Podcasts · Religion & Spirituality · History

Polity Matters

Edburg, Nelson, Ratliff

149 episodes

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

Episodes page 1 of 3

  1. 147. ProtoPresbytery

    · 43 min · S4 E5

    Ben and Jared are joined by Lloyd Kim, coordinator of Mission to the World (MTW), as the RAO series continues through the committees and agencies of the General Assembly. Lloyd shares his path from Southern California…

  2. 146. Broker of Relationships and Resources

    · 43 min · S4 E4

    Ben, Jared, and Scott are joined by Stephen Estock, coordinator of the PCA's Committee on Discipleship Ministries (CDM), as the RAO series continues through the permanent committees and agencies. Stephen shares his…

  3. 145. The Utility Company of the PCA

    · 37 min · S4 E3

    Ben and Jared are joined again by PCA Stated Clerk Fred Greco to walk through Chapter 3 of the Rules of Assembly Operation, which covers the Stated Clerk. Fred explains what the job is and isn't: clerical rather than…

  4. 144. You're the Umpire

    · 53 min · S4 E2

    Jared Nelson and Scott Edburg are joined by Mel Duncan, moderator of the 53rd General Assembly, to walk through the first two chapters of the Rules of Assembly Operations. Chapter 1 covers calling the General Assembly…

  5. 143. A Chapter Called Fred Greco

    · 32 min · S4 E1

    Ben, Jared, and Scott welcome PCA Stated Clerk Fred Greco back to the show as they kick off a new season working through the Rules of Assembly Operation (RAO) -- the "yellow pages" section of the BCO appendices. Fred…

  6. 142. The USPS Error

    · 41 min · S3 E20

    With the Book of Church Order wrapped up, Ben, Jared, and Scott prepare listeners for the coming round of Presbytery meetings. The 53rd General Assembly sent seven BCO amendments to the presbyteries for advice and…

  7. 141. Nostalgic in the Least (BCO 63)

    · 21 min · S1 E82

    It is the end. Good bye. Bible Reading Plan Generator The Fullness of Grace by Stephen Yuille A Neglected Grace by Jason Helopoulos The Family Worship Bible Guide Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website:…

  8. 140. Very Opposites (BCO 62)

    · 27 min · S1 E81

    Discussion of the seven sections of BCO 62 on Days of Fasting and Thanksgiving. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters…

  9. 139. Scott, Take Care of It (BCO 61)

    · 31 min · S1 E80

    Ben, Jared, and Scott walk through Chapter 61 of the PCA Book of Church Order ("The Burial of the Dead"), discussing the theology and practicalities of conducting funerals and graveside services. They cover how to…

  10. 138. It’s Probably Our Fault (BCO 60)

    · 32 min · S1 E79

    Ben, Jared, and Scott discuss BCO 60 on the visitation of the sick. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters Facebook:…

  11. 137. Box of Chocolates Effect (GA Debrief)

    · 56 min · S3 E19

    Ben welcomes Fred Greco, Steve Tipton, and first-time commissioner RE Jonah Cleveland to debrief after the 53rd PCA General Assembly. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support…

  12. 136. Christian Nationalism with David Strain

    · 33 min · S3 E18

    In this episode, we sit down with David Strain to discuss the PCA's ad interim committee on Christian Nationalism. We explore the diverse definitions of the movement, the ethical challenges it presents in local…

  13. 135. AI AIC?

    · 57 min · S3 E17

    The guys are joined by Joshua Torrey, Frank Cohee, and Adam Parker to discuss the possibility of an Ad Interim Committee on Artificial Intelligence. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website:…

  14. 134. Nacho Libre Style (BCO 59)

    · 36 min · S1 E78

    Ben and Jared pair up to work through BCO 59 on the Solemnization of Marriage. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters…

  15. 133. One Big Beautiful Directory

    · 1 h 03 min · S3 E16

    Ben, Scott, and Jared sit down with members of the committee tasked with revising the PCA’s Directory for Worship: Nate Shurden, Joel St. Clair, and Chad Van Dixhoorn. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official…

  16. 132. Overtures 2026

    · 3 h 31 min · S3 E15

    Ben , Scott , and Jared are joined by friend of the show Alex Ford to tackle the massive slate of overtures for the 53rd General Assembly. This year, a record 90 overtures (89 new and one referred from last year) are…

  17. 131. Dinner Call (BCO 58 Part Two)

    · 32 min · S1 E77

    Ben, Scott, and Jared dive into BCO 58, exploring the constitutional requirements and practical nuances of administering the Lord's Supper within the PCA. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website:…

  18. 130. OPE (BCO 58 Part One)

    · 40 min · S1 E76

    Ben, Scott, and Jared dive into BCO 58, exploring the constitutional requirements and practical nuances of administering the Lord's Supper within the PCA. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website:…

  19. 129. This is a Very Good Vow (BCO 57 Part Two)

    · 20 min · S1 E75

    In this episode of Polity Matters, we walk through the last two sections of BCO 57: The Admission of Persons to Sealing Ordinances. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the…

  20. 128. The Water Must Be Wetted (BCO 57 Part One)

    · 24 min · S1 E74

    In this episode of Polity Matters, we walk through BCO 57: The Admission of Persons to Sealing Ordinances, focusing on how individuals—especially covenant children—are received into communing membership. We discuss…

  21. 127. Biblical and Adorable (BCO 56 Part Two)

    · 49 min · S1 E73

    In this episode, Ben, Scott, and Jared dive into BCO 56, walking through the theological and practical requirements for the administration of baptism in the PCA. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website:…

  22. 126. Celsius Shaped Hole (BCO 56 Part One)

    · 29 min · S1 E72

    In this episode, Ben, Scott, and Jared dive into BCO 56, walking through the theological and practical requirements for the administration of baptism in the PCA. Cherry Hill Bibles Send us Fan Mail Support the show…

  23. 125. Baptists Maybe (BCO 55)

    · 15 min · S1 E71

    In this episode, Ben, Jared, and Scott dive into BCO 55 in the Directory for the Worship of God. The men discuss the importance, biblical basis, and practical application of confessing the faith publicly within the…

  24. 124. Pearls of Wisdom From Rick Warren (BCO 54)

    · 29 min · S1 E70

    In this episode, Ben Ratliff, Scott Edberg, and Jared Nelson dive into the theological and practical implications of BCO 54, exploring how the PCA views stewardship, the tithe, and the role of offerings in the worship…

  25. 123. Loose Extemporary Harangues (BCO 53)

    · 42 min · S1 E69

    In this episode of Polity Matters Ben, Scott, and Jared dive into the Book of Church Order (BCO) Chapter 53, which outlines the church's doctrine and practice regarding the preaching of the Word. From the theological…

  26. 122. Polity Nerds Stick Together

    · 44 min

    Jeffrey Choi, a PCA pastor in Los Angeles, discusses the nuances of Overture 37, the role of women in the diaconate, and the implications for PCA polity. https://orchardla.org/…

  27. 121. Put the Cookies on the Bottom Shelf (BCO 52)

    · 43 min · S1 E68

    • Ben’s blog: https://www.pulpitmatters.com/ • Leading in Prayer: A Workbook for Worship – Hughes Oliphant Old A comprehensive guide for pastors and worship leaders on the theology and practice of public prayer.…

  28. 120. In the Shower or at Church (BCO 51)

    · 36 min · S1 E67

    Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters Facebook: Polity Matters Page Scott's Twitter Jared's Twitter Ben's Twitter

  29. 119. Lead My Sheep

    · 34 min

    Lead My Sheep at PCABookStore Jon on the Growing Togehter podcast https://www.howtotrainelders.com Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee…

  30. 118. In Your Vulgar Tongue (BCO 50)

    · 31 min · S1 E66

    Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters Facebook: Polity Matters Page Scott's Twitter Jared's Twitter Ben's Twitter

  31. 117. They May Have a Crock Pot On (BCO 49)

    · 34 min · S1 E65

    Time to talk about order in worship. https://www.pulpitmatters.com/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters Facebook:…

  32. 116. I Like Pulpits Too (BCO 48)

    · 50 min · S1 E64

    BCO 48: The Sanctification of the Lord’s Day Chantry’s Call the Sabbath a Delight Reflections on BCO 48 at Pulpit Matters Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show:…

  33. 115. Worship Vibes (BCO 47)

    · 1 h 04 min · S1 E63

    Give Praise to God Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters Facebook: Polity Matters Page Scott's Twitter Jared's Twitter…

  34. 114. Temporary Episode

    · 30 min

    Temporary statement adopted by the Third General Assembly to preface the Directory for Worship: The Directory for Worship is an approved guide and should be taken seriously as the mind of the Church agreeable to the…

  35. 113. Worship in the EPC

    · 53 min

    Go here to see resources from the EPC, including their Book of Order. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters Facebook:…

  36. 112. Worship in the OPC with Jonathan Cruse

    · 41 min

    What Happens When We Worship (Cruse) - Reformation Heritage Books The Directory for the Public Worship of God: The Orthodox Presbyterian Church Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org…

  37. 111. Directories and the ARP

    · 40 min

    Mark Ross and Ben Glazer join the guys for a discussion about the ARP and worship. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters…

  38. 110. Clarity is Part of Our Job

    · 34 min

    The guys are joined by Patrick Curles to discuss the Book of Common Worship. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters…

  39. 109. Women in the PCA

    · 1 h 00 min

    David Strain and Joshua Walker gather to discuss the role of women in the PCA. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters…

  40. 108. Instead of Ben a Loud Italian

    · 1 h 06 min

    FAQ w/Fred Greco Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters Facebook: Polity Matters Page Scott's Twitter Jared's Twitter…

  41. 107. Welcome Per Almquist

    · 35 min

    Scott and Jared spend some time with Per Almquist, a famliar name to the show. Buy Per's BCO Commentary Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee…

  42. 106. Just Let Them Go (BCO 46)

    · 44 min · S1 E62

    Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters Facebook: Polity Matters Page Scott's Twitter Jared's Twitter Ben's Twitter

  43. 105. Rise Out of the Taco Sauce (BCO 45)

    · 44 min · S1 E61

    Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters Facebook: Polity Matters Page Scott's Twitter Jared's Twitter Ben's Twitter

  44. 104. Officer Training w/David Hall

    · 35 min

    Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters Facebook: Polity Matters Page Scott's Twitter Jared's Twitter Ben's Twitter

  45. 103. Vacated (BCO 44)

    · 10 min · S1 E60

    Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters Facebook: Polity Matters Page Scott's Twitter Jared's Twitter Ben's Twitter

  46. 102. We Do Have a Time Limit (BCO 43)

    · 53 min · S1 E59

    Jared and Scott are joined by Art Sartorius to discuss Complaints. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters Facebook:…

  47. 101. Black Jeans & a Navy Blazer (BCO 42 Part 2)

    · 31 min · S1 E58

    Scott and Ben finish up BCO 42 (with a fair amount of help from Dr. Guy Waters). Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters…

  48. 100. Happy Birthday

    · 1 h 01 min

    Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters Facebook: Polity Matters Page Scott's Twitter Jared's Twitter Ben's Twitter

  49. 99. Never Know When a Party Breaks Out (BCO 42 Part 1)

    · 35 min · S1 E57

    Scott and Ben are joined Dr. Guy Waters to discuss the first five sections of BCO 42. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X:…

  50. 98. Pastor Could Ask His Dad (BCO 41)

    · 42 min · S1 E56

    Ben, Steve, and Jared discuss BCO 41. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Official Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters Facebook: Polity Matters Page Scott's…

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