There are few greater gifts for a pastor than getting to serve with a godly band of brothers. But not every church has multiple elders—and not every elder team functions in a healthy way.In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan discuss what elders are, why every church should seek to have them, and what a pastor should be looking for in potential elders.Recommended resources: Christ’s Call to Discipleship by James BoiceThe Elder and His Work by David Dickson“Want to Be an Elder? Start Eldering Now.” by Bobby JamiesonThe Path to Being a Pastor by Bobby Jamieson“On Transitioning to Elders - Part 2”
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35:19
Teach People How to Read Their Bibles
It’s the most important book in the universe, but it can also be intimidating. Many of our members may be discouraged to admit that their resolutions have sputtered out—again. As pastors, how can we prepare and motivate our members to dive into God’s Word for themselves?In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan share practical tips for promoting a culture of biblical literacy in the local church.Recommended resources: Matt Smethurst at Southern SeminaryBible Talk by 9MarksFor a full list of recommended resources on this episode, visit our website.
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36:50
When the Pastor's Family Suffers (with Garrett Kell)
Pastors are called to walk alongside suffering saints, but what about when the pastor is the sufferer?In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, pastor Garrett Kell joins Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan to share about a season of family hardship—and what it looked like to receive care from his church community. He testifies to the beauty of Christ’s body and the faith-fortifying role of pain, encouraging shepherds to remember that they, too, are among Christ’s sheep.
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33:09
The Praying Pastor
Every pastor affirms the importance of prayer and likely excels at it publicly, but consistency in private prayer is hard. And it isn't easy to foster a congregation-wide culture of prayer.In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan discuss practical tips for improving your prayer life—and the praying habits of your whole congregation. After all, a church that will be found faithful is a church that will be found praying.Recommended resources:A Way to Pray by Matthew Henry5 Things to Pray for Your Kids by Melissa Kruger5 Things to Pray for Your Spouse: Prayers That Change and Strengthen Your Marriage by Michael and Melissa KrugerI'm Praying for You: 40 Days of Praying the Bible for Someone Who Is Suffering by Nancy GuthriePrayers on the Psalms by David Calhoun (ed.)Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation by Don Carson
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37:35
How Pastors Should Lead (with Paul Tripp)
Leadership is an art, and many pastors get it wrong—sometimes with devastating results.In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Paul Tripp joins Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan to discuss how a pastor can lead well for the flourishing of the whole church. The conversation touches on the importance of fostering a healthy leadership community, the gift of limits, responding to criticism and praise, the difference-making role of gospel grace, and more.Recommended resources:Dangerous Calling by Paul David TrippLead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church by Paul David TrippInstruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul David Tripp
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.
USA