In this episode of the Retrieving Catholicity podcast, Pastor Mason Ballard reflects on the significance of engaging with historical theological voices, particularly through the lens of Charles Spurgeon's work. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the universal church that transcends time, encouraging listeners to read the writings of past theologians as an act of love and humility.

Ballard introduces Spurgeon's lecture, "The Minister's Fainting Fits," which addresses the emotional and spiritual struggles faced by ministers and believers alike. He highlights how these struggles are not only common but can also serve as a means of growth and empathy in ministry.

Throughout the episode, Ballard shares insights from Spurgeon's lecture, discussing the reasons behind feelings of despair and the importance of understanding our human frailty. He encourages listeners to view their struggles as part of their calling and to seek comfort in the knowledge that God uses our challenges for greater purposes. The conversation culminates in a message of hope, urging listeners to trust in God's presence during difficult times and to find solace in the wisdom of those who have gone before us.

Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/

Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/

CONTENTS OF THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction to Catholicity and Historical Voices

06:13 Exploring Spurgeon's 'The Minister's Fainting Fits'

12:04 Understanding Struggles in Ministry

20:03 Finding Hope in Dark Times

In this episode of Retrieving Catholicity, Pastor Mason discusses the controversial topic of short-term mission trips within evangelical culture. He explores both the critiques and the value of these trips, emphasizing the importance of understanding the theological foundations of catholicity and mission. The conversation highlights the potential for personal growth, the significance of building relationships, and the broader perspectives gained through cross-cultural experiences. Ultimately, Mason encourages listeners to consider the impact of short-term missions and their role in the larger mission of the church.

The Gospel Baton: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/FSDIoJ31WZb

Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/

Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/

CONTENTS OF THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Introduction to Short-Term Mission Trips (02:47) Critiques and Concerns of Short-Term Missions (06:06) Theological Foundations of Catholicity and Mission (09:00) The Value of Short-Term Mission Trips (11:46) Transformative Experiences and Personal Growth (15:09) Building Relationships and Partnerships (17:56) Broader Perspectives and Cultural Insights (20:47) Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of the Retrieving Catholicity podcast, Pastor Mason explores the themes of church health versus perfection, emphasizing the importance of pursuing a healthy church that acknowledges its imperfections. He discusses the aspirational nature of ecclesiology, particularly within the Baptist tradition, and how this impacts church membership and community life. The conversation highlights the need for grace, forgiveness, and a commitment to growth within the church, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace the reality of imperfection while striving for faithfulness in their church communities.

Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/

Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/

CONTENTS OF THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Introduction to Retrieving Catholicity Podcast (02:46) Healthy Church vs. Perfect Church (14:44) Aspirational Ecclesiology and Its Implications (22:20) The Pursuit of a Healthy Church (31:26) Conclusion: Embracing Imperfection in Church Life

Season 2 is here!Retrieving Catholicity, hosted by Pastor Mason Ballard, returns with deeper conversations on Scripture, theology, liturgy, and the historic faith of the Church.Rooted in tradition. Oriented toward renewal.Join the work of retrieval.Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/

In this final episode of season one of the Retrieving Catholicity Podcast, Pastor Mason Ballard reflects on the journey of exploring catholicity and retrieval in the context of Christian ministry. He discusses the importance of understanding the concepts of retrieval and catholicity, the impact of language on worship, and the role of local churches in embodying catholic principles. Pastor Mason emphasizes the need for a theological framework that balances rich doctrine with warm community, while also addressing the challenges of confusion and corruption facing the church today. He encourages continued exploration of these themes in future episodes.

Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/

Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/

CONTENTS OF THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Introduction to Retrieving Catholicity (01:21) Exploring the Concept of Retrieval (07:23) The Importance of Catholicity (12:36) Navigating Fads in Church Language (15:25) The Role of Local Churches in Catholicity (17:51) Catholicity as a Response to Confusion and Corruption

In this episode of the Retrieving Catholicity Podcast, Pastor Mason Ballard explores the question of whether everyone is a theologian. He discusses the implications of this question for Christians and emphasizes the importance of being good theologians in understanding and articulating doctrines. The conversation also highlights the role of everyday theologians in the church and the significance of theological education for those called to deeper study. Ballard encourages listeners to engage with theological content and consider their own journey in understanding God.

Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/

Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/

CONTENTS OF THIS VIDEO: (00:00) Is Everyone a Theologian? (09:43) The Role of Everyday Theologians (19:24) Considering Theological Education

In this episode of Retrieving Catholicity, Pastor Mason Ballard reflects on the importance of focus and intentionality in life and ministry, drawing inspiration from C.S. Lewis's reading habits and the impact of technology on our attention. He discusses the need to prioritize meaningful activities over distractions, emphasizing that our daily choices shape our lives and influence our contributions to the world. The conversation encourages listeners to evaluate their own habits and consider what they are choosing to focus on in their lives.
Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/

Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/

CONTENTS OF THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Introduction to the Challenge of Focus (02:54) C.S. Lewis: The Impact of Focused Reading (06:08) Navigating Technology and Information Overload (08:58) The Importance of Saying No to Lesser Things (11:48) Conclusion: The Legacy of C.S. Lewis and Personal Reflection

In this episode of the Retrieving Catholicity Podcast, Pastor Mason Ballard explores the concept of theological triage, which involves ranking and evaluating the importance and clarity of various theological doctrines. He discusses the significance of core doctrines such as the Trinity and the doctrine of creation, particularly in relation to human sexuality. Pastor Ballard emphasizes the need for compassion and clarity in discussing these issues, advocating for a thoughtful approach that respects the historical teachings of the church. He also highlights the role of Catholicity in understanding and applying theological triage in contemporary Christian life.
Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/

Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/

CONTENTS OF THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Introduction to Theological Triage (00:27) Understanding Theological Triage (02:22) Ranking Doctrines: Importance vs. Clarity (08:25) The Doctrine of Creation and Human Sexuality (12:40) Compassion and Clarity in Doctrine (19:18) The Role of Catholicity in Theological Triage (25:05) Practical Application of Theological Triage

In this episode of Retrieving Catholicity, Pastor Mason Ballard explores the concept of Catholicity as a posture that emphasizes unity, kindness, and love within the Christian community. He discusses the theological foundations of Catholicity, drawing from Ephesians, and highlights the importance of living out this posture in interactions with others. The conversation also addresses the dangers of sectarianism, the call to resist resentment, and the necessity of engaging with the world through a lens of charity and truth.

Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/

Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/

CONTENTS OF THIS VIDEO: (00:00) Understanding Catholicity as a Posture (02:48) The Theological Foundation of Catholicity (06:04) Living Out Catholicity in Community (08:56) The Dangers of Sectarianism (11:48) Engaging with the World through Catholicity (15:11) The Call to Kindness and Forgiveness (18:08) Resisting Resentment and Embracing Love (21:01) Living in Light of the Whole Truth

In this episode of Retrieving Catholicity, Pastor Mason Ballard discusses the implications of the new Pope, Leo XIV, for the relationship between Roman Catholicism and Evangelicalism. He explores the concept of Catholicity, the significant theological differences between the two traditions, and the importance of understanding these distinctions in fostering dialogue. Pastor Ballard emphasizes the need for clarity in doctrine and the potential for future ecumenical discussions, while also acknowledging the complexities of Catholic identity and the historical context of the papacy.

Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/

Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/

CONTENTS OF THIS VIDEO: (00:00) Introduction to the Pope's Role (02:52) Understanding Catholicity and Ecumenism (06:09) Differences Between Roman Catholicism and Evangelicalism (08:59) Theological Distinctions: Justification and Authority (11:56) The Complexity of Roman Catholic Identity (14:49) The Pope's Influence and Historical Context (17:47) Expectations for Pope Leo XIV (21:09) The Future of Catholic and Evangelical Relations (24:01) Conclusion and Call for Dialogue