What Is a Presbyterian—and Why Does Presbyterian Government Matter? w/ Matt Adams and Ben Ratliff
- Andy McIlvain
- 42 minutes ago
- 1 min read
Video from Reformed Forum
What Is a Presbyterian—and Why Does Presbyterian Government Matter? w/ Matt Adams and Ben Ratliff
"What is a Presbyterian? Is Presbyterianism merely a style of church government, or is it a coherent biblical and theological system? In this episode we welcome Matthew Adams and Ben Ratliff for a lively conversation on Presbyterian identity, church government, and why polity still matters.
The discussion begins with Matt Adams’s article “Grassroots Presbyterianism ≠ Congregationalism” and expands into a broader exploration of Presbyterian ecclesiology. Along the way, the panel considers plurality and parity of elders, the role of presbyteries and general assemblies, the importance of connectionalism, and the ways accountability serves the peace, purity, and unity of the church.
They also reflect on differences in ecclesial culture among the PCA, OPC, and URCNA, discuss overtures and church courts, and offer practical encouragement for ordinary church members who want to be active, faithful Presbyterians in their local congregations.
Matthew Adams serves as Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Dillon, South Carolina.
Ben Ratliff serves as Associate Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Cleveland, Mississippi." from the video introduction