Local Theologians - The Universal Church and Your Church | A Study Story with Mason Ballard

This week we are sharing an episode of the Local Theologians podcast. Dr. Mason Ballard joins Dr. Travis Montgomery to discuss the doctrine of catholicity (little‑c) and how recovering a sense of the church’s universality across time and space has transformed his ministry. Mason explains how Baptist convictions harmonize with the historic Christian confession of ‘one holy, catholic, and apostolic church,’ why ‘catholic’ doesn’t mean ‘Roman Catholic,’ and how embracing the wholeness of the global and historic church shapes worship, partnership, posture, and humility. They discuss practical expressions of catholicity in church planting, liturgy, ecumenical charity, and ministry context as well as cautions for those rediscovering ancient practices for the first time.About the PodcastLocal Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at: mbts.edu/globalLocal Theologians YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCZE7aFNgaLTKBygxAymRPrALocal Theologians Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BAUb8dSNL9GIp0AEocQOQ?si=24bca9786e9e4555Local Theologians Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-theologians/id1849306162Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/CONTENTS OF THIS EPISODE:00:00 Introduction to Catholicity and Theological Education02:03 Understanding Catholicity: Definition and Importance05:21 Practical Implications of Catholicity in Ministry09:03 Ecumenism vs. Catholicity: A Deeper Look12:22 Worship Practices and Their Significance16:03 Cautions for Embracing Ancient Traditions24:56 Resources for Understanding Catholicity