Episode No. 001
How do you maintain your physical well-being? What methods keep your mind alert? Is it possible to cultivate genuine friendships within your church? How do you truly care for your spouse? When have you acknowledged your mistakes? And what inspires your sermon topics? These are just a few of the questions that many pastors wrestle with.
In this distinctive installment of The Everyday Pastor, hosts Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan address questions submitted by listeners during a live session at the 2025 National Conference.
A Timely Reflection
An experienced pastor once advised a young Ligon Duncan with these words: “Walk to a wedding, but run to a funeral.” In this discussion, the hosts show how the solemn occasion of a funeral can become a powerful moment to share the hope of the gospel, while also offering practical insights to navigate the sensitive matters that arise when a loved one dies.
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
Transcript
Matt Smethurst is the lead pastor at a Baptist congregation in Richmond, Virginia. In addition to shepherding his church, he co-hosts and produces the The Everyday Pastor podcast. A seasoned author on topics concerning Christian living and church ministry, Matt lives in Richmond with his wife and children.
Ligon Duncan, who earned his doctorate at the University of Edinburgh, serves as chancellor and chief executive of a respected theological seminary. He is also the president of another campus and holds a prominent professorship in systematic and historical theology. Active on the board of his coalition, Ligon continues to shape ministry through teaching and thoughtful leadership. He and his wife share their life with their adult children.
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