How to Use Confessions and Church Covenants in Ministry

How to Use Confessions and Church Covenants in Ministry

Author: Matt Smethurst, Ligon Duncan May 11, 2026 Duration: 33:42
Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan make the case for recovering confessions of faith and church covenants as practical pastoral tools for discipleship, unity, and church health.

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
Planting a Church [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:37
Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan discuss the joys, challenges, and realities of church planting.
How to Preach the Gospel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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?
The Power of the Pulpit (with H. B. Charles, Jr.) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:39
H.B. Charles, Jr. shares why faithful preaching still changes lives—and how pastors can endure the weekly grind of ministry with confidence in the power of God’s Word.
What Is the Gospel? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:04
If pastors don’t define the gospel clearly, they risk losing it entirely. This conversation offers a simple, biblical framework to help you preach and share the gospel with clarity and confidence.
How to Preach Evangelistically (with Garrett Kell) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:05
Matt Smethurst, Ligon Duncan, and Garrett Kell tackle a false dichotomy: faithful preaching should do both. They explore how pastors can preach in a way that honors God, builds up the church, and clearly calls unbeliever…
Practical Effects of 'Big God' Theology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:15
Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst discuss how a “big God” theology—especially the doctrines of grace and God’s sovereignty—brings deep pastoral comfort, fuels humility, strengthens assurance, and stabilizes believers in su…
How to Handle Conflict and Controversy in Ministry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:22
Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst offer pastoral wisdom for navigating controversy—urging leaders to contend for truth without becoming quarrelsome, to prioritize edification over denunciation, and to pursue unity with hum…
Spiritual Warfare in Ministry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:29
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.
Teach People How to Read Their Bibles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:37
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.