Women’s Ministry in the Church May 12, 2025

Show notes

Ministering to the women in our churches and equipping them to disciple one another is a privilege. But how can pastors do this well?

In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst welcome Melissa Kruger and Courtney Doctor to the podcast. They draw from extensive experience to discuss practical tips for cultivating a healthy women’s ministry in your local church.

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

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Why You Need Good Deacons May 05, 2025

Show notes

Show us a church with distracted elders, and we’ll show you a church without effective deacons. For better or worse, deacons are difference-makers in congregational life. But when it comes to this topic, too many churches are operating from custom and tradition—with Bibles closed.

In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan revisit the Bible’s job description for deacons, highlighting what these servants are (and are not) meant to do. Don’t underestimate this glorious office.

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

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