Practical Effects of 'Big God' Theology

What practical difference does a high view of God’s sovereignty actually make in everyday ministry? In this episode, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst reflect on the doctrines of grace—often associated with Calvinism—and explore how a “big God” theology shapes assurance, prayer, evangelism, pastoral care, and suffering. They emphasize that God’s sovereignty is not a weapon for debate but a pillow for weary saints, a stabilizer in crisis, and a source of deep humility. From hospital rooms to anxiety, from Scripture’s storyline to church history, this conversation shows why knowing a sovereign, wise, and compassionate God is not advanced theology—it’s everyday hope. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Commentary on the Gospel According to John by John Calvin How to Care for Sufferers (with Joni Eareckson Tada) [The Everyday Pastor - Ep. 30] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Conflict is inevitable in pastoral ministry—but how pastors handle it shapes the health of their church. In this episode, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst explore theological controversy, denominational tension, and local church conflict, offering biblical wisdom for leading with courage, humility, and love. RESOURCES MENTIONED: When Martyn Lloyd-Jones Confronted a Pastor Who Loved Controversy and Denunciation by Justin Taylor On Controversy by John Newton The Multi-Directional Leader by Trevin Wax Forgive by Tim Keller The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit by Jeremiah Burroughs Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Spiritual warfare is real in ministry—but often misunderstood. 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.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices by Thomas BrooksThe Christian in Complete Armour by William GurnallThe Treasury of David by Charles SpurgeonThe Pilgrim's Progress by John BunyanThe Work of the Holy Spirit by Abraham KuyperNew Life in the Wasteland by Douglas F. KellyThe Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What is true of Christ becomes true of us. Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan are joined by Sam Allberry to discuss his book One with My Lord: The Life-Changing Reality of Being in Christ and explore how pastors can recover the often overlooked doctrine of union with Christ and share it with their congregations.RESOURCES MENTIONED:One With My Lord by Sam AllberryBy Faith, Not by Sight by Richard Gaffin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

One of a pastor’s primary responsibilities is not only to teach Scripture, but also to help his people learn how to read the Bible for themselves. 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.Resources Mentioned:A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation by Matthew C. BinghamA Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life by J. I. PackerBefore You Open Your Bible: Nine Heart Postures For Approaching God's Word by Matt SmethurstThe Message of the Old Testament: Promises Made by Mark DeverThe Message of the New Testament: Promises Kept by Mark DeverRyken's Bible Handbook by Leland Ryken, Philip Ryken, and James WilhoitSurvey of the Bible by William Hendriksen Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A church budget is not primarily a financial tool, but a spiritual one. Jamie Dunlop joins Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan to discuss how pastors can encourage generous giving with theological clarity, and steward their church’s budget in a way that models trusted leadership and God-honoring faith.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Why Should I Give to My Church? by Jamie DunlopBudgeting for a Healthy Church by Jamie DunlopThe Compelling Community by Jamie DunlopLove the Ones Who Drive You Crazy by Jamie Dunlop  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pastors are expected to keep learning—just like doctors, teachers, and counselors. In this episode, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan unpack formal and informal ways to stay sharp: carving out daily reading, using journals and courses, attending conferences, leaning on study Bibles, pursuing study leave or targeted coursework (ThM/DMin), and even teaching as adjuncts. They also warn against using degrees as an escape from ministry and offer practical counsel for staying current on cultural issues while remaining focused on your flock.Resources Mentioned:TGC’s Themelios journalTGC courses & pastors’ hubThe Carson Center at TGCStudy Bibles Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Suffering is not a glitch in the Christian life—it’s part of it. In this conversation, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan talk about how pastors can prepare their people to face pain with faith and endurance. They discuss what it means to view hardship through God’s providence, why the “victorious Christian life” often looks like just hanging on, and how preaching, hymns, and patient shepherding can help believers trust God when He seems silent.Resources Mentioned:When Pain Is Real and God Seems Silent by Ligon DuncanJoni Eareckson TadaMark Talbot, When the Stars DisappearJohn Piper, Don’t Waste Your LifePsalm 88; Psalm 40; 2 Corinthians 4; Romans 8; Genesis 50:20Hymns: How Firm a Foundation, Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul, Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many pastors enter ministry to preach and shepherd, not manage spreadsheets—but good administration is deeply spiritual work. Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan talk with Jamie Dunlop (Capitol Hill Baptist Church) about how faithful administration protects unity, supports preaching, and strengthens trust in the church. They discuss deacons, elders, executive pastors, and practical ways to build systems that serve people, not just processes. RESOURCES MENTIONED:The Compelling CommunityLove the Ones Who Drive You Crazy Budgeting for a Healthy Church Deacons by Matt Smethurst The Pastor and Counseling Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Every pastor wants a culture of care, but not every pastor feels equipped to counsel—much less to equip others to counsel one another. In this episode, Deepak Reju—a Delaware pastor who served for nearly 20 years as the counseling pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church—joins Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst to discuss counseling versus discipling, how to build a culture of lay counseling, advice for getting tooled up, tips for pastors who feel out of their depth, thoughts on medication and referrals, and more.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Cure of Souls by David PowilsonGood and Angry: Redeeming Anger, Irritation, Complaining, and Bitterness by David PowlisonHow People Change by Paul David TrippHow to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David BrooksInstruments in the Redeemer's Hands by Paul David TrippThe Art of Disagreeing: How to Keep Calm and Stay Friends in Hard Conversations by Gavin OrtlundThe Pastor and Counseling: The Basics of Shepherding Members in Need, by Jeremy Pierre and Deepak RejuJournal of Biblical CounselingNew Growth Press Minibook Counseling Resource PackCounseling Talk PodcastChristian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) Course  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.