
MARSCAST
Join the faculty of Mid-America Reformed Seminary as they discuss everything from theology to cultural issues from a Reformed perspective.
*The opinions presented in each episode are those of the individual speaker and do not necessarily represent the views of the Seminary.*
Latest episodes

Aug 17, 2023 • 18min
188. Pastoral Visitation: Troubled Youth
In today's episode, Rev. Paul Ipema continues his three-part series on effective pastoral visitation. Having already covered visitation with the elderly in our previous episode, Rev. Ipema now focuses on the important but often challenging task of visiting troubled youth within the church community.

Aug 10, 2023 • 16min
187. Pastoral Visitation: The Elderly
In today’s episode, Rev. Paul Ipema begins a new three-part series on pastoral visitation, visiting three different groups of congregants and how pastors, and others in the church, can compassionately support them through times of hardship. Today Rev. Ipema begins with the elderly.

Aug 3, 2023 • 30min
186. Corporate Chaplaincy
In today’s episode, we hand the reins over to Dr. Andrew Compton, who will guide us through an insightful conversation with Mid-America alumnus Rev. Tim McClymonds. Our focal point today is the world of corporate chaplaincy. As Dr. Compton looks at this topic with Rev. McClymonds, we'll explore how these dedicated individuals provide invaluable support, solace, and spiritual guidance to employees amidst the challenges of the workplace.

Jul 27, 2023 • 21min
185. What Can A Pope Teach Us About Pastoral Care?
In today’s episode, Rev. Paul Ipema takes us through the life and contributions of Pope Gregory the Great, a revered figure in Christian history, painting a vivid picture of Pope Gregory's influential
work, “The Book of Pastoral Rule.” Rev. Ipema discusses how Pope Gregory's words have transcended the centuries and continue to offer invaluable insights to contemporary pastoral caregivers. From the challenges of leadership to the delicate art of guiding and shepherding a diverse congregation, the principles laid out in “The Book of Pastoral Rule” remain as pertinent today as they were during Gregory's time.

Jul 20, 2023 • 14min
184. What Can Church History Teach Us About Pastoral Care?
In today’s episode, Rev. Paul Ipema, Assistant Professor of Ministerial Studies, gives us an overview of the connection between Church history and the practice of ministry today, particularly pastoral care. Teasing a deeper exploration, what he’ll do in this episode is set the stage for the forthcoming episode, centered around Pope Gregory the Great’s transformative influence on pastoral care.

Jul 13, 2023 • 21min
183. Assurance and the Fruit of Salvation
In today’s episode, Dr. Cornelis Venema concludes his series on assurance of salvation by examining the topic of the fruit of salvation and whether it can genuinely be considered a ground for one’s confidence and assurance of salvation. Can the visible evidence of a transformed life, the growth in godliness, and the bearing of spiritual fruit truly provide a firm foundation for one's assurance? Dr. Venema answers this question and more in today’s episode of Round Table.

Jul 6, 2023 • 23min
182. Assurance of Salvation and the Testimony of the Holy Spirit
In today's episode, Dr. Cornelis Venema delves into the second ground of assurance of salvation as outlined in the Canons of Dort, exploring the profound concept of the testimony of the Holy Spirit. What is the testimony of the Holy Spirit? How does it manifest in the lives of believers? What scriptural basis supports this doctrine? How does it contribute to our assurance of salvation? Dr. Venema provides insightful answers, clarifying misconceptions and shedding light on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit's testimony.

Jun 29, 2023 • 23min
181. Assurance of Salvation and the Gospel Promises
Welcome back to Mid-America Reformed Seminary's Round Table podcast. After a rejuvenating month-long hiatus, we are thrilled to be back, eager to bring you fresh and inspiring content that will stimulate your minds and nurture your souls. In today's episode, we are excited to introduce a captivating new series on Assurance of Salvation featuring Dr. Cornelis Venema, who will serve as our guide through this captivating exploration of the grounds of assurance. In this inaugural episode, he will delve into the very heart of the matter, focusing on the gospel promises that lay the foundation for our confidence in salvation.

Jun 1, 2023 • 17min
180. Priests, Popes, and Monks
In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange delves into the world of early Christianity, uncovering the origins of the papacy, the role of the clergy, and the emergence of monasticism. With a wealth of knowledge and deep insights, Dr. Strange takes us on a captivating journey through the early centuries of the Church, shedding light on the foundations that shaped its structure and governance.

6 snips
May 25, 2023 • 16min
179. The Councils of Ephesus and Chalcedon
Dr. Alan Strange, a scholar in early Christianity, illuminates the foundational Councils of Ephesus and Chalcedon. He discusses the intense theological debates that emerged from these gatherings, focusing on the conflict between Nestorius and Cyril of Alexandria over Christ's dual nature. The podcast reveals how these councils significantly shaped Christological doctrines and the legacy of thinkers like Augustine of Hippo. Strange's insights provide a captivating glimpse into the tumultuous history that influenced the Christian faith.