MARSCAST

In today’s episode, Dr. Andrew Compton concludes his series on teaching theology through fiction by engaging with author Richard Coffeen, a PCA pastor serving in the Chicago metropolitan area. Coffeen has penned an intriguing science fiction novel that, much like the works of Brian Godawa, blends narrative storytelling with Christian apologetics. However, Coffeen's imaginative tale takes readers on an otherworldly journey, exploring the concepts of space missionaries, uncharted worlds ripe for sharing the gospel, and a pastoral perspective on artificial intelligence. Coffeen's novel is titled The Discipling of Mytra and can be found here for purchase.

In today’s episode, Dr. Compton sits down with Brian Godawa, celebrated novelist and author. Their conversation dives into Godawa’s creative process in narrative storytelling and his unique approach of intertwining apologetics and a defense of the Christian faith, particularly in the gripping tale he wrote called Cruel Logic about a psychopathic philosophy professor. In their dialogue, Dr. Compton and Godawa look at how Christians can reconcile living in a world marred by darkness and evil with biblical teachings, examining the potential of fiction as an artistic medium to portray and communicate such realities.

In today’s episode, Dr. Andrew Compton introduces a rather fascinating topic that will carry us over into the next couple of weeks: Teaching and defending the Christian faith through fiction. In this first episode, Dr. Compton gives us an overview of how the concept of story is presented to us in Scripture, followed by the value of storytelling and how it’s been utilized by Christians over the centuries to communicate the message of the Bible to readers.

Could pastors be some of the most prominent Sabbath-breakers? In today’s episode, Rev. Paul Ipema asks, "How can we encourage pastors to honor the Lord’s will in observing the Sabbath?” How can congregations create a culture that supports their leader's need for rejuvenation rather than burnout? Tune in as Rev. Ipema brings practical wisdom to this question, an answer that, we hope, can bring more joy and fruitfulness to the callings of our pastors.

In today’s episode, Rev. Paul Ipema considers the responsibility of the pastor to read – a responsibility to not only feed his own spirit but also an activity that allows him to take what he's read to nourish his own congregation. So, whether you’re a faithful parishioner or a devoted shepherd, listen carefully to Rev. Ipema as he describes how reading can be an aid to your ministry and, as a congregant, help deepen your habits with engaging God’s Word.

You may be unfamiliar with the concept of mutual censure in the church. We're referring to the practice of open comments shared between leadership for the purpose of accountability and strengthening that leadership. Joining the podcast and beginning a new series on habits in pastoral ministry is Rev. Paul Ipema, Assistant Professor of Ministerial Studies, who will tell us more about it.

Is the Bible really God’s Word? In this episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach continues to explore John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion and his uncompromising view of Scripture. Dr. Beach will help us see through Calvin’s eyes why we can fully trust the absolute authority of God’s Word and how a right view of Scripture fuels vibrant spirituality.

Welcome to 2024 and the newly renamed MARSCAST podcast from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. You may be wondering about the new name: The Seminary podcast enters 2024 with a fresh name indicative of our reformatting of the show. We used to do a generic roundtable configuration of older episodes but have slowly transformed into episodes singularly highlighting one of our learned faculty members as they elaborate on doctrine, biblical theology, and cultural dynamics particular to their field of study. As we proceed through the year of our Lord 2024, our hope is that we provide refreshing content produced by our faculty and friends and that this will be of great service to you, your family, and your church. In this inaugural episode of 2024, Dr. Beach enters part 2 of a series he started on John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. In this episode, he briefly summarizes Calvin’s main purpose and approach in the opening chapters of the Institutes: to show that all people have a knowledge of God through creation and conscience and, therefore, are without excuse, but this knowledge is corrupted and insufficient for salvation.

In this final episode of the year of our Lord, 2023, Dr. Beach begins a multi-episode journey of taking us through the seminal work of John Calvin and his Institutes of the Christian Religion. He starts with part 1 to whet your appetite for when he picks it up again in February after we take a break in January. In this inaugural episode, he provides context to the Institutes, emphasizing the theological stakes and issues that Calvin will address in the 16th century.

In this final episode on the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Nick Lamme takes us through the implications for the Church today regarding identifying false teachers and provides encouragement, warning, and exhortation for Christians wrestling with this difficult passage. He concludes by reflecting on how understanding this sin should shape pastoral ministry.