Best Matt Smethurst Podcasts (2025)

1
Matt Smethurst on Gospel-Centered Church Planting 17:12

5h ago17:12

17:12

Host Jeff Medders is joined by Matt Smethurst in this special episode of the New Churches podcast for a discussion on calling, culture, and convictions in church planting. Matt shares the story behind the launch of River City Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, and the power of a sacrificial team. They explore how a robust membership process, a c…

1
The Evangelistic Legacy of Tim Keller - with Matt Smethurst 37:55

3d ago37:55

37:55

In this episode host Nick Cady talks with Matt Smethurst about his new book Tim Keller on the Christian Life. Matt shares about his ministry journey, why Tim Keller’s legacy is still so valuable for the church today, and what he discovered while sifting through Keller’s sermons, books, and endnotes. They discuss Keller’s approach to contextualizati…

1
Episode 289 - MLB All Star Break, Should Pastors Use AI, and Jim Thorpe 49:47

1d ago49:47

49:47

Join the conversation as Matt and John talk about The All Star Break, Pastors and AI, and Jim Thorpe. 0:00- intro 9:41-sports 19:49- pastors and AI 42:30- today in sports 46:40- one thing https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/questions-pastors-using-ai/By Matt Harmon and John Sloat

1
BONUS: Advice for Apologetics (with Wes Huff) 1:27:10

3d ago1:27:10

1:27:10

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 …

1
Kyle Worley on Union with Christ for the Church Planter’s Soul 17:41

7d ago17:41

17:41

Host Jeff Medders is joined by Kyle Worley in this special episode of the New Churches podcast for a discussion on the surprising path that led Kyle to plant Mosaic Church in Richardson, Texas. Kyle shares how his pastoral heart for a specific people and place drew him into church planting, and how the doctrine of union with Christ has grounded and…

1
Episode 288 - Wimbledon, Smart Glasses, and John L Sullivan 49:28

8d ago49:28

49:28

Join the conversation as Matt and John catch up on the world of sports, discuss smart glasses, reminisce about this day in sports history, and share one thing they liked this past week. Article link: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/churches-smart-glasses/ 0:00 Intro 03:03 Sports update 11:35 Smart Glasses 40:45 This Day in Sports History…

1
Ronnie Martin on Renewal for Church Planters 17:29

14d ago17:29

17:29

Host Jeff Medders is joined by Ronnie Martin in this special episode of the New Churches podcast for a discussion on the importance of renewal in the life of a church planter. Drawing from his role in leader care at Harbor Network, Ronnie shares insights on avoiding burnout, cultivating spiritual health, and redefining productivity in ministry. Tog…

1
Episode 287 - Baseball Analytics, The Man Who Goes Unnoticed, and Honus Wagner 47:41

15d ago47:41

47:41

Join the conversation as Matt and John talk about baseball analytics, an article entitled "The Man Who Goes Unnoticed," this day in sports history, and one thing they liked this week. Article link: https://thedispatch.com/newsletter/dispatch-faith/jesus-mary-joseph-nazi-party-fatherhood-donald-trump-andrew-tate-2/ 0:00 Intro 03:45 Sports Roundup 16…

1
Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Discipleship in the Digital Age - with Brett McCracken 48:14

17d ago48:14

48:14

What does it mean to follow Jesus in an age of constant distraction and digital overload? In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady is joined by Brett McCracken — senior editor at The Gospel Coalition and editor of the new book Scrolling Ourselves to Death. Drawing inspiration from Neil Postman’s classic Amusing Ourselves to Death, this…

1
J.T. English on Discipleship That Builds the Church 17:18

21d ago17:18

17:18

Host Jeff Medders is joined by J.T. English in this special episode of the New Churches podcast for a discussion on the vital link between evangelism and discipleship in church planting. J.T. shares insights from his experience in post-Christian Denver, explains the importance of grounding new converts in sound doctrine, and introduces the Deep Dis…

1
Episode 286 - NBA Champions, State of the Bible - Human Flourishing, and Ken Griffey Jr 47:16

22d ago47:16

47:16

Join the conversation as Matt and John discuss the NBA finals, Human flourishing, and Ken Griffey Jr. 0:00- Intro 5:17-sports 15:55-human flourishing https://www.americanbible.org/news/state-of-the-bible/ 39:18- today in sports 44:05- one thingBy Matt Harmon and John Sloat

1
How God's Grace Meets Us at Rock Bottom: Ray Ortlund on Isaiah 57:15 38:02

24d ago38:02

38:02

In this episode, Nick Cady is joined by pastor and author Ray Ortlund Jr. to talk about how God's grace meets us in our lowest moments. Ray is the president of Renewal Ministries, and the pastor to pastors at Immanuel Church in Nashville. He is an Old Testament scholar, has taught as a professor, and was a contributor to the ESV Study Bible. Drawin…

1
Episode 285 - Author Interview with Matt Smethurst 51:53

29d ago51:53

51:53

Join the conversation for a fun and wide ranging conversation with the author of Tim Keller on the Christian Life Matt Smethurst. 0:00- intro 2:27-sports 12:45- Tim Keller on the Christian Life 40:12- today in sports 46:22- one thingBy Matt Harmon and John Sloat

1
Unlocking Scripture: Six Keys for Faithful Bible Interpretation - with Jon Nielson 37:50

1M ago37:50

37:50

Everyone who reads the Bible engages in interpretation whether they realize it or not - so how do we do it faithfully and well? In this episode, Pastor Jon Nielsen of Christ Presbyterian Church in Wheaton, IL joins to discuss his latest book, Understanding God's Word, the third installment in his Theology Basics series. John shares his background i…

1
Live: Listener Questions! 55:17

1M ago55:17

55:17

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 que…

1
Why Epistemology Matters More Than Ever - with Miles DeBenedictis 51:16

1M ago51:16

51:16

In this episode, Pastor Nick Cady interviews Pastor Miles DiBenedictus of Cross Connection Church in Escondido, California. Miles is a PhD student at Southern Seminary studying AI ethics, and in this discussion, they explore the topic of epistemology: what it is, why it matters, and how it affects everything from how we read the Bible to how we nav…

1
Funerals 26:05

1M ago26:05

26:05

“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 love…

1
Episode 284 - NBA Finals, State of the Bible Internationally, and Wilbert Robinson 52:00

1M ago52:00

52:00

By Matt Harmon and John Sloat

1
Episode 283 - Knicks fire Coach, Keller on the Christian Life Part 4, and Budge Patty 44:07

1M ago44:07

44:07

By Matt Harmon and John Sloat

1
After Chalcedon: The Role of the Early Church Councils for Evangelicals Today - with Matt Pursely 42:49

2M ago42:49

42:49

What is the enduring legacy of the early church councils, and what role should they play in the lives of Bible-believing Christians today? In this episode, host Nick Cady is joined again by Matt Pursely, Executive Pastor at Park Hill Church in San Diego, California and graduate of Westminster Theological Seminary with a focus on Historical Theology…

1
How to Care for Sufferers (with Joni Eareckson Tada) 1:03:11

1M ago1:03:11

1:03:11

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, a…

1
Episode 282 - Knicks, Tim Keller on the Christian Life Part 3, and Dan Carter 53:43

2M ago53:43

53:43

Join the conversation as Matt and John talk about the Knicks, Timmy K, and Dan Carter. 0:00-intro 5:42- sports 15:30-Tim Keller 42:50- today in sports 48:20- one thingBy Matt Harmon and John Sloat

1
Ministry in French Canada: Church Planting in Montreal, Quebec - with Sebastien Frappier 53:20

2M ago53:20

53:20

In this episode, Nick Cady in joined by Sebastian Frappier, to discuss his incredible journey from a professional acting career to planting a church in the highly secular city of Montreal, Quebec. Sebastian shares how a moment of spiritual emptiness led him to encounter Jesus through a Gideon Bible on Guadalupe Mountain in Texas. He reflects on his…

1
Weddings 23:33

2M ago23:33

23:33

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.…

1
Episode 281 - Papal Conspiracy, Tim Keller on the Christian Life Part 2, and Mike Schmidt 53:23

2M ago53:23

53:23

Join the conversation as Matt and John talk about the Papal sports conspiracy, Tim Keller on the Christian life, and Mike Schmidt 0:00- intro 3:12- sports 13:40- Tim Keller on the Christian life 42:07- this day in sports 47:42- one thingBy Matt Harmon and John Sloat

1
How Did We Get the Bible? Exploring the Formation of the Biblical Canon - with Shane Angland Th.M 53:39

2M ago53:39

53:39

In this episode, Nick Cady and Shane Angland tackle the critical question: How did the Bible come to be? They explore the formation of the biblical canon, addressing misconceptions, historical processes, and the theological significance of Scripture. From the Old Testament’s roots in God’s redemptive work to the New Testament’s apostolic authority,…

1
Ministry Lessons from Tim Keller 52:15

2M ago52:15

52:15

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.By Ligon Duncan, Matt Smethurst

1
Episode 280 - Knicks, Tim Keller on the Christian Life Part 1, and Giuseppe Farina 55:40

2M ago55:40

55:40

Join the conversation as Matt and John talk about the Knicks, Tim Keller on the Christian Life, and Giuseppe Farina. 0:00-intro 2:15- sports 16:00- Tim Keller on the Christian Life 45:20- Today in sports 52:35- one thing Podcast Page: https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/By Matt Harmon and John Sloat

1
What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit - with Dr. Alan Stoddard 46:50

2M ago46:50

46:50

What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Does it happen simultaneously with salvation, or is it a subsequent experience? How should our understanding of the baptism with the Holy Spirit shape our practice in the church? In this episode, Pastor Nick Cady is interviewed by Dr. Alan Stoddard about this topic. Alan is a pastor and church planter with ov…

1
Women’s Ministry in the Church 43:51

2M ago43:51

43:51

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 healt…

1
Episode 279 - Kentucky Derby, The Spiritual Problem of Being Overinformed, and Donutgate 56:03

2M ago56:03

56:03

Join the conversation as Matt and John talk about sovereignty over journalism, being over informed, and doughnutgate. 0:00- intro 9:45-sports 20:45- overinformed 42:45-today in sports 49:55- one thing https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/spiritual-problem-overinformed/ https://www.grace.edu/give-to-grace/give/…

1
Seeing Jesus in the Psalms through Hebrews - with Daniel Stevens 40:55

2M ago40:55

40:55

Daniel Stevens is Assistant Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Boyce College and author of Songs of the Son: Reading the Psalms with the Author of Hebrews. In this episode, Daniel shares how his accidental dive into Hebrews sparked a decade-long passion, revealing how the Psalms prophetically point to Jesus. We talk about the question of …

1
Why You Need Good Deacons 39:12

2M ago39:12

39:12

Show us a church with distracted elders, and we’ll show you a church without effective deacons. For better or worse, deacons are difference-makers in congregational life. But when it comes to this topic, too many churches are operating from custom and tradition—with Bibles closed. In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Dun…

1
Episode 278 - NFL Draft, State of the Bible in America, and Jerry West 54:05

3M ago54:05

54:05

Join the conversation as Matt and John talk about the NFL draft, state of the Bible, and the Logo. 0:00-intro and announcement 6:00- sports 21:35- state of the Bible 43:45-today in sports 47:45- one thing https://www.americanbible.org/news/state-of-the-bible/ https://www.grace.edu/give-to-grace/give/ Fund= Grace Fund Comment Box= V and S Pod…

1
AI & the Imago Dei: Considering the Potentials and Pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence from a Christian Perspective - with Paul A. Hoffman 45:05

3M ago45:05

45:05

In this episode, Nick Cady sits down with Paul Hoffman, pastor and co-author of a new book on artificial intelligence and its implications for Christian faith. Paul, joined by his co-author Sean O’Callaghan, an expert in transhumanism, explores the theological, ethical, and practical dimensions of AI. From its potential to advance Bible translation…

1
Working with Fellow Elders (Part 2) 30:07

3M ago30:07

30:07

Last week, we considered what elders are, biblically speaking, and which traits should characterize a candidate for the office. In this follow-up episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan get even more “nuts and boltsy,” discussing tips for working with fellow elders, leading elders’ meetings, establishing healthy cultural dyn…

1
Episode 277 - NBA Playoffs, A Quiet Revival in the UK, and Robin Knox-Johnston 49:54

3M ago49:54

49:54

Join the conversation as Matt and John talk about many various and sundry topics, including the NBA Playoffs, quiet revival in the UK, and Robin Knox-Johnston. 0:00- Intro 6:15-sports 16:50-UK revival 37:40- today in sports 42:50- one thing https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/quiet-revival-united-kingdom/ https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/rese…

1
How God is at Work in Ukraine - with Zhenya Chekushkin 38:47

3M ago38:47

38:47

Zhenya Chekushkin is a pastor from Western Ukraine and a longtime friend. Zhenya shares his unique story: growing up in a communist military family, coming to faith at 13, and now leading a church through the ongoing war in Ukraine. From the fall of the Soviet Union to the rise of evangelicalism and the current conflict, Zhenya offers a firsthand p…

1
Working with Fellow Elders (Part 1) 35:19

3M ago35:19

35:19

There are few greater gifts for a pastor than getting to serve with a godly band of brothers. But not every church has multiple elders—and not every elder team functions in a healthy way. In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan discuss what elders are, why every church should seek to have them, and what a pastor shou…

1
Episode 276 - The Masters, The Seven Sayings of Jesus from the Cross, and Jackie Robinson 48:59

3M ago48:59

48:59

Join the conversation as Matt and John talk about the Masters, Jesus on the Cross, and Jackie Robinson 0:00-intro 5:00- sports 22:01- 7 sayings of Jesus 38:45- this day in sports 44:48- one thingBy Matt Harmon and John Sloat

1
Team Vision: Church, Nations, and Practical Leadership for Planting Teams 39:41

3M ago39:41

39:41

Watch this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oG2Ou73OLvw Host Jeff Medders is joined by Vance Pitman, Matt Carter, and Jen Oshman for a final discussion on applying key essentials to church planting teams. They explore how a love for the church and the nations can be recognized in prospective team members and the impact this has on the plant. The …

1
The Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) - with Shane Angland 50:59

3M ago50:59

50:59

In this episode, Nick sits down in person with returning guest Shane to explore the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451), the fourth ecumenical council of the early church. Recorded live in Colorado during an Expositors Collective training weekend, this conversation traces the events leading up to Chalcedon, its theological breakthroughs, and its messy af…

1
Teach People How to Read Their Bibles 36:50

3M ago36:50

36:50

It’s the most important book in the universe, but it can also be intimidating. Many of our members may be discouraged to admit that their resolutions have sputtered out—again. As pastors, how can we prepare and motivate our members to dive into God’s Word for themselves? In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan share …

1
Episode 275 - College Basketball, Why Men Need Friendship not Accountability, and Hank Aaron 53:11

3M ago53:11

53:11

join the conversation as Matt and John talk about the final four, male friendship, and Hammering Hank. 0:00-intro 4:10- sports 18:15- male friendship https://www.digitalliturgies.net/p/why-christian-men-need-friendship 41:45- today in sports 48:06- one thingBy Matt Harmon and John Sloat

1
Practical Leadership: Leading with Purpose as a Church Planter 43:57

3M ago43:57

43:57

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8-bjst8WvJs Host Noah Oldham is joined by Matt Carter, Vance Pitman, and Mark Lee to discuss practical leadership in church planting. They explore the difference between practical and pragmatic leadership, the importance of vision casting, and the role of cultural fit in planting. The conversation als…

1
The Council of Ephesus (431 AD): Hypostatic Union, Nestorianism, & Theotokos - with Matt Pursely 33:29

3M ago33:29

33:29

In this episode, we continue our series on the first four ecumenical councils of the early church, diving into the Council of Ephesus (431 AD). Matthew Pursely joins us again to explore the theological debates surrounding Nestorius, the nature of Christ, and the implications of the hypostatic union—Jesus being fully God and fully man. We discuss ho…

1
When the Pastor's Family Suffers (with Garrett Kell) 33:09

3M ago33:09

33:09

Pastors are called to walk alongside suffering saints, but what about when the pastor is the sufferer? In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, pastor Garrett Kell joins Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan to share about a season of family hardship—and what it looked like to receive care from his church community. He testifies to the beauty of Christ’s …

1
Episode 274 - Final Four, Should Your Pastor Write a Book, and Dwayne McClain 49:57

4M ago49:57

49:57

Join the conversation as Matt and John talk about whether your pastor should write a book and give an update on the Bracket Challenge: 0:00 Intro 3:05 Sports Roundup 19:15 Should Your Pastor Write a Book 42:00 This Day in Sports History 45:52 One Thing We LikedBy Matt Harmon and John Sloat

1
The Nations: Engaged in God’s Global Mission 39:28

4M ago39:28

39:28

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UV41Zlw3uvs Host Matt Carter is joined by Tony Merida, Vance Pitman, and Trevin Wax to discuss the essential role of global missions in church planting. They explore why global engagement is a marker of a faithful planter, how churches can cultivate a heart for the nations, and the importance of partn…

1
The Council of Constantinople (381 AD) - with Matthew Pursely 43:17

4M ago43:17

43:17

How did the early church come to a clear understanding of who Jesus is and how the Holy Spirit relates to the Father and the Son? And why did it take more than one council to settle these questions? In this episode, I'm joined again by Matt Pursley, Executive Pastor at Park Hill Church in San Diego, CA, and an expert in historical theology. Last ti…

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