Retrieving Catholicity with Pastor Mason Ballard

In this episode of Retrieving Catholicity, Pastor Mason Ballard reflects on the importance of focus and intentionality in life and ministry, drawing inspiration from C.S. Lewis's reading habits and the impact of technology on our attention. He discusses the need to prioritize meaningful activities over distractions, emphasizing that our daily choices shape our lives and influence our contributions...

In this episode of the Retrieving Catholicity Podcast, Pastor Mason Ballard explores the concept of theological triage, which involves ranking and evaluating the importance and clarity of various theological doctrines. He discusses the significance of core doctrines such as the Trinity and the doctrine of creation, particularly in relation to human sexuality. Pastor Ballard emphasizes the need for...

In this episode of Retrieving Catholicity, Pastor Mason Ballard explores the concept of Catholicity as a posture that emphasizes unity, kindness, and love within the Christian community. He discusses the theological foundations of Catholicity, drawing from Ephesians, and highlights the importance of living out this posture in interactions with others. The conversation also addresses the dangers of...

In this episode of Retrieving Catholicity, Pastor Mason Ballard discusses the implications of the new Pope, Leo XIV, for the relationship between Roman Catholicism and Evangelicalism. He explores the concept of Catholicity, the significant theological differences between the two traditions, and the importance of understanding these distinctions in fostering dialogue. Pastor Ballard emphasizes the...

In this episode of Retrieving Catholicity, Pastor Mason Ballard explores the concept of community within the church, emphasizing the importance of maturity over mere belonging. He critiques the consumeristic mindset that often influences church attendance and community engagement, advocating for a deeper understanding of community as a space for growth in Christ. The discussion covers the roles of...

In this episode of the Retrieving Catholicity podcast, hosts Mason Ballard and Will Basham delve into the pressing issue of pastoral burnout. They discuss the unique challenges faced by pastors, the importance of taking sabbaticals, and the cultural differences in ministry. The conversation highlights the need for churches to have strategies in place to support their pastors and prevent burnout, a...

In this episode of the Retrieving Catholicity Podcast, host Mason Ballard interviews Will Basham, exploring his unexpected rise to TikTok fame, his journey into ministry, and the nuances of Southern Baptist identity. The conversation delves into the challenges and joys of church planting, the importance of community engagement, and the evolving landscape of faith in contemporary society. In this c...

In this episode of the Retrieving Catholicity podcast, hosts Mason Ballard and Derek Roberts engage in a candid conversation about the challenges faced by pastors in contemporary culture, particularly in Charleston, West Virginia. They explore the complexities of navigating cultural issues, the impact of the pandemic on church attendance and ministry, and the importance of maintaining a balance be...

In this episode of the Retrieving Catholicity Podcast, Pastor Mason Ballard explores the doctrine of catholicity, emphasizing its significance in understanding the church's universality and wholeness. He discusses the importance of engaging with church history, the connection between history and mission, and the role of ordinary people in fulfilling the church's mission. The conversation h...

In this episode, Pastor Mason Ballard shares his journey of becoming a Baptist, exploring the theological, historical, and personal dimensions of his faith. He reflects on the unique aspects of Baptist identity, including the emphasis on scripture, the doctrine of eternal security, and the significance of baptism. Ballard also discusses the relationship between Baptist identity and the broader Chr...

In this episode, we sit down with Rev. Derek Roberts to explore the Anglican tradition, sacramental theology, and the intersection of Baptist and Anglican perspectives. We dive into the historical and theological nuances of terms like "Sacrament" and "Ordinance," discussing why certain traditions embrace or resist these concepts. Along the way, we reflect on the richness of exp...

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of denominationalism—its benefits, its dangers, and its place in the broader Christian church. Are denominations helpful for theological clarity, or do they create unnecessary division? How do we distinguish between theological disagreement and sin? And what happens when denominational identity starts to overshadow our unity in Christ? Join us as we e...

In this episode of Retrieving Catholicity, we dive into the heart of congregational worship. What is the purpose of singing in the church? How do our worship practices shape us spiritually? Drawing from personal experience and the broader Christian tradition, we explore the role of music, preaching, and the Lord’s Supper in forming a gospel-centered worship service. Whether you were raised in the...

In this episode, we explore the beauty of the Church’s catholicity—its unity, wholeness, and universality. What does it mean to love not just our own local church but also the churches of others? We dive into why celebrating gospel work beyond our walls matters, how we can partner with other churches without compromising convictions, and why marketing our church should be about awareness, not comp...

In this episode of Retrieving Catholicity, host Pastor Mason Ballard explores what it means to be a part of the whole Christian tradition. Are "Baptist" and "catholic" really oil and water? Or could Baptist identity actually be a particular way of being catholic? We dive into the biblical and theological foundations of catholicity—not as a call to Roman Catholicism, but as a re...

Welcome to Retrieving Catholicity , where we explore life and ministry in light of the whole truth, the whole Church, and its significance for the whole world. Hosted by Mason Ballard, lead pastor of Resurrection Church in Charleston, WV, this podcast is an extension of his pastoral ministry and theological work on the church’s universality and wholeness. In this episode, Mason introduces the hear...

Big news—we’re launching a podcast! Retrieving Catholicity is a weekly show where we explore the whole truth with the whole Church for the whole world. Join us as we dive into the doctrine of catholicity—what it means, why it matters, and how it shapes our lives, ministries, and churches. Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or an interested Christian looking to deepen your understanding of the...

Big news—we’re launching a podcast! Retrieving Catholicity is a weekly show where we explore the whole truth with the whole Church for the whole world. Join us as we dive into the doctrine of catholicity—what it means, why it matters, and how it shapes our lives, ministries, and churches. Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or an interested Christian looking to deepen your understanding of the...