Theses on Church Growth

Is This the End?

In this episode, Pastor Mason reflects on the purpose and future of his podcast 'Retrieving Catholicity,' discussing his dissertation's insights on Catholicity, its relevance for evangelicals, and his decision to pause for the summer to focus on local church ministry and personal growth. Listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify! Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/ Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/ CONTENTS OF THIS EPISODE: 00:00 The Final Episode: A Reflection on Catholicity 05:55 Looking Ahead: A Shift in Focus

Confessing Creeds in Worship

In this episode, Pastor Mason explores the significance of Catholicity in worship, emphasizing the importance of creeds, confessions, and liturgical practices in fostering theological understanding and church unity. He offers practical insights for integrating these elements into modern evangelical worship to deepen faith and pass on biblical truth. Listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify! Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/ Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/ CONTENTS OF THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Introduction to Catholicity in Worship 05:45 Confession of Creeds and Its Significance 11:19 The Benefits of Liturgical Practices 17:36 Practical Steps for Introducing Liturgical Elements

7 Thoughts on the Southern Baptist Convention

In this episode, Pastor Mason shares his insights on the current state of the Southern Baptist Convention, reflecting on its challenges, opportunities, and future direction. He discusses cooperation, theological integrity, cultural issues, and the importance of local church focus. Listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify! Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/ Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/ CONTENTS OF THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Intro 01:48 Personal Connection to SBC 08:50 Cooperation and Its Costs 14:26 Cultural Challenges and Responses 19:48 Self-Obsessed Culture in SBC 25:33 The Role of Seminaries

Theses on Church Growth

In this episode, Pastor Mason explores the complexities of church growth, emphasizing that it is not accidental, contingent on external factors, and often deceptive. He shares seven theses on church growth, highlighting the importance of faithfulness, understanding social fault lines, and maintaining focus on Jesus amidst challenges. Listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify! Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/ Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/ CONTENTS OF THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Understanding Church Growth 06:53 The Nature of Church Growth 18:59 Challenges and Misconceptions of Growth 30:34 The Future of Church Growth

Revisiting: Help from a Dead Guy

In this replay 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.As we revisit this conversation, the message remains timely: trust in God's presence during difficult seasons and 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