Reformed Forum

Christ the Center is pleased to welcome Bill Snodgrass and Erica Bucey to discuss the challenges of urban ministry. Rev. Snodgrass is pastor of Grace Fellowship OPC in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. Erica serves as the Director of Development at Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission in Philadelphia. Bill and Erica talk about the particular challenges churches and para-church ministries face in urban contexts and how a reformed theology offers lasting hope in the sovereign God.

Participants: Bill Snodgrass, Camden Bucey, Erica Bucey

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center revisited with Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, professor of biblical and systematic theology, emeritus, at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, about the significance of Pentecost for redemptive history and the life of the church. Drawing from his book Perspectives on Pentecost and his “Acts and Paul” lecture notes, Dr. Gaffin explained the place of Pentecost as the culmination of that complex of events surrounding the person and work of Jesus Christ which includes his incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension. Pentecost, then, occurs as part of the accomplishment of redemption and is therefore unrepeatable although its significance and effects reverberate throughout the Christian life. This is a rich biblical theological discussion that will repay frequent rehearsals.

episode photo by knowhimonline

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Richard B. Gaffin Jr.

The Christ the Center panel had the privilege of conversing with Dr. George Scipione, professor of pastoral theology and director of the Biblical Counseling Institute at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA about the necessity of pastoral counseling that is biblical. Specifically, discussion was had about hard cases calling for both learning and practical wisdom. Among the many issues raised was the importance of counseling and a proper ecclesiology. Clearly the conversation scratched the surface of this important issue.

Participants: Camden Bucey, George Scipione, Nick Batzig

The panel continues to examine the theological foundations for engaging culture.

Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack

The panel discusses the relationship of theology to prayer by focusing on Colossians. Jim, Nick, and Camden explore Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae and think about the relationship of theology to prayer. Paul’s prayers, especially in the book of Colossians, provide a wonderful example for all believers whether they pray to the Lord in public and private worship.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

The panel examines the theological foundations for engaging culture.

Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack

Michael Haykin, Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, speaks about his book The Christian Lover: The Sweetness of Love and Marriage in the Letters of Believers. In the book Haykin collects letters from one or both parties in twelve significant relationships from church history including Luther, Calvin as well as lesser-known figures.

Participants: Michael A.G. Haykin, Nick Batzig

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

The Christ the Center panel had the privilege of talking with Dr. Tim Witmer, professor of practical theology, coordinator of the PT department, and supervisor of the mentored ministry program at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia as well as pastor of Crossroads Community Church (PCA) in Upper Darby, PA, about his new book, The Shepherd Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding in Your Church (P&R). The discussion revolved around the importance of formal and informal shepherding in the church by pastors and elders (and assisted by deacons) so that all members of a congregation are cared for. The book and the related courses at WTS stem from Dr. Witmer’s doctoral work at Reformed Theological Seminary and his extensive church planting and revitalization experience. This program demonstrates that sound doctrine produces sound practice.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jason Pickard, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig, Tim Witmer

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

John Currie, Lecturer in Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, discusses the challenges involved and the task of preaching. Rev. Currie is also Director of Alumni Relations and Educational Advancement at Westminster and formerly pastored Cornerstone Orthodox Presbtyerian Church in Ambler, PA. This episode retains much value for the listeners of sermons as well. The task of the preacher and the characteristics of a faithful sermon are things every believer ought to be familiar with.

episode photo provided by itspaulkelly

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, John Currie

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

On this episode, we revisit David Bazan’s album Curse Your Branches. This time around we focus on our apologetic foundations and make explicit some our our methodology and principial concerns.

For more background, listen to our previous episode. Bazan is perhaps most noted for founding the indie band Pedro the Lion, a group that gained considerable attention in the Christian indie music community. Known for his introspective and emotionally-charged lyrics, Bazan received attention from a broader group with his latest album Curse Your Branches that among other things, details his rejection of evangelical Christianity.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack