For many years, Bryan Duncan’s voice has been a well-known sound in Christian music, from his days with The Candy Consolation Band to his profitable solo profession. With 22 albums and hits like Love Takes Time, Duncan has at all times had a means of connecting with audiences. Nowadays, nonetheless, he’s discovered a brand new option to attain individuals—by means of Nutshell Sermons, a day by day dose of religion, humor, and uncooked honesty delivered in short-form messages on-line.
From the Stage to the Again Porch
The thought for Nutshell Sermons didn’t come from a burning need to evangelise. In truth, Duncan admits he by no means wished to be a preacher in any respect. “I began Nutshell Sermons as a podcast as a result of I wanted a second job,” he explains. “The Covid lockdown left most musicians with no gig, and I wanted one thing that I might sit on my again porch and hold forth briefly bursts.”
What began as a sensible answer shortly grew to become a ardour. Having spent most of his profession singing to strangers, Duncan noticed a chance to talk on to those that had been within the religion for years however felt like they had been being left behind. “I used to be seeing plenty of disenfranchised church individuals,” he says. “They’d been round a very long time, and it wasn’t like they hadn’t heard the sermon earlier than. So I believed I’d do one thing encouraging for the back-row believers.”
Humor, Honesty, and “Lunatic Good friend” Knowledge
Duncan’s signature humor—typically self-deprecating and laced with sharp wit—shines in these mini-sermons. “I begin most of my Nutshell Sermons with an irritant I’ve to take care of,” he says. “Then I attempt to work by means of it by arguing with myself within the scriptures.”
His strategy isn’t overly theological. As an alternative, he sees himself as a relatable voice for individuals who really feel disconnected from right now’s church tradition. “I simply name myself your lunatic buddy on the again row. It’s simply you and me speaking about stuff.”
Whereas his commentary can typically resemble the basic “previous man yelling at clouds” trope, Duncan insists there’s a function behind it. He desires to say issues the way in which no person else does, to provide voice to ideas many believers have however don’t at all times say out loud. “I imply, that’s type of the purpose,” he says. “You’ve in all probability thought this the entire time however didn’t inform anyone.”
What’s on His Thoughts Now
With the chaotic state of the world, Duncan finds no scarcity of fabric. “In the event you reside in America, just about every thing has been grinding your gears for the previous few years,” he jokes. However Nutshell Sermons isn’t about politics. “I attempt to hold it like an ethical stock—what you’re coping with in your personal private life.”
The Evolution of Christian Music
Having been a serious determine in Up to date Christian Music (CCM) for many years, Duncan has seen the business change dramatically. When requested what’s lacking in right now’s Christian music scene, he doesn’t hesitate. “It’s evangelism,” he says. “Within the early days, we had been at all times singing with the unbeliever in thoughts. Now, it simply looks like music designed for people who find themselves already right here.”
This shift troubles him. “Common music thrives on giving individuals what they need to hear. Evangelism doesn’t fairly do this. Perhaps turning it right into a enterprise seems to be unsustainable.”
Is Stay Music Nonetheless within the Image?
Whereas Nutshell Sermons has develop into his second job, Duncan hasn’t utterly left music behind. “I nonetheless do concert events,” he says. “I used to be in Europe final 12 months, and I acquired along with my previous band to file a tune for the Reagan film soundtrack.”
That stated, full-time touring is not his actuality—and he doesn’t thoughts. “The reality is, I don’t miss airports that a lot.” Nonetheless, his music stays a significant a part of his journey. “I’m nonetheless writing songs, and you may hear songs that didn’t make the final file on Nutshell Sermons, in addition to songs that didn’t get airplay.” With a catalog as deep as his, there’s at all times extra to find.
The Legacy of Bryan Duncan
For these new to Duncan’s music, he suggests beginning with I Love You with My Life and I See You Watching Over Me. These songs seize his signature mix of soulful melodies and heartfelt messages—simply as Nutshell Sermons captures his candid strategy to religion.
As he closes out every Nutshell Sermon, Duncan left us with the identical phrases: Watch out, be good, and be again. And I’ll at all times keep in mind your identify. I
