Polity Matters
A podcast on the foundations of Presbyterian Church government. Hosted by Scott Edburg, Jared Nelson, and Ben Ratliff.
127. Biblical and Adorable (BCO 56 Part Two)
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.
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126. Celsius Shaped Hole (BCO 56 Part One)
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
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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...
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...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.
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Official Website: politymatters.orgEmail: politymattersfeedback@gmail.comTwitter/X: @PolityMattersFacebook<...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.pdf
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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...
120. In the Shower or at Church (BCO 51)
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119. Lead My Sheep
Lead My Sheep at PCABookStore
Jon on the Growing Togehter podcast
https://www.howtotrainelders.com
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118. In Your Vulgar Tongue (BCO 50)
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117. They May Have a Crock Pot On (BCO 49)
Time to talk about order in worship.
https://www.pulpitmatters.com/
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116. I Like Pulpits Too (BCO 48)
BCO 48: The Sanctification of the Lord’s Day
Chantry’s Call the Sabbath a Delight
Reflections on BCO 48 at Pulpit Matters
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115. Worship Vibes (BCO 47)
Give Praise to God
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114. Temporary Episode
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 the Eleventh General Assembly after being submitted to the Presbyteries and receiving the necessary approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the Presbyteries. BCO 59-3, as amended, has been given full constitutional authority by the Forty-seventh Gene...
113. Worship in the EPC
Go here to see resources from the EPC, including their Book of Order.
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112. Worship in the OPC with Jonathan Cruse
What Happens When We Worship (Cruse) - Reformation Heritage Books
The Directory for the Public Worship of God: The Orthodox Presbyterian Church
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111. Directories and the ARP
Mark Ross and Ben Glazer join the guys for a discussion about the ARP and worship.
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110. Clarity is Part of Our Job
The guys are joined by Patrick Curles to discuss the Book of Common Worship.
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109. Women in the PCA
David Strain and Joshua Walker gather to discuss the role of women in the PCA.
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108. Instead of Ben a Loud Italian
FAQ w/Fred Greco
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107. Welcome Per Almquist
Scott and Jared spend some time with Per Almquist, a famliar name to the show.
Buy Per's BCO Commentary
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106. Just Let Them Go (BCO 46)
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105. Rise Out of the Taco Sauce (BCO 45)
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104. Officer Training w/David Hall
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103. Vacated (BCO 44)
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102. We Do Have a Time Limit (BCO 43)
Jared and Scott are joined by Art Sartorius to discuss Complaints.
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101. Black Jeans & a Navy Blazer (BCO 42 Part 2)
Scott and Ben finish up BCO 42 (with a fair amount of help from Dr. Guy Waters).
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100. Happy Birthday
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99. Never Know When a Party Breaks Out (BCO 42 Part 1)
Scott and Ben are joined Dr. Guy Waters to discuss the first five sections of BCO 42.
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98. Pastor Could Ask His Dad (BCO 41)
Ben, Steve, and Jared discuss BCO 41.
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97. Inept to Do This Alone (BCO 40)
A Ben and Fred duo episode--all about Review and Control.
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96. Nothing of Substance (RPR w/Thomas Rickard)
Scott and Jared are joined by Thomas Rickard to have (another) discussion about Review of Presbytery Records.
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95. Put Me Out of My Misery (BCO 39)
It's all about the modes! Join Scott, Jared, and Fred as the discuss the BCO chapter with the longest title: Modes in Which the Proceedings of Lower Courts Come Under the Supervision of Higher Courts.
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94. A Good Church, A Bad Church, and Nowhere (BCO 38)
He's never introduced, but you can't deny the dulcet tones of RE Howie Donahoe, who joins Scott and Jared to get into BCO 38.
Presbytery Clerks Download Page
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93. BCO Amendments Are Coming!
Scott leads us through the BCO amendments sent down from this years General Assembly.Â
https://pcapolity.com/2025/07/22/thirteen-proposed-amendments-in-2025/
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92. Regarding Paul Settle
Jared sits down with Mel Duncan and Jason Helopolous to discuss the influential ministry of Rev. Paul Settle.
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91. 52nd PCAGA Recap
Ben and Jared hit a few highlights of the 52nd General Assembly, and then Jared is joined by the PCA Archivist Wayne Sparkman for a brief interview.
To win a signed copy of Our Bond of Union by Per Almquist, email us and tell how Polity Matters has been a help to you since we started in 2023. Winner will be selected by the three hosts toward the end of July 2025.
Check out the following GA roundups that are already published:
Presbyterian and Reformed Churchman Podcast
<...90. Revisiting RPR
Our AI substitute wasn't able to record an episode, so it seem like it generated an introduction with NotebookLM and then aired our RPR Deep Dive from last year. Enjoy.
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89. Crash Course on the PCA General Assembly
Jared, Scott, and Ben spend time with friend of the show Steve Dowling, discussing the week of General Assembly and what we might expect at the 52nd.
Fred Greco's Overtures Roundup
Jacob Gerber's Parliamentary Procedure for Presbyters
https://pcaga.org
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...88. Some Sense of Order (Overtures 2025 Part Two)
Alex Ford is back! We quickly put him to work sifting through Overtures with the guys...
http://pcahistory.org
Overtures discussed: 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, 29, 33, 34, 35, 36, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50
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