Polity Matters

Fred Greco, Pastor of Christ Church Katy, TX and PCA General Assembly moderator, dives deep into the characteristics of teaching elders in church governance. He discusses their crucial roles in preaching, administering sacraments, and the specifics of church plant authority. The conversation highlights the limitations of evangelists, especially in foreign missions, and the dynamics of member admission and removal. Greco emphasizes the vital functions of ruling and teaching elders for fostering a thriving church community.

The first annual Polity Matters Holiday Gift Guide is here! And also the guys are joined by TE Fred Greco to discuss BCO 8 on The Elder.BCO onlineFred is the pastor of Christ Church Katy, TX. Witherow’s Apostolic Church (series in January) Presbyterianism by Samuel MillerZebra double-ended highlightersJacob Gerber’s Parliamentary Procedure for PresbytersJames Bannerman's The Church of ChristWitherow's I Will Build My ChurchESV Creeds and Confessions BibleCoffee subscriptionRoberts Rules of Order computer program from amlegal.comBCO (don't forget the binder) and an outdated commentary The Minutes and Papers of the Westminster Assembly, 1643-1653 (way more than $1000) 18th Century barristers wig for Polity LarpingCherry Hill BiblesSend us a text message! (but bear in mind the we can't see who sends it unless you tell us...)Support the showScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Jared sits down with RE Howie Donahoe to discuss churchmanship, including GA moderating all the way to how to write an overture.Send us a text message! (but bear in mind the we can't see who sends it unless you tell us...)Support the showScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Steve Tipton, pastor of Covenant PCA in Panama City and an editor at Presbyterian Polity, dives deep into the roles of church officers in BCO 7. He discusses the structure of modern church offices, comparing them to the extraordinary roles in the Apostolic Age. The conversation highlights crucial distinctions between teaching and ruling elders, alongside the roles of deacons. Tipton emphasizes collaboration in governance, clarifying the importance of defined roles and the historical context that shapes today's church leadership.

The hosts kick things off with entertaining wedding officiating tales and a light-hearted debate over one of their pets. They dive into the role of children in the church covenant, highlighting the importance of prayer during family ceremonies. The conversation shifts to the rights of commuting vs. non-commuting church members, examining protections for children. The nuances of baptism for believers' kids and the obligations of church elders are thoroughly discussed. They wrap up by emphasizing the vital role of church membership in fostering community and spiritual development.

Matt Bradley, Pastor of All Saints Presbyterian Church, and Ben Kappers, Pastor of All Saints Reformed Church, share their insights on the challenges and joys of mission churches. They discuss the delicate balance of welcoming new leaders while ensuring the church's health. Personal journeys highlight the importance of community engagement and leadership development. With anecdotes from church planting, they emphasize the significance of building strong foundations and collaborative leadership in establishing a thriving church community.

Stephen Spinnenweber, a senior pastor known for his leadership at Westminster Presbyterian Church, and Jeremy Byrd, a dedicated pastor studying church planting, join the discussion. They delve into the intricacies of church organization, focusing on mission churches and their transition to self-sustaining congregations. The duo shares insights on leadership challenges, governance structures, and the vital collaboration needed between local churches and presbyteries. Plus, a fun quiz brings humor and camaraderie to the conversation!

Dive into a riveting discussion about biblical authorship, with a bold stance on the book of Hebrews. Unpack the complexities of church governance, particularly through BCO chapter 4. Explore the vital role of community in worship, emphasizing how collective practices influence personal faith. Discover distinctions between particular and local churches, and unravel the intricacies of Presbyterian governance models. Finally, learn about unique worship practices within the Reformed tradition, including the significance of sacraments and special observances.

Dive into the fascinating dynamics of church power and governance, where authority stems from Christ and not individuals. Explore the distinct roles of church and state, examining its spiritual independence and moral issues. Discover the historical ties between Presbyterianism and parachurch ministries, emphasizing collaboration for a unified mission. Unpack the church's role as God's primary arena of engagement with the world, along with the implications of ecclesiastical governance. Join in as the conversation fosters a thriving sense of community.

Dive into a lively trivia game where the team matches Puritan quotes with modern PCA tweets, showcasing the blend of historical thought and today's social media. Explore the distinction between the visible and invisible church, emphasizing the importance of unity despite denominational differences. The conversation highlights what defines a 'true' church and the significance of structured dialogue among leaders. Discover the inclusion of children in the covenant while reflecting on church governance and the value of community.