

Polity Matters
Edburg, Nelson, Ratliff
A podcast on the foundations of Presbyterian Church government. Hosted by Scott Edburg, Jared Nelson, and Ben Ratliff.
Episodes
Mentioned books

4 snips
Mar 5, 2024 • 53min
26. Presbytery of Moderator (BCO 10)
We’re back, baby! It’s BCO season again and we’re kicking it off in chapter 10: Church Courts!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

Feb 27, 2024 • 33min
25. Animated By Our Apathy (Witherow's Practical Lessons)
The one in which we conclude our time with Thomas Witherow's The Apostolic Church.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

Feb 20, 2024 • 38min
24. I'm a Generous Grader (Application of the Test)
The one where we evaluate Witherow's evaluation of the three forms of church government. Who knew we'd be more generous than him? 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

Feb 13, 2024 • 35min
23. Christian Nationalism (Witherow's 6th Principle)
Not as much Christian Nationalism in this episode as you’d expect. Joshua Walker joins us to discuss Witherow’s final principle of the Apostolic church.Joshua is the pastor of Church of the Resurrection PCA in Flagstaff, AZ.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

Feb 6, 2024 • 42min
22. Sloth Pelican (Witherow's 5th Principle)
With no intention of fulfilling any of their new years resolutions, our three hosts work through Witherow’s fourth principle with the help of Rev. Jason Piland.Jason is the Associate Pastor at Redeemer Church in Hudson, OH.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

Jan 30, 2024 • 34min
21. You’re Not Smart Enough, Ben (Witherow’s 4th Principle)
We are pleased to be joined by Job Dalmoba today as we discuss the fourth principle of the apostolic church: ordination is the act of the presbytery–a plurality of elders.Job is the Pastor at Christ Covenant PCA in Woodstock, Georgia. 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

Jan 23, 2024 • 36min
20. You're Not Alone (Witherow's 3rd Principle)
Welcome to RE Joshua Torrey and apologies that we subjected him to a new game before discussing the third principle of the apostolic church: in each church there ought to be a plurality of elders.Josh is a ruling elder at Redeemer Pres in Austin, TX. You can find him on Twitter @JoshuaTorrey.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

5 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 44min
19. A Dungeon No One Would Ever Want to Be In (Witherow's 2nd Principle)
Jim McCarthy, Senior Pastor of Trinity PCA in Statesboro, GA, brings his insights on church governance with a focus on Witherow's second principle that bishops and elders are essentially the same. He shares his experiences as a new pastor, shedding light on the complexities of church leadership and identity. The conversation navigates the humor in home renovations, while also diving into serious discussions about scripture's implications for church authority, identity, and the interconnected roles within ecclesiastical structures.

5 snips
Jan 9, 2024 • 50min
18. Trying to Claim Apostolic Authority (Witherow's 1st Principle)
Jacob Gerber, pastor of Harvest PCA Church, joins to unravel the complexities of church governance. They dive into Thomas Witherow's principle that church leaders should be chosen by the community. The hosts debate the biblical practice of casting lots for appointments versus modern selection methods. Engaging anecdotes highlight the importance of congregational input and explore the roles of apostles, bishops, and deacons. With humor and theological insight, they tackle the ongoing challenges in navigating church authority and the governance landscape.

Jan 2, 2024 • 33min
17. Before the Book (Witherow's Statement of the Question)
Delve into the nuances of church governance as hosts explore the essential and non-essential doctrines in Christianity. A ship metaphor illustrates how all teachings, big and small, uphold the faith. Discover the importance of scriptural foundations in various governance models, from prelacy to presbytery. The conversation emphasizes how proper governance can shape spiritual maturity and ensure the church's vitality for future generations, setting the stage for deeper engagement with The Apostolic Church's principles.


