How to Stay Sharp As a Pastor
from The Everyday Pastor Hosted by Matt Smethurst, Ligon Duncan
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 journal TGC courses & pastors’ hub The Carson Center at TGC Study Bibles 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 this episode covers
Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan discuss how pastors can keep growing—through daily study, conferences, and even formal education—so they stay spiritually sharp, theologically grounded, and better equipped to serve their people.
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