Polity Matters

By Edburg, Nelson, RatliffReligion & Spirituality Christianity Government History

Polity Matters episodes

October 13145. The Utility Company of the PCA
Ben and Jared are joined again by PCA Stated Clerk Fred Greco to walk through Chapter 3 of the Rules of Assembly Operation, which covers the Stated Clerk. Fred explains what the job is and isn't: clerical rather than spiritual leadership ("He's not the bishop of the PCA"), the qualifications in RAO 3-5, and why the clerk is a trusted source of constitutional advice precisely because he doesn't take sides.
The conversation moves through the clerk's role as an ambassador to other denominations, the structure and culture of the Administrative Committee staff, and the unglamorous logistics behind General Assembly, down to charging stations. Fred describes the AC as "the utility company of the PCA": the ministry nobody notices when it works. He also makes the case for the PCA Historical Center and Wayne Sparkman's work there, and invites listeners to consider a donation to the Administrative Committee.
Links:
PCA Historical Center
PCA Administrative Committee
Polity Matters #91, 52nd PCAGA Recap (with Wayne Sparkman)
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37 min
October 06 144. You're the Umpire
Jared Nelson and Scott Edburg are joined by Mel Duncan, moderator of the 53rd General Assembly, to walk through the first two chapters of the Rules of Assembly Operations. Chapter 1 covers calling the General Assembly to order, the opening sermon and exhortation, the stated clerk's enrollment report, and the election of the moderator, including nominating speeches, ballots, and clickers. Chapter 2 turns to the moderator's duties: presiding, inviting others to preside, calling the next assembly to order, and the floor privileges of former moderators.

Mel describes the moderator as a servant of the assembly rather than its master. "You're the umpire," he says, and the job is to call balls and strikes. Along the way he talks about why a moderator has to know the docket, how much the stated clerk carries, the unwritten duties that come with the office (study committees and a committee for fasting and prayer among them), and the practical challenges of sound, lighting, microphones, and the kill switch. He also gets into a point of order and the clickers, and closes with gratitude for the PCA.

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53 min
September 29 143. A Chapter Called Fred Greco
Ben, Jared, and Scott welcome PCA Stated Clerk Fred Greco back to the show as they kick off a new season working through the Rules of Assembly Operation (RAO) -- the "yellow pages" section of the BCO appendices. Fred explains what the RAO actually is: the rulebook for how General Assembly conducts its business, and a window into how the PCA's permanent committees, agencies, and Standing Judicial Commission operate between assemblies.
The conversation covers the RAO's relationship to the Constitution (it's not part of it, and RAO amendments take effect immediately rather than going through the constitutional amendment process), how it sits below the BCO and Westminster Standards but above Robert's Rules of Order, the math behind amending or suspending the rules (two-thirds vote that's also a majority of enrolled commissioners), why the RAO discourages bringing new business straight to the GA floor, and which chapters (4, 14-17) are worth knowing even if you never attend Assembly.
A good primer before diving into the RAO chapter by chapter in episodes to come.
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32 min
September 22142. The USPS Error
With the Book of Church Order wrapped up, Ben, Jared, and Scott prepare listeners for the coming round of Presbytery meetings. The 53rd General Assembly sent seven BCO amendments to the presbyteries for advice and consent (BCO 26). Each must be voted on as a whole, needs two-thirds of presbyteries, and then a majority at a subsequent GA. The guys walk through what each one says and why it was proposed, plus one informational item that isn't up for a vote.
Links and resources
Overtures Library: https://overtures26.replit.app/
BCO Amendment Tracking Dashboard: https://www.pcaac.org/dashboard/
Book of Church Order: https://www.pcaac.org/bco/
BCO amendments sent to the presbyteries (53rd GA): https://www.pcaac.org/resources/presbyteries/presbytery-clerks-download-page/
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41 min
August 18 141. Nostalgic in the Least (BCO 63)
It is the end. Good bye.
Bible Reading Plan Generator
The Fullness of Grace by Stephen Yuille
A Neglected Grace by Jason Helopoulos
The Family Worship Bible Guide
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22 min
August 04 140. Very Opposites (BCO 62)
Discussion of the seven sections of BCO 62 on Days of Fasting and Thanksgiving.
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28 min
July 21139. Scott, Take Care of It (BCO 61)
Ben, Jared, and Scott walk through Chapter 61 of the PCA Book of Church Order ("The Burial of the Dead"), discussing the theology and practicalities of conducting funerals and graveside services. They cover how to balance worshipping God with comforting the living, navigate sensitive pastoral situations like cremation and services for unbelievers, and train ministry interns in funeral care.

Referenced Links & External Resources
Leading in Worship by Terry L. Johnson: Liturgical resource cited for graveside committal services.
Article by Steven Spinnenweber: Article (and accompanying sermon) on preaching the gospel clearly while conducting his sister's funeral.
The Book of Common Prayer (1662 & 1979 editions): Historical liturgical references for burial orders.
Matthew Henry's Deathbed Reflection.
Upon his death bed, Matthew Henry wrote this note to his loved ones, to be read when he had passed.
“Would you like to know where I am? I am at home in my Father's house, in the mansions prepared for me here. I am where I want to be – no longer on the stormy sea, but in God's safe, quiet harbor. My sowing time is done and I am reaping: my joy is as the joy of harvest.
Would you like to know how it is with me? I am made perfect in holiness. Grace is swallowed up in glory.
Would you like to know what I am doing? I see God, not as through a glass darkly, but face to face. I am engaged in the sweet enjoyment of my precious Redeemer. I am singing hallelujahs to Him who sits upon the throne, and am constantly praising Him.
Would you know what blessed company I keep? It is better than the best on earth. Here are the holy angels and the spirits of just men made perfect...I am with many of my old acquaintances with whom I worked and prayed, and who have come here before me.
Lastly, would you know how long this will continue? It is dawn that never fades! After millions and millions of ages, it will be as fresh as it is now. Therefore, weep not for me!”
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31 min
July 07 138. It’s Probably Our Fault (BCO 60)
Ben, Jared, and Scott discuss BCO 60 on the visitation of the sick.
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32 min
June 30 137. Box of Chocolates Effect (GA Debrief)
Ben welcomes Fred Greco, Steve Tipton, and first-time commissioner RE Jonah Cleveland to debrief after the 53rd PCA General Assembly.
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57 min
June 16 136. Christian Nationalism with David Strain
In this episode, we sit down with David Strain to discuss the PCA's ad interim committee on Christian Nationalism. We explore the diverse definitions of the movement, the ethical challenges it presents in local congregations, and the committee's approach to providing pastoral counsel.
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34 min