Austin W. Duncan

Crosswalk Church
Brentwood, Tennessee 37027
(615) 373-1590

• Education: Bethel University: Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Theology/Theological Studies (Jan 2022 – Jan 2028) | The Art Institutes: Master of Arts (M.A.), Design and Media Management (Aug 2014 – May 2018) | Villanova University: Advanced Master’s Certification, Strategic Project Management (Oct 2016 – May 2017) | Texas Tech University: Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Studio Art with a concentration in Digital Printmaking and an emphasis in Photography (Aug 2009 – May 2014) |
• Experience: Associate Pastor: Crosswalk Church (Jul 2021 – Present) | Communications Director: Crosswalk Church (May 2018 – Jul 2021) | Project Manager/Digital Strategist: Smooth Fusion (May 2016 – Sep 2017) | Web Developer & Graphic Designer: GriffinWink Advertising (Nov 2014 – Jan 2016) | Graphic Designer: Central Church (Aug 2014 – Nov 2014) | Graphic Design Intern: Central Church (Jun 2013 – Aug 2013)
• Comment to those looking at my sermons: My aim is simple: open the text, explain what it says, show why it matters, and call us to respond to Christ.
• Sermon or series that made a difference: “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” — Jonathan Edwards Pressed the weight of judgment and the need for mercy; drove me to Christ, not self-reform. “The Method of Grace” — George Whitefield: New birth and true repentance, preached with urgency. “That’s My King” — S. M. Lockridge: Rapid-fire exaltation of Christ; often quoted. “He Is Precious” — Charles Spurgeon: Christ’s worth from 1 Peter 2:7. “Who Is Jesus?” — Billy Graham: Clear gospel call centered on Christ’s identity. “The Cross” — Billy Graham: Why the cross stands at the center of Christian faith. “Shocking Youth Message” — Paul Washer: Repentance and true conversion; widely discussed. “Don’t Waste Your Life” — John Piper (OneDay 2000): Live for Christ’s glory, not small aims. “Lukewarm and Loving It” — Francis Chan: Revelation 3 and wholehearted discipleship. “But If Not” — Alistair Begg: Daniel 3 and trusting God without guarantees. “Homilies on Matthew” — John Chrysostom: Verse-by-verse preaching with pastoral application. “Sermons on the Psalms” — Augustine: Prayer, praise, and doctrine woven through the Psalms.
• Family: Husband to Cassy since 2016.
• What my parents think of my sermons: “In spite of us,” my parents say with a smile. I disagree. God used them in key ways. My mom says she listens and relistens because there’s always more to hear; with so much in each message, the second pass pays off. I’m grateful—they keep me honest and encouraged.
• What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: Her words: She enjoys listening and thinks I have a gift for sharing God’s Word. My words: She hears plenty of my rants and mini-sermons at home, so having a time limit in the pulpit is a blessing.
• Best advice given to me about preaching: You won’t please everyone. Trying to do so only frustrates most people. Be faithful to what the Lord has put on your heart and preach the Word.
• Books that have had an impact: The Bible — Daily reading plan + one book studied deeply each quarter. Knowing God — J. I. Packer. Holiness, love, and adoption with clear doctrine. The Holiness of God — R. C. Sproul. God’s holiness and our sin, plainly taught. Mere Christianity — C. S. Lewis. The core claims and their logic. The Reason for God — Tim Keller. Hard questions; patient answers. The Master Plan of Evangelism — Robert Coleman. Jesus’ pattern for discipleship. Life Together — Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Community, confession, and prayer. The Confessions — Augustine. Sin, grace, and a life turned to God. Pilgrim’s Progress — John Bunyan. Christian growth in story form.
• Hobbies: I play guitar, but mostly rock/metal. I’ll jump in for worship when needed. I read widely in Scripture, theology, spiritual formation, and biography, keeping notes I can use later. I also hike with Cassy on local trails - it's an awesome way to enjoy creation and just simply spend time together without a clock.
• If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: Don’t miss the main things: love the Lord your God with all your heart, love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37–39), and make disciples of Jesus (Matthew 28:18–20). Don’t get lost in details and forget obedience, love, and mission.
• What I want on my tombstone: Loved God. Loved people. Made disciples.

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