The Everyday Pastor

What keeps a pastor preaching faithfully when ministry feels discouraging?

In this episode, H.B. Charles joins Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan to talk about expository preaching, sermon preparation, pastoral application, grief, perseverance, and why the power for ministry is still found in the Word of God.

From becoming a pastor at 17 years old to preaching through seasons of pain and pressure, H.B. offers wisdom and encouragement for pastors who want to faithfully “preach the Word” for the long haul.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

On Preaching by H. B. Charles Jr.

On Pastoring by H. B. Charles Jr.

On Worship by H. B. Charles Jr.

Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices by Thomas Brooks

Toward an Exegetical Theology by Walter Kaiser Jr.

Mark Dever's Application Grid

Come and See by Jonathan Pennington

If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more.

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Confessions of faith and church covenants can sound outdated—but they may be more important than ever. 

Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan explore the historic role of confessions, how they protect churches from theological drift, and why church covenants help Christians live together as a real spiritual family. They also discuss Christian freedom, doctrinal boundaries, and how pastors can wisely shepherd churches without demanding agreement on every issue. 

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

The Westminster Confession of Faith

Reformed Confessions of the 16th and 17th Centuries in English Translation by James Dennison

River City Baptist Church Members’ Covenant

The Wesley Covenant Prayer by John Wesley

If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more.

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How do you talk about Jesus when people don’t share your assumptions anymore?

Glen Scrivener joins Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan to help pastors navigate evangelism in a post-Christian culture. They explore how secular people are still shaped by Christian ideas, why believers shouldn’t feel embarrassed about their faith, and how leaning into Christian “weirdness” can actually open doors for gospel conversations.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

The Air We Breathe by Glen Scrivener 

3-2-1 by Glen Scrivener

Speak Life

Making Sense of Us by Glen Scrivener

If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more.

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What is the gospel—really?

In this episode, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan tackle the confusion surrounding one of the most important words in Christianity. They explain why the gospel isn’t self-help advice or vague spiritual encouragement, but the good news of what God has done in Jesus Christ to save sinners.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Before You Share Your Faith by Matt Smethurst

What Is Wrong with the World by Tim Keller

God Is the Gospel by John Piper

The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more.

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Should Sunday sermons be evangelistic—or focused on believers?

In this episode, 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 unbelievers to repentance and faith.

From cultivating an evangelistic culture to preaching about hard truths like hell with compassion, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for pastors who want their preaching to reach both the saved and the lost.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Making Sense of God by Tim Keller

The Air We Breathe by Glen Scrivener

Evangelistic Expository Preaching by Mark Dever

The Message of the Old and New Testament by Mark Dever

If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd to learn more.

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