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Polity Matters
Edburg, Nelson, Ratliff
A podcast on the foundations of Presbyterian Church government. Hosted by Scott Edburg, Jared Nelson, and Ben Ratliff.
- 20 episodes
- Avg 44 min
- English
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- PMS1 · E81August 4 · 27 min
140. Very Opposites (BCO 62)
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 Facebook: Polity Matters Page Scott's Twitter Jared's Twitter Ben's Twitter
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- PMS1 · E80July 21 · 30 min
139. Scott, Take Care of It (BCO 61)
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 balance worshipping God with comforting the living, navigate sensitive pastoral situations like cremation and services for unbelievers, and train ministry interns in funeral care. Referenced Links & External Resources Leading in Worship by Terry L. Johnson: Liturgical resource cited for graveside committal services. Article by Steven Spinnenweber: Article (and accompanying sermon) on preaching the gospel clearly while conducting his sister's funeral. The Book of Common Prayer (1662 & 1979 editions): Historical liturgical references for burial orders. Matthew Henry's Deathbed Reflection. Upon his death bed, Matthew Henry wrote this note to his loved ones, to be read when he had passed. “Would you like to know where I am? I am at home in my Father's house, in the mansions prepared for me here. I am where I want to be – no longer on the stormy sea, but in God's safe, quiet harbor. My sowing time is done and I am reaping: my joy is as the joy of harvest. Would you like to know how it is with me? I am made perfect in holiness. Grace is swallowed up in glory. Would you like to know what I am doing? I see God, not as through a glass darkly, but face to face. I am engaged in the sweet enjoyment of my precious Redeemer. I am singing hallelujahs to Him who sits upon the throne, and am constantly praising Him. Would you know what blessed company I keep? It is better than the best on earth. Here are the holy angels and the spirits of just men made perfect...I am with many of my old acquaintances with whom I worked and prayed, and who have come here before me. Lastly, would you know how long this will continue? It is dawn that never fades! After millions and millions of ages, it will be as fresh as it is now. Therefore, weep not for me!” 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
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- PMS1 · E79July 7 · 31 min
138. It’s Probably Our Fault (BCO 60)
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: Polity Matters Page Scott's Twitter Jared's Twitter Ben's Twitter
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- PMS3 · E19June 30 · 56 min
137. Box of Chocolates Effect (GA Debrief)
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 the Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters Facebook: Polity Matters Page Scott's Twitter Jared's Twitter Ben's Twitter
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- PMS3 · E18June 16 · 33 min
136. Christian Nationalism with David Strain
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 congregations, and the committee's approach to providing pastoral counsel. 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
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- PMS3 · E17June 9 · 57 min
135. AI AIC?
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: 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
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- PMS1 · E78June 2 · 36 min
134. Nacho Libre Style (BCO 59)
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 Facebook: Polity Matters Page Scott's Twitter Jared's Twitter Ben's Twitter
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- PMS3 · E16May 26 · 1 hr 2 min
133. One Big Beautiful Directory
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 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
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- PMS3 · E15May 15 · 3 hr 31 min
132. Overtures 2026
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 on the docket, covering everything from the diaconate to artificial intelligence. 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
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- PMS1 · E77May 12 · 31 min
131. Dinner Call (BCO 58 Part Two)
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: 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
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- PMS1 · E76May 5 · 40 min
130. OPE (BCO 58 Part One)
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: 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
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- PMS1 · E75April 28 · 19 min
129. This is a Very Good Vow (BCO 57 Part Two)
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 Show: Buy Me a Coffee Twitter/X: @PolityMatters Facebook: Polity Matters Page Scott's Twitter Jared's Twitter Ben's Twitter
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- PMS1 · E74April 21 · 23 min
128. The Water Must Be Wetted (BCO 57 Part One)
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 pastoral practice, the role of the session, and the meaning of the membership vows. Along the way, we explore how the church faithfully shepherds people toward the Lord’s Table. PCA Book of Church Order (BCO): https://www.pcaac.org/bco/ The OPC Book of Church Order: https://opc.org/bco.html Stephen Smallman’s Understanding the Session (and other resources): https://www.pcabookstore.com/ 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
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- PMS1 · E73April 14 · 48 min
127. Biblical and Adorable (BCO 56 Part Two)
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: 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
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- PMS1 · E72April 7 · 29 min
126. Celsius Shaped Hole (BCO 56 Part One)
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 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
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- PMS1 · E71March 31 · 14 min
125. Baptists Maybe (BCO 55)
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 local congregation. Resources & Links: PCA Book of Church Order (BCO): Read the full text of Chapter 55. The Westminster Standards: Explore the Confession of Faith and the Shorter and Larger Catechisms. Trinity Psalter Hymnal: The hymnal discussed by the hosts for its inclusion of creeds and confessions. The Christian Tradition by Jaroslav Pelikan: The magisterial 5-volume history of the development of doctrine referenced in the episode. 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
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S1 · E70March 24 · 29 min124. Pearls of Wisdom From Rick Warren (BCO 54)
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 service. From the "floor" of the tithe to the humor of "gerbil mascots," the team breaks down what it means to acknowledge God as the owner of all things. General Assembly 2026 (Louisville, KY) Dates: June 22–26, 2026. Official GA Website: pcaga.org — Use this for registration and the official information booklet. Registration: Register Here (Registration for commissioners and exhibitors is currently open). GA Schedule & Docket: View the 2026 Schedule. Host Resources Mentioned Ben’s Blog: Pulpit Matters. Overture Tracking: BCO Amendment Tracker 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
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- PMS1 · E69March 17 · 42 min
123. Loose Extemporary Harangues (BCO 53)
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 weight of preaching as a means of grace to the practicalities of sermon length and the (unfortunate) inability to laser-engrave gerbils with the show's logo, the trio explores what it means to handle the Word of Truth rightly. Connect & Feedback Official Website: politymatters.org Email: politymattersfeedback@gmail.com Twitter/X: @PolityMatters Facebook: Polity Matters Page Support the Show Buy Me a Coffee: Support Polity Matters Listen & Subscribe Apple Podcasts: Polity Matters on Apple Overcast: Listen on Overcast RSS Feed: Buzzsprout RSS Host Resources Ben’s Blog: Pulpit Matters 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
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- PMMarch 10 · 43 min
122. Polity Nerds Stick Together
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/ https://pcaga.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Overture-37_Pacific_9-3.pdf 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
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