MARSCAST

Dive into Augustine of Hippo's monumental work, where he navigates the tumult of Rome's downfall in 410 AD. Discover the intriguing distinction between the 'City of God' and the 'City of Man.' Learn how grace and divine predestination reshape our understanding of salvation. Explore the transformative alliance between the Christian church and the Roman Empire that shifted from persecution to acceptance. Dr. Strange provides compelling insights into how Augustine's legacy resonates with today’s church and culture.

Dr. Alan Strange, a church historian, dives into the life of Augustine of Hippo, a key figure in early Christian thought. He discusses Augustine's profound influence on concepts of grace, contrasting his views with those of earlier theologians and Reformation figures like Luther and Calvin. Listeners learn about Augustine's intellectual struggles, his transformative conversion experiences, and how his insights shaped Christian theology and ethics. The exploration reveals Augustine as a pivotal thinker bridging ancient philosophy and faith.

In this episode, Rev. Andrew Compton sits down with Rev. Phil Tjoelker (an alum of Mid-America) to discuss the important role of healthcare chaplaincy. Rev. Tjoelker draws on his experience as a chaplain in various healthcare settings to provide insight into the unique needs and challenges facing patients, families, and healthcare professionals in these contexts.

In this enlightening conversation, Brian Blummer, Director of Enrollment Management at Mid-America Reformed Seminary, shares his impactful experiences as a chaplain at Westville Correctional Facility. Alongside him, Paul Ipema, an Assistant Professor at the same seminary, discusses his journey through various prison ministries in Illinois and Indiana. They reveal the unique challenges of ministering to incarcerated individuals, the transformative power of faith, and the essential role of compassion within the prison environment.

Today's episode is all about chaplaincy - a profession that dates back centuries and plays a vital role in many institutions and communities today. Joining us today are Rev. Andrew Compton and Dr. Alan Strange, and together, they will guide us through the rich history of chaplaincy and provide insights into its contemporary function in the Presbyterian tradition. From its early roots in military and hospital settings, chaplaincy has evolved to serve diverse populations in various settings such as prisons, universities, and the corporate setting. Along the way, chaplains have faced unique challenges and opportunities. This episode will delve into the complex and multifaceted world of chaplaincy, exploring its history, purpose, and significance in our modern world.

Having addressed what family visitation is in the context of the church last time, in this episode, Rev. Paul Ipema will be exploring the dos and don'ts of family visits and some practical tips for pastors and elders on how to conduct them in a respectful and effective manner. So whether you're a church leader looking to improve your pastoral care skills or a congregant curious about what to expect from a family visit, stay tuned for an informative and thought-provoking discussion.

Today, we will be discussing an important topic in the realm of pastoral care - family visitation. As a pastor, one of the many responsibilities is to care for the spiritual well-being of the members of their congregation. While there are many ways to do this, family visitation is a key method used by many pastors to connect with their congregants on a more personal level. Family visitation involves pastors visiting the homes of their congregants to offer support, encouragement, and prayer. During these visits, pastors have the opportunity to get to know their congregants and their families better, which helps to build deeper relationships and foster a sense of community within the church. In this episode, Rev. Paul Ipema, our new Professor of Ministerial Studies here at the Seminary, will explore the reasons why pastors do family visitation, including the biblical basis for this practice and the benefits it provides to both pastors and congregants. Whether you are a pastor, a church leader, or a member of a congregation, this episode will provide valuable insights into the importance of family visitation in pastoral care.

Abuse is a painful and complex reality that affects many people in and outside the church. How can we, as Christians, respond to abuse in a way that honors God and brings healing and biblical justice to those who have been harmed? In this episode, Rev. Danny Patterson and Rev. Andrew Compton will explore some of the principles and resources that can help churches prevent and respond to abuse.

In today’s episode, Danny Patterson and Andrew Compton continue discussing the theme of abuse and the church. Today, they’ll be exploring some common forms of abuse that can occur and some warning signs to look out for. So if you’re part of a church community and interested in learning more about recognizing and preventing abuse, I hope you’ll stick around and listen to what these pastors have to say.

In today’s episode, we begin a sensitive and challenging topic that has affected many individuals and communities: abuse and the church. Rev. Andrew Compton is joined by Rev. Danny Patterson of Second Parish OPC in Portland, Maine. Rev. Patterson recently taught an interim course at the Seminary on this subject. In this introductory episode, Rev. Compton and Rev. Patterson will explore some of the complexities and challenges surrounding abuse within the church. They will explore recognizing and responding to such abuse in the weeks ahead.