MarsCast

In today’s episode, Rev. Paul Ipema takes us through the life and contributions of Pope Gregory the Great, a revered figure in Christian history, painting a vivid picture of Pope Gregory's influential work, “The Book of Pastoral Rule.” Rev. Ipema discusses how Pope Gregory's words have transcended the centuries and continue to offer invaluable insights to contemporary pastoral caregivers....

In today’s episode, Rev. Paul Ipema, Assistant Professor of Ministerial Studies, gives us an overview of the connection between Church history and the practice of ministry today, particularly pastoral care. Teasing a deeper exploration, what he’ll do in this episode is set the stage for the forthcoming episode, centered around Pope Gregory the Great’s transformative influence on pastoral care.

In today’s episode, Dr. Cornelis Venema concludes his series on assurance of salvation by examining the topic of the fruit of salvation and whether it can genuinely be considered a ground for one’s confidence and assurance of salvation. Can the visible evidence of a transformed life, the growth in godliness, and the bearing of spiritual fruit truly provide a firm foundation for one's assurance...

In today's episode, Dr. Cornelis Venema delves into the second ground of assurance of salvation as outlined in the Canons of Dort, exploring the profound concept of the testimony of the Holy Spirit. What is the testimony of the Holy Spirit? How does it manifest in the lives of believers? What scriptural basis supports this doctrine? How does it contribute to our assurance of salvation? Dr. Ven...

Welcome back to Mid-America Reformed Seminary's Round Table podcast. After a rejuvenating month-long hiatus, we are thrilled to be back, eager to bring you fresh and inspiring content that will stimulate your minds and nurture your souls. In today's episode, we are excited to introduce a captivating new series on Assurance of Salvation featuring Dr. Cornelis Venema, who will serve as our g...

In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange delves into the world of early Christianity, uncovering the origins of the papacy, the role of the clergy, and the emergence of monasticism. With a wealth of knowledge and deep insights, Dr. Strange takes us on a captivating journey through the early centuries of the Church, shedding light on the foundations that shaped its structure and governance.

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange joins us as we delve into the rich history of early Christianity and explore the intricacies of two significant ecumenical councils: the Council of Ephesus and the Council of Chalcedon. The Third Ecumenical Council at Ephesus, convened in 431 AD, was a defining moment for early Christianity. Dr. Alan Strange sheds light on the theological debates that took place d...

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange discusses one of the most influential works in Christian history: The City of God by Augustine of Hippo. Dr. Strange explores how Augustine addressed the challenges and questions that arose after the sack of Rome in 410 AD and presented a biblical vision of the two cities: the city of God and the city of man. Dr. Strange also shares some insights from Augustine’s...

In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange revisits church history, this time discussing the life and work of Augustine of Hippo, one of the most prominent church fathers of the 4th and 5th centuries. Throughout the episode, Dr. Strange will provide insights into Augustine's theology and philosophy and his impact on the development of Christian thought and practice. Tune in to gain a deeper unde...

In this episode, Rev. Andrew Compton sits down with Rev. Phil Tjoelker (an alum of Mid-America) to discuss the important role of healthcare chaplaincy. Rev. Tjoelker draws on his experience as a chaplain in various healthcare settings to provide insight into the unique needs and challenges facing patients, families, and healthcare professionals in these contexts.

In today's episode, we're joined by two individuals with a wealth of experience in the challenging and rewarding world of prison ministry: Our very own Director of Enrollment, Brian Blummer, and Professor of Ministerial Studies, Paul Ipema. Together, they will share stories of the unique challenges and rewards of working in this often-misunderstood field and learn about the power of faith...

Today's episode is all about chaplaincy - a profession that dates back centuries and plays a vital role in many institutions and communities today. Joining us today are Rev. Andrew Compton and Dr. Alan Strange, and together, they will guide us through the rich history of chaplaincy and provide insights into its contemporary function in the Presbyterian tradition. From its early roots in milita...

Having addressed what family visitation is in the context of the church last time, in this episode, Rev. Paul Ipema will be exploring the dos and don'ts of family visits and some practical tips for pastors and elders on how to conduct them in a respectful and effective manner. So whether you're a church leader looking to improve your pastoral care skills or a congregant curious about what...

Today, we will be discussing an important topic in the realm of pastoral care - family visitation. As a pastor, one of the many responsibilities is to care for the spiritual well-being of the members of their congregation. While there are many ways to do this, family visitation is a key method used by many pastors to connect with their congregants on a more personal level. Family visitation involv...

Abuse is a painful and complex reality that affects many people in and outside the church. How can we, as Christians, respond to abuse in a way that honors God and brings healing and biblical justice to those who have been harmed? In this episode, Rev. Danny Patterson and Rev. Andrew Compton will explore some of the principles and resources that can help churches prevent and respond to abuse.

In today’s episode, Danny Patterson and Andrew Compton continue discussing the theme of abuse and the church. Today, they’ll be exploring some common forms of abuse that can occur and some warning signs to look out for. So if you’re part of a church community and interested in learning more about recognizing and preventing abuse, I hope you’ll stick around and listen to what these pastors have to...

In today’s episode, we begin a sensitive and challenging topic that has affected many individuals and communities: abuse and the church. Rev. Andrew Compton is joined by Rev. Danny Patterson of Second Parish OPC in Portland, Maine. Rev. Patterson recently taught an interim course at the Seminary on this subject. In this introductory episode, Rev. Compton and Rev. Patterson will explore some of the...

In today's episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of Ministerial and Doctrinal Studies, responds to the objection: If God is all-loving and all-powerful, then why aren't all people saved? This objection has been raised by skeptics, agnostics, and even some believers who struggle to reconcile the idea of a loving God with the reality of human suffering and eternal damnation. Here's Dr. Beach to help...

In today’s episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of Ministerial and Doctrinal Studies, begins a two-part series on predestination and issues that some objectors to the doctrine take with it: namely, the justice of God and the love of God. Focusing today on justice, Dr. Beach asks and responds: Is it fair that God should elect some to eternal salvation but pass over others to their eternal damnatio...

In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange delves into the life and legacy of Ambrose of Milan, a prominent bishop and theologian of the early Christian Church. Ambrose's life was marked by remarkable achievements and pivotal moments, including his appointment as bishop of Milan, his role in the conversion of Augustine of Hippo, his efforts to defend the Church against the Arian heresy, and his emphasis...

In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange delves into the life and teachings of one of the most prominent figures in early Christianity: John Chrysostom. Often referred to as the "Golden Mouth" due to his captivating and powerful preaching, John was the archbishop in the city of Constantinople and a prolific writer of sermons and commentaries on the Bible. Dr. Strange explores Chrysostom's humble begin...

In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange, Professor of Church History, describes the famous first Council of Constantinople in A.D. 381 that brought a decisive defeat to the threat of Arianism and its warped teachings on the person of Christ.

In today's episode, Dr. Strange returns to his series on the early church to describe the Cappadocian Fathers, a trio of mighty men of God who continued challenging some of the prevailing and erroneous teachings of Arianism, leading to the Council of Constantinople. 

In today's episode, we're excited to have Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of systematic theology, dive into divine impassibility, a doctrine that has been a point of contention within Christianity for some time now, with some arguing that it undermines the compassion of God, while others see it as a necessary aspect of God's being.

In today’s episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of systematic theology, looks at divine immutability, which pertains to the nature of God's unchanging character, a topic that has important implications for our understanding of God and his relationship with the world.