OPC Ruling Elder podcast

#Religion #Christianity #a Podcast from the OPC Committee on Christian Education

28:47

Tyler Summitt, son of legendary coach Pat Summitt, as well as the Co-Founder of Pat Summitt Leadership Group , shares the group’s mission, the story of Pat’s humble beginnings, the art of mastering full executive decision making in 90 second or less, the "secret sauce" to Pat’s leadership, what she definitely didn’t understand about, but learned from, a 5-year-old’s soccer game, how to visualize winning in a (very, very) highly detailed way, the key component that gets you to over a 90% success rate, and the answer to the mystery of just who is “Trish”? Mentioned in this episode: This episode is brought to you by Pat Summitt Leadership Group. Pat Summitt Leadership Group…

OPC Ruling Elder Podcast

Home de séries•Feed

A podcast to encourage ruling elders in their work in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and beyond. Each podcast drops the 15th of each month.

26 episódios

OPC Ruling Elder Podcast

updated há 17 dias

Home de séries•Feed

A podcast to encourage ruling elders in their work in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and beyond. Each podcast drops the 15th of each month.

26 episódios

#Religion #Christianity #a Podcast from the OPC Committee on Christian Education

Wszystkie odcinki

1
Elders and women's ministry 42:34

há 17 dias42:34

42:34

Anneke Fesko and Laurie Tricarico discuss how elders can encourage women in the church. Anneke currently serves the OPC as Care Coordinator for Ministers’ Wives and works for the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care. (Committee of Walking Hugs) She is married to John, an ordained OPC minister and theology professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. They have three children, two sons in high school and a daughter in elementary school, and live in Madison, Mississippi. Laurie serves as the coordinator of the Crisis Care Team at New Life OPC in Williamsport PA, where she is a member. She and Al and their children served as foreign missionaries in Uganda for 11 years. Al presently serves as the Associate General Secretary for the Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension of the OPC. They have 5 grown children and seven grandchildren. Al and Laurie live in Williamsport, PA. Recommended Books J. Ligon Duncan and Susan Hunt, Women’s Ministry in the Local Churc h, Crossway Books, 2006. Paul Tripp, Awe: Why It Matters for Everything We Think, Say, and Do , Crossway Books, 2015 Patricia E. Clawson and Diane L. Olinger, eds., Choosing the Good Portion: Women of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.…

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Christian Education and Ruling Elders 43:46

há 7 weeks43:46

43:46

Danny Olinger, General Secretary of the CCE, talks about ruling elders and Christian Education. The OPC cherished the work of Christian Education and quickly developed specific principles of Christian education and pedagogy to guide its work. Those principles are available here and will provided a stimulating starting point for the continuing importance of Christian Education in the churches. Danny’s three book recommendation for ruling elders are, R. B. Kuiper, The Glorious Body of Christ , (Banner of Truth) Edwin H. Rian, The Presbyterian Conflict. John Calvin, The Institutes of Christian Religion . A Program For Christian Education (1945) - Available here Outline I. Subjects A. Covenant subjects 1. Communicant 2. Non-communicant B. Non-covenant subjects II. Aims A. General 1. Noetic: knowing the doctrine a. Bible history b. Theology c. Ethics d. Church government and usages 2. Experiential: adorning the doctrine a. Saving faith b. Growth in grace (1) Worship (inc. Sabbath Observance) (2) Obedience (3) Use of the means of grace (4) Realization of the fruit of the Spirit (5) Christian witnessing and service B. Applied 1. With respect to covenant relation 2. With respect to age, ability, background III. Method A. Requirements of method 1. Sound in principle a. Scriptural b. Pedagogically and psychologically sound 2. Efficient in operation a. Conserving time b. Utilizing best means available B. Specific applied methods 1. Specific teaching types 2. Aids to teaching. 3. Expressional activities IV. Program Problems of integration A. Chiefly designed for covenant subjects 1. Guided parental instruction 2. Pastor's instruction of covenant youth 3. Teacher and leadership training program B. Chiefly designed for non-covenant subjects 1. Sunday Bible school 2. Weekday classes 3. Club program 4. Evangelistic meetings and propaganda C. Dual-purpose programs 1. Weekday religious education 2. Vacation Bible school 3. Summer Bible conference 4. Young People's Society 5. Home Study programs The Use of Pictorial Representations of Christ in the Work of Christian Education Available here .…

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Christ Freely Offered 56:59

há 15 weeks56:59

56:59

Rev. Andy Wilson and Rev. Russell Hamilton talk about The Marrow of Modern Divinity, an old book that wrestles with the free offer of Jesus Christ to sinners, and questions of law and assurance. This lively old book continues to be relevant to ruling elders in helping people with questions of faith, freedom from the law, legalism, and assurance. Gospel preaching is vital to gospel churches. Further Reading on the Marrow Edward Fisher, The Marrow of Modern Divinity, (Christian Focus, 2016). This edition includes explanatory notes by Thomas Boston, an introduction by Philip Ryken, and an historical introduction by William Vandoodewaard. Andy Wilson, The Marrow of The Marrow of Modern Divinity (Expanded Edition): A Simplified Version of Edward Fisher's 17th Century Classic. Sinclair Ferguson, The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance―Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters. (Crossway, 2016) Donald Macleod, From the Marrow Men to the Moderates, Scottish Theology 1700–1800. (Christian Focus, 2023) William VanDoodewaard, The Marrow Controversy and Seceder Tradition: Atonement, Saving Faith, and the Gospel Offer in Scotland (1718–1799). (Reformation Heritage Books, 2014) David C. Lachman, The Marrow Controversy 1781-1723: An Historical and Theological Analysis (Rutherford Studies in Historical Theology) Andy’s three books Harrison Perkins, Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction (Lexham Academic, 2024) John Murray, Redemption, Accomplished and Applied Richard Sibbes, Glorious Freedom: An Exposition, Puritan Paperback (Banner of Truth Trust; 2nd ed. edition, 2024) Russell’s three books Richard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed, (Banner of Truth Trust; 2nd ed. edition, 2021) Timothy Keller, Walking with God through Pain and Suffering, (Penguin Books; Reprint edition 2015) Thomas Boston, Human Nature in its Fourfold State, (Banner of Truth; Reprint edition, 1964)…

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Encouraging the Pastor's Wife 59:51

há 20 weeks59:51

59:51

In this podcast Anneke Fesko talks about how ruling elders can encourage a pastor’s wife. Anneke was hired a little over two years ago for the newly created position of Care Coordinator for Ministers’ Wives and works for the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care. (Committee of Walking Hugs) Anneke is the wife to John, an ordained OPC minister and theology professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. They were married 22 years ago while John was a church planter for the OPC. They have three children, two sons in high school and a daughter in elementary school, and live in Madison, Mississippi. Ginger Dennison, wife of the late OPC pastor Charlie Dennison says, “Pastors' wives…will sometimes agree on one thing: they are no different than anyone else in the congregation. They have no special responsibilities, no different obligations, no uniqueness. In fact, when asked what it's like to be a pastor's wife, they will reply, "I'm NOT a pastor's wife! I'm just a wife, no matter what my husband does for a living.” The Uniqueness and Challenges of the Minister's Wife, Ordained Servant Online , May 2010. Available here . More Resources New Horizons , mailed to every OPC member and available online here. OPC, Committee on Ministerial Care . Anneke’s three recommendations for every Ruling Elder. Patricia E. Clawson and Diane L. Olinger, eds., Choosing the Good Portion: Women of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church , 2016. Available here . Megan Hill, A Place to Belong: Learning to Love the Local Church , Crossway, 2020. Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People . First published 1936, Simon & Schuster. Thanks for listening to the Podcast.…

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Encouraging Congregational Singing 53:05

há 24 weeks53:05

53:05

Jonathan Cruse talks about how Ruling Elders can foster and energize congregational singing. Further Reading Resources by Jonathan Jonathan Landry Cruse, What Happens When We Worship, Reformation Heritage Books, 2020. Jonathan Landry Cruse, “What Every Elder needs to Know About Congregational Singing” in Faithful and Fruitful, Essays for Elders and Deacons, Eds. William Boekestein and Steven Swets, Reformed Fellowship Inc. 2019. Books mentioned in the podcast Jonty Rhodes, Reformed Worship (Blessings of the Faith), P&R Publishing, 2023. Ligon Duncan, Does God Care How We Worship? P&R Publishing, 2020. Jonathan’s three recommendations for every Ruling Elder Thomas Watson, The Godly Man’s Picture, Drawn with a Scripture Pencil, or, Some Characteristic Marks of a Man Who is Going to Heaven, Banner of Truth Trust. David Dickson, The Elder and His Work. The Westminster Directory for Public Worship (The Westminster Directory for Public Worship discussed by Sinclair B. Ferguson and Mark Dever is currently out of print. Two examples of John Wesley's Directions for Singing. IV. Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sung the songs of Satan. VII. Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your Heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve of here, and reward when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.…

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Ruling Elders and Better Preaching 50:40

há 28 weeks50:40

50:40

What can ruling elders do to promote better preaching? On this issue of the Ruling Elder podcast, John Currie, OPC pastor and Professor and Dean of Pastoral Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, discusses why this is so important and gives practical suggestions on how and when to do it, and, just as importantly, how not to do it. The OPC Form of Government says “[Ruling Elders] should have particular concern for the doctrine and conduct of the minister of the Word and help him in his labors.” (Fg. X.3) Several resources are also available online at Ordained Servant. “What Ruling Elders Can Do to Promote Better Preaching.” (Edwin J. Kreykes) 11:2 (Apr. 2002): 40-42. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV11N2.pdf “How to Assess a Sermon: A Checklist for Ruling Elders.” (William Shishko) 12:2 (Apr. 2003): 43-44. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV12N2.pdf “What Is Faithful Preaching?” (Alan D. Strange) 27 (2018): 25-30. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=686 Further Reading T. David Gordon, Why Johnny Can’t Preach: The Media Have Shaped the Messengers, (P&R Publishing; 2009) Christopher J Gordon, “How to Evaluate Your Pastor” in Faithful and Fruitful: Essays for Elders and Deacons, eds. William Boekestein and Steven Swets, (Reformed Fellowship Inc. 2019, pp. 181-193). Christopher Ash, Listen Up: A Practical Guide to Listening to Sermons, (The Good Book Company, 2009) John Angell James, An Earnest Ministry: The Want of the Times, (Banner of Truth Trust) Charles Spurgeon, “The Necessity of Ministerial Progress” in Lectures to My Students, (Banner of Truth Trust) John’s recommneded reading for Ruling Elders John Calvin, Institutes of Christian Religion R. B. Kuiper, The Glorious Body of Christ: A Scriptural Appreciation of the One Holy Church, (Banner of Truth Trust) Harry Reeder, From Embers to a Flame: How God Can Revitalize Your Church, (P&R Publishing, 2008)…

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Ruling Elder Spotlight: David Watson, EPC (Ireland) 42:49

há 33 weeks42:49

42:49

David Watson is a ruling elder in Ballyclare Evangelical Presbyterian Church, in Co. Antrim, N. Ireland. The EPC, (Ireland), is a church with which the OPC has full ecclesiastical fellowship. Stephen Tracey grew up in that congregation and is delighted to talk to this faithful and beloved friend and mentor as he reflects on eighty years of life in one congregation, and current issues in church life in N. Ireland. In the podcast reference is made to a short book, A Good Work, Reflections on the Eldership in Everyday Life and Ministry. This book is not available in the USA. David's three recommended books for ruling elders are: The Westminster Confession of Faith. Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology. J. I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness, The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life .…

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Covenant Theology 37:44

há 37 weeks37:44

37:44

Ryan McGraw talks about his new book, What Is Covenant Theology?: Tracing God's Promises through the Son, the Seed, and the Sacraments. Ryan is the Morton H. Smith Professor of Systematic Theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and serves as Teacher at Covenant Community OPC, Taylors SC. Are Israel and the Church Two Distinct Peoples of God? Ryan’s recommended reading John Owen, Communion with God. The full title is “Of Communion with God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Each Person Distinctly, In Love, Grace, and Consolation; or The Saints’ Fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Unfolded.” Augustine, On Christian Doctrine. Herman Witsius, The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man: Comprehending a Complete Body of Divinity. For more on Covenant Theology in Ordained Servant see the following, Gregory Edward Reynolds, “Clarity on the Covenants." Ordained Servant, 15 (2006): 22-27. Available here. Richard B. Gaffin, Jr., “Covenant and Salvation.” Ordained Servant, 18 (2009): 145-49. Available here.…

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Prescription Medication 54:28

há 41 weeks54:28

54:28

Jason Poquette is a ruling elder in Immanuel Chapel (OPC), Upton, MA. He is a Pharmacist and works in Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA. In this podcast he discusses how ruling elders can help Christians understand the proper use of medication, its limits, the difficulties of end of life decisions, and the place of Christians in the modern healthcare system. Jason's three book recommendations; John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress . John Calvin, A Little Book on the Christian Life . R. C. Sproul, Surprised by Suffering: The Role of Pain and Death in the Christian Life . (And anything else by R. C. Sproul!)…

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Sanjay Patel: Ruling Elder Spotlight 46:20

há 46 weeks46:20

46:20

On Sept. 5, 1986, Sanjay was onboard Pan Am Flight 73. It was hijacked by the PLO in Karachi, Pakistan. Sanjay survived, but was seriously injured, including subsequently undergoing the amputation of a leg. His cousin was the first person killed by the hijackers. 22 people died. Listen to his account of how God worked all things for good and brought new life out of the horror of a terrorist attack. As an elder he now asks people in their suffering to think—what glory will God have from this? (Sanjay is a ruling elder in Theophilus Orthodox Presbyterian Church, a multi-generational and multi-ethnic church, in Anaheim CA.) https://www.theophilusopc.org Sanjay’s three recommended books; Prayer by O. Hallesby, (Augsburg Books, Updated Edition,1994) Making Sense of God: Finding God in the Modern World by Timothy Keller (Penguin Books, 2018) J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life by Paul Miller (Crossway, 2019)…

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Natural Law and Ruling Elders 36:14

há 50 weeks36:14

36:14

Gregory Reynolds interviews David VanDrunen about his latest book, Natural Law: A Short Companion , (B&H Academic, 2023, 160 pages). For more on Natural Law in Ordained Servant see the following; David VanDrunen, “Natural Law in Reformed Theology: Historical Reflections and Biblical Suggestions.” OS 21 (2012): 32-38. Available here. Nelson D. Kloosterman, “A Biblical Case for Natural Law: A Response Essay.” OS 16 (2007): 101-7. Available here. David VanDrunen, “VanDrunen in the Hands of an Anxious Kloosterman: A Response to a Review.” OS 16 (2007): 107-13. Available here. Gregory Edward Reynolds “Education, Natural Law, and the Two Kingdoms” OS 21 (2012): 14-17. Available here.…

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Ruling Elders and Faithful Work 46:49

há 1 year46:49

46:49

Stephen Tracey talks with Joshua Klein about work and flourishing, being faithful and loving in response to God. Joshua A. Klein is a ruling elder in Pilgrim OPC, Bangor ME. He is editor-in-chief of Mortise & Tenon Magazine . He has presented about historic craftsmanship at museums around the United States and has written articles for Fine Woodworking, Popular Woodworking , and American Period Furniture . Joshua is author of four books, including Joined: A Bench Guide to Furniture Joinery (Mortise & Tenon, 2020), and Worked: A Bench Guide to Hand-Tool Efficiency (Mortise & Tenon, 2022). He also serves as Associate Fellow in Mechanical Arts at Greystone Theological Institute. Joshua, his wife, and their three sons are currently restoring an 1821 cape on the coast of Maine. Further Reading On Work Leland Ryken, Work and Leisure in Christian Perspective Timothy Keller, Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work Daniel Doriani, Work: Its Purpose, Dignity, and Transformation On Typology G. K. Beale, Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament Sidney Greidanus, Preaching Christ from the Old Testament: A Contemporary Hermeneutical Method Alistair Roberts & Andrew Wilson, Echoes of Exodus: Tracing Themes of Redemption through Scripture (Stephen Tracey also recommends Patrick Fairbairn , The Typology of Scripture ) On Flow in Thought and Work Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience And maybe take up a craft...…

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Ruling Elders and Conflict 40:19

há 1 year40:19

40:19

Greg Reynolds talks to Stephen Tracey about how ruling elders respond to conflict in the church, whether it is among members, among the session, or with the pastor. More Resources “A Training Program for Elders.” (Greg Reynolds & William Shishko) 10:3 (Jul. 2001): 55-58. Available here . The updated version of this training program titled Let Them Serve is available from Greg upon request. reynolds.1@opc.org Books on Conflict resolution in the church recommended by Greg: Marshall Shelley, Ministering to Problem People in Your Church: What to Do With Well-Intentioned Dragons . Bethany House Publishers. 1985, 2013. Ken Sande, T he Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict , Baker Books, 3rd edition, 2004. Jay Adams, Handbook of Church Discipline: A Right and Privilege of Every Church Member , Zondervan, 1896. Greg’s three (he gave 5) books he believes elders must read: Samuel Miller, The Ruling Elder: The Warrant, Nature, and Duties of the Office in the Presbyterian Church . David Dickson, The Elder and his Work. Lawrence R. Eyres, The Elders of the Church. Gerard Berghoef and Lester De Koster, The Elders Handbook - A Practical Guide for Church Leaders. The Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms.…

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Responding to Domestic Abuse 39:02

há 1 year39:02

39:02

Stephen Tracey talks to Thomas Crumplar about the issue of domestic abuse. Tom is a ruling elder at Emmanuel OPC in Wilmington, Delaware, and co-founder of the law firm Jacobs and Crumplar, P. A. The New Horizons edition for February 1997 featured several articles on Domestic violence. It is available here . Also the edition for January 2021, available here . Suggested further reading: Jeremy Pierre & Greg Wilson, When Home Hurts: A Guide for Responding Wisely to Domestic Abuse in Your Church, Christian Focus (2021). Darby A. Strickland, Is It Abuse?: A Biblical Guide to Identifying Domestic Abuse and Helping Victims, P&R Publishing (2020) Brad Hambrick, Becoming a Church that Cares Well for the Abused, B&H Books (2019).…

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Autism Friendly Churches 37:47

há 1 year37:47