Polity Matters

By Edburg, Nelson, RatliffReligion & Spirituality Christianity Government History

Polity Matters episodes

April 21 128. The Water Must Be Wetted (BCO 57 Part One)
In this episode of Polity Matters, we walk through BCO 57: The Admission of Persons to Sealing Ordinances, focusing on how individuals—especially covenant children—are received into communing membership. We discuss pastoral practice, the role of the session, and the meaning of the membership vows. Along the way, we explore how the church faithfully shepherds people toward the Lord’s Table.

PCA Book of Church Order (BCO): https://www.pcaac.org/bco/
The OPC Book of Church Order: https://opc.org/bco.html
Stephen Smallman’s Understanding the Session (and other resources): https://www.pcabookstore.com/
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24 min
April 14 127. 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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49 min
April 07 126. 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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30 min
March 31 125. 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 discuss 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.
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15 min
March 24124. 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 Mentioned
Ben’s Blog: Pulpit Matters.
Overture Tracking: BCO Amendment Tracker
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30 min
March 17123. 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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Apple Podcasts: Polity Matters on Apple
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Host Resources
Ben’s Blog: Pulpit Matters
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Official Website: politymatters.org
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43 min
March 10 122. 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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44 min
March 03121. 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 Christianbook
A Method for Prayer – Matthew Henry
The classic Puritan work on "praying the Bible."
Purchase via Reformation Heritage Books | Purchase via Westminster Bookstore
The 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 Ligonier
Prayer – 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/AbeBooks
Jonathan Gibson’s Liturgy/Holiday Books
Gibson has produced a series of beautiful "Liturgy for Daily Worship" books.
Ordinary Time: Be Thou My Vision
Advent/Christmas: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Lent/Easter: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
Lexham 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 Heaven
The Westminster Standards
Includes the Westminster Confession of Faith, and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
Purchase (Banner of Truth Edition) | Purchase (Great Commission Publications)

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Official Website: politymatters.org
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Ben's Twitter
43 min
February 24 120. In the Shower or at Church (BCO 51)
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37 min
February 17 119. Lead My Sheep
Lead My Sheep at PCABookStore
Jon on the Growing Togehter podcast
https://www.howtotrainelders.com
Send us Fan Mail
Support the show
Official Website: politymatters.org
Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee
Twitter/X: @PolityMatters
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Scott's Twitter
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Ben's Twitter
34 min