Polity Matters

It is the end. Good bye.Bible Reading Plan GeneratorThe Fullness of Grace by Stephen YuilleA Neglected Grace by Jason HelopoulosThe Family Worship Bible GuideSend us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Discussion of the seven sections of BCO 62 on Days of Fasting and Thanksgiving.Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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 ResourcesLeading 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 MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Ben, Jared, and Scott discuss BCO 60 on the visitation of the sick.Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Ben welcomes Fred Greco, Steve Tipton, and first-time commissioner RE Jonah Cleveland to debrief after the 53rd PCA General Assembly.Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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 MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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 MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Ben and Jared pair up to work through BCO 59 on the Solemnization of Marriage.Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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 MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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 MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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 MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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 MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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 MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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.htmlStephen Smallman’s Understanding the Session (and other resources): https://www.pcabookstore.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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 MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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 BiblesSend us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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 MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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 MentionedBen’s Blog: Pulpit Matters.Overture Tracking: BCO Amendment Tracker Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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 & FeedbackOfficial Website: politymatters.orgEmail: [email protected]/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageSupport the ShowBuy Me a Coffee: Support Polity MattersListen & SubscribeApple Podcasts: Polity Matters on AppleOvercast: Listen on OvercastRSS Feed: Buzzsprout RSSHost ResourcesBen’s Blog: Pulpit MattersSend us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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.pdfSend us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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. Purchase via Westminster Bookstore | Purchase via ChristianbookA Method for Prayer – Matthew Henry The classic Puritan work on "praying the Bible." Purchase via Reformation Heritage Books | Purchase via Westminster BookstoreThe Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions – Arthur Bennett (Ed.) Perhaps the most famous modern compilation of Puritan petitions and meditations. Purchase via Banner of Truth | Purchase via LigonierPrayer – O. Hallesby A profoundly simple yet deep classic on the nature of prayer as "helplessness" and opening the door to Jesus. Purchase via Logos (Digital) | Purchase via Amazon/AbeBooksJonathan Gibson’s Liturgy/Holiday Books Gibson has produced a series of beautiful "Liturgy for Daily Worship" books.Ordinary Time: Be Thou My VisionAdvent/Christmas: O Come, O Come, EmmanuelLent/Easter: O Sacred Head, Now WoundedLexham Press Prayer Books Lexham has a specific "Christian Prayer" series (often in high-quality small hardbacks) including Piercing Heaven (Puritan prayers) and Fount of Heaven (Early Church prayers). View the Lexham Prayer Bundle/Series | Individual: Piercing HeavenThe Westminster Standards Includes the Westminster Confession of Faith, and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms. Purchase (Banner of Truth Edition) | Purchase (Great Commission Publications)Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Lead My Sheep at PCABookStoreJon on the Growing Togehter podcasthttps://www.howtotrainelders.comSend us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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Time to talk about order in worship.https://www.pulpitmatters.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

BCO 48: The Sanctification of the Lord’s DayChantry’s Call the Sabbath a DelightReflections on BCO 48 at Pulpit MattersSend us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Give Praise to GodSend us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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 Standards.  However, it does not have the force of law and is not to be considered obligatory in all its parts.  BCO 56, 57 and 58 have been given full constitutional authority by the Eleventh General Assembly after being submitted to the Presbyteries and receiving the necessary approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the Presbyteries.  BCO 59-3, as amended, has been given full constitutional authority by the Forty-seventh General Assembly after being submitted to the Presbyteries and receiving the necessary approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the Presbyteries. (from the Digital BCO)Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Go here to see resources from the EPC, including their Book of Order.Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

What Happens When We Worship (Cruse) - Reformation Heritage BooksThe Directory for the Public Worship of God: The Orthodox Presbyterian ChurchSend us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Mark Ross and Ben Glazer join the guys for a discussion about the ARP and worship.Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

The guys are joined by Patrick Curles to discuss the Book of Common Worship.Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

David Strain and Joshua Walker gather to discuss the role of women in the PCA.Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

FAQ w/Fred GrecoSend us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Scott and Jared spend some time with Per Almquist, a famliar name to the show.Buy Per's BCO CommentarySend us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Jared and Scott are joined by Art Sartorius to discuss Complaints.Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Scott and Ben finish up BCO 42 (with a fair amount of help from Dr. Guy Waters).Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

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Scott and Ben are joined Dr. Guy Waters to discuss the first five sections of BCO 42.Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Ben, Steve, and Jared discuss BCO 41.Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

A Ben and Fred duo episode--all about Review and Control.Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Scott and Jared are joined by Thomas Rickard to have (another) discussion about Review of Presbytery Records.Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

It's all about the modes! Join Scott, Jared, and Fred as the discuss the BCO chapter with the longest title: Modes in Which the Proceedings of Lower Courts Come Under the Supervision of Higher Courts.Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

He's never introduced, but you can't deny the dulcet tones of RE Howie Donahoe, who joins Scott and Jared to get into BCO 38.Presbytery Clerks Download PageSend us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Scott leads us through the BCO amendments sent down from this years General Assembly. https://pcapolity.com/2025/07/22/thirteen-proposed-amendments-in-2025/Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Jared sits down with Mel Duncan and Jason Helopolous to discuss the influential ministry of Rev. Paul Settle.Send us Fan MailSupport the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter