In this episode of the Retrieving Catholicity podcast, hosts Mason Ballard and Derek Roberts engage in a candid conversation about the challenges faced by pastors in contemporary culture, particularly in Charleston, West Virginia. They explore the complexities of navigating cultural issues, the impact of the pandemic on church attendance and ministry, and the importance of maintaining a balance between conviction and compassion in pastoral care. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of cultural movements and the personal reflections of leadership during tumultuous times. In this conversation, the speakers explore the ideological drift in contemporary politics, the burden of expectations surrounding social justice, and the importance of personal growth and resilience in ministry. They discuss the impact of technology on attention spans and the necessity of intentional living in a digital age, emphasizing the need for balance and discipline in both personal and spiritual lives.Learn more about Rev. Derek Roberts and his ministry at Hope Charleston: https://hopecharleston.org/

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

Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/

CONTENTS OF THIS VIDEO:

(00:00 ) Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts(02:37) Cultural Challenges in Charleston(08:53) Impact of the Pandemic on Ministry(13:06) Navigating Cultural Movements(20:24) Reflections on Leadership and Maturity(25:08) Drifting Ideologically: A New Political Landscape(28:06) The Burden of Expectations: Navigating Social Justice(30:48) The Call to Holiness: Personal Growth and Discipline(34:39) Resilience in Ministry: The Underrated Trait(39:15) Technology and Attention: The Modern Struggle(43:59) Intentional Living: Finding Balance in a Digital Age

In this episode of the Retrieving Catholicity Podcast, Pastor Mason Ballard explores the doctrine of catholicity, emphasizing its significance in understanding the church's universality and wholeness. He discusses the importance of engaging with church history, the connection between history and mission, and the role of ordinary people in fulfilling the church's mission. The conversation highlights how catholicity is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that shapes the church's identity and mission across time and space.
Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/

Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/

CONTENTS OF THIS VIDEO:

(00:00) Introduction to Catholicity and Its Importance(02:08) Understanding the Doctrine of Catholicity(06:54) The Significance of History in the Church(15:25) Connecting History and Mission(21:43) The Role of Ordinary People in the Church

In this episode, Pastor Mason Ballard shares his journey of becoming a Baptist, exploring the theological, historical, and personal dimensions of his faith. He reflects on the unique aspects of Baptist identity, including the emphasis on scripture, the doctrine of eternal security, and the significance of baptism. Ballard also discusses the relationship between Baptist identity and the broader Christian tradition, advocating for a view of Baptists as a renewal movement within the one holy catholic and apostolic church. He encourages listeners to reflect on their own traditions and beliefs in light of the broader Christian story.

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

Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/

CONTENTS OF THIS VIDEO: (00:00) Introduction to Baptist Identity(05:03) The Journey of Becoming a Baptist(10:10) Exploring Baptist History and Theology(14:54) Baptist Identity in the Context of Catholicity(20:08) Reflections on Faith and Tradition

In this episode, we sit down with Rev. Derek Roberts to explore the Anglican tradition, sacramental theology, and the intersection of Baptist and Anglican perspectives. We dive into the historical and theological nuances of terms like "Sacrament" and "Ordinance," discussing why certain traditions embrace or resist these concepts. Along the way, we reflect on the richness of expositional preaching, the global influence of Anglicanism, and the pastoral realities of ministry—from the pulpit to the graveside.Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on theology, tradition, and the ways in which different Christian communities engage with biblical teaching. Whether you're Anglican, Baptist, or just curious about these conversations, this episode offers valuable insights and reflections.Learn more about Rev. Derek Roberts and his ministry at Hope Charleston: https://hopecharleston.org/

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of denominationalism—its benefits, its dangers, and its place in the broader Christian church. Are denominations helpful for theological clarity, or do they create unnecessary division? How do we distinguish between theological disagreement and sin? And what happens when denominational identity starts to overshadow our unity in Christ?Join us as we explore the history, social dynamics, and potential pitfalls of denominational life, with personal reflections on what it means to be part of a tradition without losing sight of the whole Church. Whether you’re deeply rooted in a denomination or wrestling with its role in your faith, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Retrieving Catholicity, we dive into the heart of congregational worship. What is the purpose of singing in the church? How do our worship practices shape us spiritually? Drawing from personal experience and the broader Christian tradition, we explore the role of music, preaching, and the Lord’s Supper in forming a gospel-centered worship service. Whether you were raised in the so-called "worship wars" or are navigating these questions for the first time, this episode challenges us to think theologically about how and why we worship. Join us as we reflect on the mission of the church, the unity of believers, and the ultimate goal of all worship—praising our Triune God.

In this episode, we explore the beauty of the Church’s catholicity—its unity, wholeness, and universality. What does it mean to love not just our own local church but also the churches of others? We dive into why celebrating gospel work beyond our walls matters, how we can partner with other churches without compromising convictions, and why marketing our church should be about awareness, not competition. Plus, we discuss centering our ministry on the gospel, prioritizing Scripture, and letting the Bible shape our gatherings. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on loving the Church—the one Christ died for.

In this episode of Retrieving Catholicity, host Pastor Mason Ballard explores what it means to be a part of the whole Christian tradition. Are "Baptist" and "catholic" really oil and water? Or could Baptist identity actually be a particular way of being catholic? We dive into the biblical and theological foundations of catholicity—not as a call to Roman Catholicism, but as a retrieval of the church’s wholeness and unity across time and tradition.Join us as we reflect on the whole truth of the gospel, the whole church throughout history, and why it all matters for the whole world. Whether you're a Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, or Presbyterian, this conversation invites you to consider how your faith is connected to the broader Christian story.

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

Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/

CONTENTS OF THIS VIDEO:

(00:00) Introduction to Retrieving Catholicity Podcast

(02:59) Understanding Catholicity and Its Importance

(12:18) The Nature of the Church and Its Unity

(20:03) The Beauty of the Church and Its Mission

Welcome to Retrieving Catholicity, where we explore life and ministry in light of the whole truth, the whole Church, and its significance for the whole world. Hosted by Mason Ballard, lead pastor of Resurrection Church in Charleston, WV, this podcast is an extension of his pastoral ministry and theological work on the church’s universality and wholeness.

In this episode, Mason introduces the heart behind the podcast—why retrieving catholicity matters, how it shapes our understanding of the Church, and why it’s relevant for church members, pastors, and Christians seeking to live faithfully. Whether you're part of Resurrection Church, a ministry leader, or simply someone eager to think theologically about faith and culture, this podcast is for you.

Join us as we explore what it means to embrace the whole truth of the Christian faith and apply it to our everyday lives.

Big news—we’re launching a podcast! Retrieving Catholicity is a weekly show where we explore the whole truth with the whole Church for the whole world. Join us as we dive into the doctrine of catholicity—what it means, why it matters, and how it shapes our lives, ministries, and churches.Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or an interested Christian looking to deepen your understanding of the Church’s wholeness and mission, this podcast is for you.Subscribe and join us each week as we retrieve this rich doctrine for the renewal of faith, ministry, and everyday life!