For decades, Bryan Duncan’s voice has been a familiar sound in Christian music, from his days with The Sweet Comfort Band to his successful solo career. With 22 albums and hits like Love Takes Time, Duncan has always had a way of connecting with audiences. These days, however, he’s found a new way to reach people—through Nutshell Sermons, a daily dose of faith, humor, and raw honesty delivered in short-form messages online.
From the Stage to the Back Porch
The idea for Nutshell Sermons didn’t come from a burning desire to preach. In fact, Duncan admits he never wanted to be a preacher at all. “I started Nutshell Sermons as a podcast because I needed a second job,” he explains. “The Covid lockdown left most musicians without a gig, and I needed something that I could sit on my back porch and pontificate in short bursts.”
What started as a practical solution quickly became a passion. Having spent most of his career singing to strangers, Duncan saw an opportunity to speak directly to those who had been in the faith for years but felt like they were being left behind. “I was seeing a lot of disenfranchised church people,” he says. “They’d been around a long time, and it wasn’t like they hadn’t heard the sermon before. So I thought I’d do something encouraging for the back-row believers.”
Humor, Honesty, and “Lunatic Friend” Wisdom
Duncan’s signature humor—often self-deprecating and laced with sharp wit—shines in these mini-sermons. “I start most of my Nutshell Sermons with an irritant I have to deal with,” he says. “Then I try to work through it by arguing with myself in the scriptures.”
His approach isn’t overly theological. Instead, he sees himself as a relatable voice for those who feel disconnected from today’s church culture. “I just call myself your lunatic friend on the back row. It’s just you and me talking about stuff.”
While his commentary can sometimes resemble the classic “old man yelling at clouds” trope, Duncan insists there’s a purpose behind it. He wants to say things the way nobody else does, to give voice to thoughts many believers have but don’t always say out loud. “I mean, that’s kind of the point,” he says. “You’ve probably thought this the whole time but didn’t tell anybody.”
What’s on His Mind Now
With the chaotic state of the world, Duncan finds no shortage of material. “If you live in America, pretty much everything has been grinding your gears for the last few years,” he jokes. But Nutshell Sermons isn’t about politics. “I try to keep it like a moral inventory—what you’re dealing with in your own personal life.”
The Evolution of Christian Music
Having been a major figure in Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) for decades, Duncan has seen the industry change dramatically. When asked what’s missing in today’s Christian music scene, he doesn’t hesitate. “It’s evangelism,” he says. “In the early days, we were always singing with the unbeliever in mind. Now, it just seems like music designed for people who are already here.”
This shift troubles him. “Popular music thrives on giving people what they want to hear. Evangelism doesn’t quite do that. Maybe turning it into a business turns out to be unsustainable.”
Is Live Music Still in the Picture?
While Nutshell Sermons has become his second job, Duncan hasn’t completely left music behind. “I still do concerts,” he says. “I was in Europe last year, and I got together with my old band to record a song for the Reagan movie soundtrack.”
That said, full-time touring is no longer his reality—and he doesn’t mind. “The truth is, I don’t miss airports that much.” Still, his music remains a vital part of his journey. “I’m still writing songs, and you can hear songs that didn’t make the last record on Nutshell Sermons, as well as songs that didn’t get airplay.” With a catalog as deep as his, there’s always more to discover.
The Legacy of Bryan Duncan
For those new to Duncan’s music, he suggests starting with I Love You with My Life and I See You Watching Over Me. These songs capture his signature blend of soulful melodies and heartfelt messages—just as Nutshell Sermons captures his candid approach to faith.
As he closes out each Nutshell Sermon, Duncan left us with the same words: Be careful, be good, and be back. And I’ll always remember your name. I
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