How to Preach the Gospel

How to Preach the Gospel

Author: Matt Smethurst, Ligon Duncan June 8, 2026 Duration: 35:29
Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan tackle one of the most important questions in pastoral ministry: How do you preach Christ from all of Scripture?

What does it actually look like to lead a church, not in theory but in the daily grind? The Everyday Pastor digs into that question, moving beyond abstract ideas to focus on the tangible realities of ministry life. Hosts Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst bring a unique generational perspective to these conversations; Duncan offers wisdom drawn from nearly two decades of pastoral leadership, while Smethurst contributes the fresh, on-the-ground insights of someone who planted a church just three years ago. Their dialogue demonstrates how ministers from different backgrounds and levels of experience can faithfully apply scripture's timeless truth within our rapidly shifting cultural context. Each episode feels like a candid conversation between colleagues, tackling the practical challenges-from sermon preparation and pastoral care to administrative duties and personal spiritual health-that define vocational ministry. You’ll find this podcast is less about presenting easy answers and more about modeling a thoughtful, grace-filled approach to the complex work of shepherding a congregation. It’s a source of genuine encouragement and actionable insight for anyone invested in the life of the local church, offering a sense of solidarity and thoughtful reflection for the long haul of service.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 55

The Everyday Pastor
Podcast Episodes
Live: Listener Questions! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:17
Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan answer listener-submitted questions, recorded live at TGC’s 2025 National Conference.
Funerals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:05
Ligon Duncan and Matt discuss how funerals offer unique opportunities to share gospel hope, along with practical guidance and common pitfalls pastors face when walking with grieving families.
How to Care for Sufferers (with Joni Eareckson Tada) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:11
Joni Eareckson Tada 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.
Weddings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:33
Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst offer practical advice for stewarding Christian weddings, which can be a beautiful picture of the gospel.
Ministry Lessons from Tim Keller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:15
On the two-year anniversary of Tim Keller’s passing, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst discuss overlooked insights from Keller’s work, using Matt’s new book, 'Tim Keller on the Christian Life' as a guide.
Women’s Ministry in the Church [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:51
Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst talk with Melissa Kruger and Courtney Doctor about how pastors can effectively support and cultivate healthy women’s ministry in the local church.
Why You Need Good Deacons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:12
Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan revisit the Bible’s job description for deacons, highlighting what these servants are (and are not) meant to do.
Working with Fellow Elders (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:07
Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan discuss tips for working with fellow elders, leading elders’ meetings, establishing healthy cultural dynamics, and more.
Working with Fellow Elders (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:19
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.
Teach People How to Read Their Bibles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:50
Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan share practical tips for promoting a culture of biblical literacy in the local church.