

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

Mar 31, 2026 • 15min
125. Baptists Maybe (BCO 55)
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 Shorter and Larger Catechisms.Trinity Psalter Hymnal: The hymnal discussed by the hosts for its inclusion of creeds and confessions.The Christian Tradition by Jaroslav Pelikan: The magisterial 5-volume history of the development of doctrine referenced in the episode.Send us a text message! (but bear in mind the we can't see who sends it unless you tell us...)Support the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Mar 24, 2026 • 29min
124. Pearls of Wisdom From Rick Warren (BCO 54)
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 Assembly 2026 (Louisville, KY)Dates: June 22–26, 2026.Official GA Website: pcaga.org — Use this for registration and the official information booklet.Registration: Register Here (Registration for commissioners and exhibitors is currently open).GA Schedule & Docket: View the 2026 Schedule.Host Resources MentionedBen’s Blog: Pulpit Matters.Overture Tracking: BCO Amendment Tracker Send us a text message! (but bear in mind the we can't see who sends it unless you tell us...)Support the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Mar 17, 2026 • 42min
123. Loose Extemporary Harangues (BCO 53)
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 explores what it means to handle the Word of Truth rightly.Connect & FeedbackOfficial Website: politymatters.orgEmail: politymattersfeedback@gmail.comTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageSupport the ShowBuy Me a Coffee: Support Polity MattersListen & SubscribeApple Podcasts: Polity Matters on AppleOvercast: Listen on OvercastRSS Feed: Buzzsprout RSSHost ResourcesBen’s Blog: Pulpit MattersSend us a text message! (but bear in mind the we can't see who sends it unless you tell us...)Support the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Mar 10, 2026 • 44min
122. Polity Nerds Stick Together
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.pdfSend us a text message! (but bear in mind the we can't see who sends it unless you tell us...)Support the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Mar 3, 2026 • 43min
121. Put the Cookies on the Bottom Shelf (BCO 52)
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 ChristianbookA Method for Prayer – Matthew Henry The classic Puritan work on "praying the Bible." Purchase via Reformation Heritage Books | Purchase via Westminster BookstoreThe Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions – Arthur Bennett (Ed.) Perhaps the most famous modern compilation of Puritan petitions and meditations. Purchase via Banner of Truth | Purchase via LigonierPrayer – O. Hallesby A profoundly simple yet deep classic on the nature of prayer as "helplessness" and opening the door to Jesus. Purchase via Logos (Digital) | Purchase via Amazon/AbeBooksJonathan Gibson’s Liturgy/Holiday Books Gibson has produced a series of beautiful "Liturgy for Daily Worship" books.Ordinary Time: Be Thou My VisionAdvent/Christmas: O Come, O Come, EmmanuelLent/Easter: O Sacred Head, Now WoundedLexham Press Prayer Books Lexham has a specific "Christian Prayer" series (often in high-quality small hardbacks) including Piercing Heaven (Puritan prayers) and Fount of Heaven (Early Church prayers). View the Lexham Prayer Bundle/Series | Individual: Piercing HeavenThe Westminster SSend us a text message! (but bear in mind the we can't see who sends it unless you tell us...)Support the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Feb 24, 2026 • 36min
120. In the Shower or at Church (BCO 51)
Send us a text message! (but bear in mind the we can't see who sends it unless you tell us...)Support the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Feb 17, 2026 • 34min
119. Lead My Sheep
Lead My Sheep at PCABookStoreJon on the Growing Togehter podcasthttps://www.howtotrainelders.comSend us a text message! (but bear in mind the we can't see who sends it unless you tell us...)Support the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Feb 10, 2026 • 31min
118. In Your Vulgar Tongue (BCO 50)
Send us a text message! (but bear in mind the we can't see who sends it unless you tell us...)Support the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Feb 3, 2026 • 34min
117. They May Have a Crock Pot On (BCO 49)
Time to talk about order in worship.https://www.pulpitmatters.com/Send us a text message! (but bear in mind the we can't see who sends it unless you tell us...)Support the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter

Jan 20, 2026 • 50min
116. I Like Pulpits Too (BCO 48)
BCO 48: The Sanctification of the Lord’s DayChantry’s Call the Sabbath a DelightReflections on BCO 48 at Pulpit MattersSend us a text message! (but bear in mind the we can't see who sends it unless you tell us...)Support the showOfficial Website: politymatters.org Support the Show: Buy Me a CoffeeTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook: Polity Matters PageScott's TwitterJared's TwitterBen's Twitter


