The Everyday Pastor

How to Handle Conflict and Controversy in Ministry

Episode Summary

Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst offer pastoral wisdom for navigating controversy—urging leaders to contend for truth without becoming quarrelsome, to prioritize edification over denunciation, and to pursue unity with humility in both public and local church conflicts.

Episode Notes

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