The Gospel Coalition

How to Handle Conflict and Controversy in Ministry [The Everyday Pastor - Ep. 46]

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. 🔗 MENTIONED ▫ When Martyn Lloyd-Jones Confronted a Pastor Who Loved Controversy and Denunciation by Justin Taylor – https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/evangelical-history/when-martyn-lloyd-jones-confronted-a-negative-pastor/ ▫ On Controversy by John Newton – https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/on-controversy ▫ The Multi-Directional Leader by Trevin Wax – https://www.amazon.com/Multi-Directional-Leader-Responding-Wisely-Challenges/dp/1733458581?tag=thegospcoal-20 ▫ Forgive by Tim Keller – https://www.amazon.com/Forgive-Why-Should-How-Can/dp/0525560742?tag=thegospcoal-20 ▫ The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit by Jeremiah Burroughs – https://www.amazon.com/Excellency-Gracious-Spirit-Jeremiah-Burroughs/dp/1573580244?tag=thegospcoal-20 Timestamps: 0:00 — When controversy dominates the pulpit 0:30 — Why conflict is inevitable in ministry 1:36 — Learning from pastors who handled controversy well 3:48 — The danger of a denunciation-driven ministry 5:23 — Contending for truth without loving controversy 10:12 — Tearfulness vs. triumphalism in theological conflict 13:09 — Wisdom for public vs. private engagement 14:53 — Cultural and prudential disagreements among leaders 20:20 — Lessons from denominational controversy 25:06 — Navigating conflict in the local church 29:16 — Personal betrayals and relational pain 32:36 — Forgiveness and repentance in pastoral ministry 34:43 — The danger of grumbling in church life 38:27 — Final counsel: Courage without quarrelsomeness ——— 🎁 Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at https://tgc.org/together 📫 SIGN UP for exclusive content and updates for pastors: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/pa... 🎧 Don’t miss an episode of “The Everyday Pastor” with Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan! ▫ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-everyday-pastor/id1772922853 ▫ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2oCDMJFvOI5P3yB2RlKhJy ✅ SUBSCRIBE: ▫ YouTube: / @thegospelcoalition ▫ TGC Updates: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/newsletters/