Practicing church discipline is a vital biblical responsibility that’s often ignored in our modern age. In this episode, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst discuss what church discipline is (and isn’t), why healthy congregations practice it, and why it’s actually a form of love. Drawing from experience, they also offer advice for fostering a culture in your church where discipline will seem faithful, not foreign.Resources Mentioned:Is It Loving to Practice Church Discipline? By Jonathan LeemanWhat Should We Do about Members Who Won’t Attend? By Alex DukeUnderstanding Church Discipline by Jonathan LeemanChurch Discipline: How the Church Protects the Name of Jesus by Jonathan Leeman
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Preparing Members for Death and Heaven
Ministry is about a lot of things, but central to the task is preparing people to die and face their Creator. This is deeply challenging, though, in a death-denying age. In this episode, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst welcome Matt McCullough—a pastor in Nashville and the author of two excellent books, ‘Remember Death’ and ‘Remember Heaven’—to discuss how to shepherd God’s people to embrace their mortality, anticipate their heavenly inheritance, and make the most of their lives.Resources Mentioned:Remember Death: The Surprising Path to Living Hope by Matt McCulloughDoes God Love Everyone? (Church Questions) by Matt McCulloughRemember Heaven: Meditations on the World to Come for Life in the Meantime by Matt McCulloughThe Saints' Everlasting Rest: Updated and Abridgedby Richard Baxter, abridged by Tim Cooper
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Ministry to Children and Youth (with Jared Kennedy)
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 PeoplesDid the Resurrection Really Happen?, by Timothy Paul JonesGospel-Centered Youth Ministry: A Practical Guide, by Cameron Cole and Jon NielsonSame Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability, by Stephanie O. HubachThe Gospel Way Catechism: 50 Truths That Take On the World, by Trevin Wax and Thomas WestWhere Is God in a World with So Much Evil?, by Collin HansenSee Jesus Ministries (Paul Miller)Simply the Gospel: Resource Library
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The Pastor and Friendships
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 BrownMade for Friendship: The Relationship That Halves Our Sorrows and Doubles Our Joys, by Drew HunterThe Four Loves, by C.S. LewisTim Keller on the Christian Life, by Matt SmethurstWise Counsel, by John Newton
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BONUS: Advice for Apologetics (with Wes Huff)
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.
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.
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