The Everyday Pastor

Spiritual warfare is real in ministry—but often misunderstood. Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan help pastors think biblically and pastorally about Satan’s schemes, the Spirit’s indwelling power, and how to resist discouragement while persevering in faithful ministry.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices by Thomas Brooks
The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall
The Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon
The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
The Work of the Holy Spirit by Abraham Kuyper
New Life in the Wasteland by Douglas F. Kelly
The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis

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What is true of Christ becomes true of us. Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan are joined by Sam Allberry to discuss his book One with My Lord: The Life-Changing Reality of Being in Christ and explore how pastors can recover the often overlooked doctrine of union with Christ and share it with their congregations.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
One With My Lord by Sam Allberry
By Faith, Not by Sight by Richard Gaffin

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One of a pastor’s primary responsibilities is not only to teach Scripture, but also to help his people learn how to read the Bible for themselves. Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan share how pastors can encourage their congregations to engage deeply with God’s Word, meditate on how he has revealed himself, and approach Scripture with obedience and joy.
Resources Mentioned:
A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation by Matthew C. Bingham
A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life by J. I. Packer
Before You Open Your Bible: Nine Heart Postures For Approaching God's Word by Matt Smethurst
The Message of the Old Testament: Promises Made by Mark Dever
The Message of the New Testament: Promises Kept by Mark Dever
Ryken's Bible Handbook by Leland Ryken, Philip Ryken, and James Wilhoit
Survey of the Bible by William Hendriksen

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A church budget is not primarily a financial tool, but a spiritual one. Jamie Dunlop joins Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan to discuss how pastors can encourage generous giving with theological clarity, and steward their church’s budget in a way that models trusted leadership and God-honoring faith.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Why Should I Give to My Church? by Jamie Dunlop
Budgeting for a Healthy Church by Jamie Dunlop
The Compelling Community by Jamie Dunlop
Love the Ones Who Drive You Crazy by Jamie Dunlop
 

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Pastors are expected to keep learning—just like doctors, teachers, and counselors. In this episode, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan unpack formal and informal ways to stay sharp: carving out daily reading, using journals and courses, attending conferences, leaning on study Bibles, pursuing study leave or targeted coursework (ThM/DMin), and even teaching as adjuncts. They also warn against using degrees as an escape from ministry and offer practical counsel for staying current on cultural issues while remaining focused on your flock.
Resources Mentioned:
TGC’s Themelios journal
TGC courses & pastors’ hub
The Carson Center at TGC
Study Bibles

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