Reforming the Ozarks

In this episode we give an overview of some of the important items and topics before the PCA General Assembly as it meets June 22-26 in Louisville, KY. This is a big-picture overview and we don't get into too many details. For deeper discussions on many of the different issues and overtures, check out these helpful resources: Home page for the PCA General Assembly - https://pcaga.org/ Polity M...

In this final episode on Baptism, the guys discuss the final three sections of WCF 28 on the power and efficacy of this sacrament. More Resources: https://reformingtheozarks.substack.com/Book Club Chat: https://substack.com/chat/7030849

Why do we baptize our infants? Isn't baptism for believer's alone? We tackle these questions and more as we look at the case for infant baptism from Scripture. More Resources: https://reformingtheozarks.substack.com/Book Club Chat: https://substack.com/chat/7030849

Welcome to Church Planter Stories! In this ongoing series of interviews, we will hear from church planters in our area share stories from their experience in ministry here in the Ozarks. We are thrilled to have our first guest, Rev. Dr. Paul Sagan, founding pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas, share his experience from over forty years of pastoral ministry.

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/c...

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...

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 i...

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 e...

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 commu...

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. Ot...

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 P...

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 CHURCH...

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 LINKS https://ctkjoplin.com/blog/membership-visible-church https://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 CHURCHE...

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...

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 EPISODE Hills and Plains Presbytery PCA General Assembly American Presbyterian History , S...