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 McCullough

Does God Love Everyone? (Church Questions) by Matt McCullough

Remember Heaven: Meditations on the World to Come for Life in the Meantime by Matt McCullough

The Saints' Everlasting Rest: Updated and Abridgedby Richard Baxter, abridged by Tim Cooper

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 Peoples
• Did the Resurrection Really Happen?, by Timothy Paul Jones
• Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry: A Practical Guide, by Cameron Cole and Jon Nielson
• Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability, by Stephanie O. Hubach
• The Gospel Way Catechism: 50 Truths That Take On the World, by Trevin Wax and Thomas West
• Where Is God in a World with So Much Evil?, by Collin Hansen
• See Jesus Ministries (Paul Miller)
• Simply the Gospel: Resource Library

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 Brown
• Made for Friendship: The Relationship That Halves Our Sorrows and Doubles Our Joys, by Drew Hunter
• The Four Loves, by C.S. Lewis
• Tim Keller on the Christian Life, by Matt Smethurst
• Wise Counsel, by John Newton

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.

How do you prioritize health? How do you stay sharp? Can you be friends with church members? How do you care for your wife? When’s a time you were wrong? How do you choose what to preach? And many, many more questions pastors may be asking.

In this special episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan answer listener-submitted questions, recorded live at TGC’s 2025 National Conference.

“Walk to a wedding, but run to a funeral.” So advised an older pastor to a young Ligon Duncan.

In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst discuss the powerful opportunity that funerals present to hold out gospel hope, as well as common pitfalls and practical advice for navigating dynamics surrounding the death of a loved one.

Recommended Resources:

• Remember Death: The Surprising Path to Living Hope  by Matt McCullough
• Remember Heaven: Meditations on the World to Come for Life in the Meantime  by Matt McCullough

Joni Eareckson Tada knows a thing or two about suffering. Ever since a diving accident left her paralyzed nearly 60 years ago, she has given eloquent testimony to the sovereign goodness of our Savior.

In this powerful episode of The Everyday Pastor, Joni 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.

Resources mentioned:

• Joni and Friends
• Songs of Suffering: 25 Hymns and Devotions for Weary Souls by Joni Eareckson Tada
• The Practice of the Presence of Jesus: Daily Meditations on the Nearness of Our Savior 
• Joni: An Unforgettable Story
• Joni and Ken: An Untold Love Story
• Diamonds in the Dust: 366 Sparkling Devotions
• When God Weeps: Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty

Every pastor has the joy (at least usually it’s a joy) of officiating Christian weddings, which can be a beautiful picture of the gospel. In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst offer practical advice for stewarding these opportunities and making the most of a wedding weekend.

Two years ago today, Tim Keller went to be with the Lord. Using Matt’s new book—Tim Keller on the Christian Life, published by Crossway—as a discussion guide, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst reflect on underappreciated teachings from Tim’s body of work.

Ministering to the women in our churches and equipping them to disciple one another is a privilege. But how can pastors do this well?

In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst welcome Melissa Kruger and Courtney Doctor to the podcast. They draw from extensive experience to discuss practical tips for cultivating a healthy women’s ministry in your local church.