Edburg, Nelson, Ratliff

Polity Matters

Religion EN ↓ 140 episodes

A podcast on the foundations of Presbyterian Church government. Hosted by Scott Edburg, Jared Nelson, and Ben Ratliff.

Author

Edburg, Nelson, Ratliff

Episodes

138. It’s Probably Our Fault (BCO 60) 07.07.2026 31:46

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

137. Box of Chocolates Effect (GA Debrief) 30.06.2026 56:01

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

136. Christian Nationalism with David Strain 16.06.2026 33:26

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 Cof...

135. AI AIC? 09.06.2026 57:01

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

134. Nacho Libre Style (BCO 59) 02.06.2026 36:29

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

133. One Big Beautiful Directory 26.05.2026 1:02:53

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

132. Overtures 2026 15.05.2026 3:31:26

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...

131. Dinner Call (BCO 58 Part Two) 12.05.2026 31:43

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

130. OPE (BCO 58 Part One) 05.05.2026 40:10

129. This is a Very Good Vow (BCO 57 Part Two) 28.04.2026 19:37

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

128. The Water Must Be Wetted (BCO 57 Part One) 21.04.2026 23:45

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 B...

127. Biblical and Adorable (BCO 56 Part Two) 14.04.2026 48:52

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

126. Celsius Shaped Hole (BCO 56 Part One) 07.04.2026 29:15

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...

125. Baptists Maybe (BCO 55) 31.03.2026 14:38

In this episode, Ben, Jared, and Scott dive into BCO 55 in the Directory for the Worship of God. The men discusses 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 Short...

124. Pearls of Wisdom From Rick Warren (BCO 54) 24.03.2026 29:16

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...

123. Loose Extemporary Harangues (BCO 53) 17.03.2026 42:28

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 explor...

122. Polity Nerds Stick Together 10.03.2026 43:44

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 : Poli...

121. Put the Cookies on the Bottom Shelf (BCO 52) 03.03.2026 42:36

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 Christianbook A Method for Prayer – Matthew Henry The classic Puritan work on "praying the Bible." Purchase via Reformation Herita...

120. In the Shower or at Church (BCO 51) 24.02.2026 36:27

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

119. Lead My Sheep 17.02.2026 33:51

Lead My Sheep at PCABookStore Jon on the Growing Togehter podcast https://www.howtotrainelders.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

118. In Your Vulgar Tongue (BCO 50) 10.02.2026 30:39

117. They May Have a Crock Pot On (BCO 49) 03.02.2026 34:18

Time to talk about order in worship. https://www.pulpitmatters.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

116. I Like Pulpits Too (BCO 48) 20.01.2026 50:25

BCO 48: The Sanctification of the Lord’s Day Chantry’s Call the Sabbath a Delight Reflections on BCO 48 at 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

115. Worship Vibes (BCO 47) 13.01.2026 1:04:19

Give Praise to God 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

114. Temporary Episode 06.01.2026 30:26

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 th...