Reforming the Ozarks

In this episode we discuss the next section of Sinclair Ferguson's Devoted to God's Church, chapters 3-5.Join us in reading this book and let's keep the conversation going over on Substack: https://open.substack.com/chat/posts/28abdc59-f42f-43bb-8231-157df86a2dcf

What does the Bible teach about baptism? Does the word itself mean to immerse? Is immersion the only valid way of administering baptism, or can it also be done by pouring and sprinkling? This episode walks through what the Bible actually teaches (and what it doesn't) about the proper mode of baptism.More Resources: https://reformingtheozarks.substack.com/Book Club Chat: https://substack.com/chat/7030849

There are many assumptions we all bring to our understanding of baptism that aren't always biblical. What does the Bible teach about baptism? What is the nature and purpose of it? Those initial questions are discussed in this episode with Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 28 as a guide. This episode will lay a necessary foundation before the harder questions about recipients and mode are discussed.More Resources: https://reformingtheozarks.substack.com/Book Club Chat: https://substack.com/chat/7030849

This episode starts a new mini-series on the sacraments—baptism and the Lord's Supper. In this episode, the guys work through Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 27 which provides a detailed, biblical overview and introduction to the Sacraments in general. More Resources: https://reformingtheozarks.substack.com/Book Club Chat: https://substack.com/chat/7030849

We start the bookclub with a discussion of the introduction and first two chapters of Sinclair Ferguson's Devoted to God's Church.Join us in reading this book and let's keep the conversation going over on Substack: https://open.substack.com/chat/posts/28abdc59-f42f-43bb-8231-157df86a2dcf

This is the final episode looking at the core values that make up the Reforming the Ozarks project. In this episode, Dustin, Aaron, and Levi discuss why churches should be connectional. Our churches are best served when they are formally connected through shared structures and resources. More Resources: https://reformingtheozarks.substack.com/Book Club Chat: https://substack.com/chat/7030849

This episode looks at the second of the core values that shape the Reforming the Ozarks project: Confessional and Reformed Identity. Were do we find our church's identity? Is it found in the lead pastor, or some other prominent figure? Or is there something more grounded and rooted in history? Dustin, Aaron, and Levi talk about what it means to have a confessional identity and why that is so important for the Ozarks.More Resources: https://reformingtheozarks.substack.com/

This episode looks at the first of the core values that shape the Reforming the Ozarks project: Biblically Grounded. Everything the Christian does in life needs to be grounded in Scripture. But what exactly does that mean? What is the Bible and why is it so important? How can we read the Bible well and what message does it bring us? Dustin, Aaron, and Levi tackle these questions and more in this episode!

In this episode of Reforming the Ozarks, we dive into the pressing needs of the church today. With a new format and co-hosts, Levi Bakerink, Dustin Ray, and Aaron Raines discuss the importance of being biblically grounded and connected to church history. They explore what it means to reform the church in the Ozarks, emphasizing the role of local churches in spreading the gospel and fostering community. Read the companion piece

Check out our new Substack! https://reformingtheozarks.substack.com/

We talk a lot about the ordinary means in our churches, but what does that, well...mean? In this episode, Dustin and Levi discuss the means of grace that Jesus gives to his church, specifically the Word, Sacraments, and Prayer, and why they are so important.OUR CHURCHES:Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

Dustin and Levi are back, finally! After a long summer away, we provide some updates on everything going on in our churches and a look ahead to some plans for future episodes.OUR CHURCHES:Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

Levi and Dustin are joined again by Aaron Raines to discuss the PCA General Assembly, what it is, why it's important, and some of the items that will be discussed at the meeting from June 23-27. For more information on the different issues and overtures, check out these helpful resources:https://pcahistory.org/ - At the very top of the page you will find links to different overture guides. Other podcasts and videos on the overtures:Presbycast overtures episode with TE Fred Greco The Westminster Standard podcast Polity Matters

In this episode Levi and Dustin debunk some common questions and misconceptions about Reformed theology, Calvinism, creeds and confessions, and Presbyterianism.OUR CHURCHES:Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

In this latest episode about Reformed Worship and the order of liturgy, Levi and Dustin discuss the benediction—God's blessing that ends our worship and sends us out into the world.OUR CHURCHES:Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

What is preaching and why do Reformed churches emphasize it so much in the service? Dustin and Levi talk about the importance and centrality of preaching in this latest episode of Reforming the Ozarks.MENTIONED ON THE SHOWThomas Murphy, Pastoral Theology - https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/pastoral-theology-the-pastor-in-the-various-duties-of-his-office-9781948102728OUR CHURCHES:Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

Why do we have a confession of faith in the worship service? Dustin and Levi talk about the importance of corporately confessing our faith on Sunday mornings in this episode of Reforming the Ozarks.MENTIONED ON THE SHOWSamuel Miller, The Utility and Importance of Creeds and Confessions - https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/the-utility-and-importance-of-creeds-and-confessions-9781948102544OUR CHURCHES:Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

In this episode, Dustin and Levi discuss church the Scripture reading in worship, what it is, why it is so important, and who is called to lead this important part of the service.OUR CHURCHES:Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

In this episode, Dustin and Levi discuss church membership, why it is biblical and the benefits that it provides.HELPFUL LINKShttps://ctkjoplin.com/blog/membership-visible-churchhttps://tabletalkmagazine.com/posts/why-church-membership/https://www.challies.com/articles/why-i-believe-in-church-membership/https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/why-membership-matters/OUR CHURCHES:Christ the King PCA, JoplinGospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield

In this week's episode we pick up our Liturgy Series and talk about the confessional sequence of our worship. That is, the reading of the law, the corporate and private confession of sin, and the assurance of pardon. This is one aspect of our service that might feel the most strange to people unfamiliar with Reformed worship. We hope that this conversation will help you understand what we are doing in our time of confession and why we think it is so important. In fact, it's one of, it not our favorite, part of every Sunday!OUR CHURCHES:Christ the King PCA, JoplinGospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield

Dustin and Levi are joined again by Aaron Raines (Associate Pastor at Christ Church, Bentonville). In this episode, the provide an overview of what a Presbytery is and the work it does in the PCA. Then they give a brief recap of the Hills and Plains Presbytery meeting from February 8, 2025.MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODEHills and Plains PresbyteryPCA General AssemblyAmerican Presbyterian History, Sunday school classOUR CHURCHES:Christ the King PCA, JoplinGospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield

Dustin and Levi are joined by Pastor Aaron Raines (Christ Church Bentonville) to talk about music and singing in our worship services. Their discussion includes the importance of congregational singing, guidelines and principles for picking good music, and the important role of the Psalms in worship. This episode is part of our LITURGY SERIES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Seth Jernigan, "Psalms for Singing" OUR CHURCHES: Christ the King PCA, Joplin Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield

Dustin and Levi talk all about prayer in our worship services. Why do we pray? Why are there so many different prayers in the service? What purpose do they serve. This episode is part of our LITURGY SERIES OUR CHURCHES: Christ the King PCA, Joplin Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield

Welcome back to Reforming the Ozarks! In this episode Dustin and Levi pick up the Liturgy series with a discussion on the Call to Worship. What is this part of the service and why do we do it? Isn't it overly formal and unnecessary? Listen to this week's episode for their answers to these questions, and more! MENTIONED ON THE SHOW - Tim Keller sermon: "Call to Worship" from Psalm 147 - "The History of the 'Call to Worship'" by Chuck Colson OUR CHURCHES: Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/ Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

Welcome to Christmas time in the Ozarks! In this episode, Dustin and Levi talk about their church's plans for the season of Advent, Christmas Eve services, their favorite (and not-so favorite hymns), and discuss how you can pick a great Bible reading plan for the upcoming year. BIBLE READING PLANS Redemptive-Historical reading plan - https://glanier.wordpress.com/2018/01/29/a-redemptive-historical-bible-reading-plan/ Ligonier - https://www.ligonier.org/posts/bible-reading-plans ESV App - https://www.esv.org/learn-more/reading-plans/ CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES Gospel Fellowship - 4pm - https://www.gospelsgf.org/ CTK Joplin - 4:30pm - https://ctkjoplin.churchcenter.com/calendar/event/172387578 OUR CHURCHES Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/ Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

This is part 2 of Principles of Worship (Part 1: https://youtu.be/9GiAGup4AnM) In this episode, Dustin and Levi talk about the remaining principles of worship. After discussing the foundational principles for worship, they will continue the series on Liturgy by talking about the various elements of worship. PCA Book of Church Order https://www.pcaac.org/bco/ OUR CHURCHES: Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/ Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

In this episode, Levi and Dustin talk about the first three of several principles of worship. Reformed worship is regulated by God's Word (Regulative Principle), covenantal, and corporate. Next week, they will discuss the other principles. These episodes are part of a larger series on Liturgy (Order of Worship). PCA Book of Church Order https://www.pcaac.org/bco/ OUR CHURCHES: Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/ Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

For the first time Dustin and Levi welcome Cody Chapman to the show! Cody served at Christ the King for many years as a pastoral intern and a Ruling Elder before taking a call to be the new Director of Family Discipleship at Westminster PCA in Clinton, SC. He gives an update on his work and ministry out there, and they discuss the benefit of Reformed Theology and liturgical worship both personally and in the church. OUR CHURCHES: Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/ Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

The guys welcome Rev. Dennis Bullock and Ruling Elder Rick Hutton to the show this week to discuss the importance of Elders serving as shepherds in the church. Dennis and Rick serve at All Saints Reformed Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA. Learn more about them at https://www.allsaintspres.org/MENTIONED ON THE SHOW - Timothy Witmer, The Shepherd LeaderOUR CHURCHES:Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

Why do our churches have a liturgy? The word liturgy simply means an order of worship, and every church has one whether they know it or not. In this episode, Dustin and Levi talk about why it's important for churches to have an intentional order to their services to guide us in the worship of God. OUR CHURCHES: Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/ Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

Levi and Dustin finish this short series looking at the Solas of the Reformation by talking about soli Deo gloria. What does it look like for ministries, pastors, churches, and all Christians to live in a way that gives glory to God, and to him alone? They seek to answer this question in the latest episode of Reforming the Ozarks. OUR CHURCHES: Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/ Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

In this episode, Dustin and Levi talk about the next sola of the Reformation, Solus Christus, or Christ Alone. They discuss how Christ is the only Mediator between God and man and the only name under heaven by which we can be saved. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE A Redemptive-Historical Bible Reading Plan - https://glanier.wordpress.com/2018/01/29/a-redemptive-historical-bible-reading-plan/ Poor Bishop Hooper Music - https://www.poorbishophooper.com/ OUR CHURCHES: Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/ Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

Dustin and Levi discuss the vital importance of faith alone that justifies and saves. They talk about the importance of saving faith, its biblical definition, and why this doctrine brings comfort to believers.REFORMED FELLOWSHIP OF JOPLIN CELEBRATIONhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnff8d3VG0gOUR CHURCHES:Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

In this episode Dustin and Levi give a quick recap of the recent Hills and Plains Presbytery meeting, and then discuss the next sola of the reformation, Sola Gratia, or Grace Alone. OUR CHURCHES:Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

Dustin and Levi talk about the first of the five Solas of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura, or Scripture alone. Even though we confess that Scripture is our only infallible authority for the church today, it is not the only authority. There is still a place for creeds and confessions, which are helpful and faithful summaries of Scripture, but never equal to Scripture's authority itself.OUR CHURCHES:Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

In this episode Dustin and Levi discuss how Christians can offer struggle with a sense of guilt, and how the gospel provides powerful assurance of our salvation. OUR CHURCHES: Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/ Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/

In this episode Dustin and Levi talk about some of the distinctives of Reformed Worship and why it is a blessing to the church and God's people. OUR CHURCHES: Christ the King PCA, Joplin - https://ctkjoplin.com/ Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield - https://www.gospelsgf.org/ FURTHER READING: Terry Johnson, Reformed Worship: Worship That Is According to Scripture Jonty Rhodes, Reformed Worship (Blessings of the Faith Series) R.C. Sproul, How Then Shall We Worship?: Biblical Principles to Guide Us

What does the Bible say about the officers in the church? Do churches need Elders and Deacons? What roles and ministries do they serve? In this episode of Reforming the Ozarks, pastors Dustin and Levi discuss the importance of both Elders and Deacons for churches to function well. OUR CHURCHES: Christ the King PCA, Joplin Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield LEARN MORE CTK Sermon Series on the Church

Welcome back to Reforming the Ozarks! In this episode, Dustin and Levi share updates about everything that's going on at Gospel Fellowship in Springfield, and Christ the King in Joplin. They also provide a look ahead and their plans for new episodes. OUR CHURCHES:Christ the King PCA, JoplinGospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield

Welcome to Reforming the Ozarks! We are a brand new podcast bringing you biblical teaching and Reformed theology to fulfill the Great Commission in Southwest Missouri. In this first episode, Pastors Levi and Dustin talk about their ministries and how they came to be part of confessional and Reformed churches, as well as a preview for what to expect from upcoming episodes. OUR CHURCHES: Christ the King PCA, Joplin Gospel Fellowship PCA, Springfield