Retrieving Catholicity with Pastor Mason Ballard

Mason Ballard, Ph.D.
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Retrieving Catholicity with Pastor Mason Ballard is a podcast dedicated to thoughtful engagement with the church—her history, theology, and mission in the world. We believe the whole church matters—that Christians today can benefit greatly from voices of the past, voices around the world, and voices across the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. Join us as we seek the whole truth with the whole Church for the whole world—one conversation at a time.

  1. Jun 4

    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

  2. May 28

    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

  3. May 21

    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

  4. May 14

    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

  5. May 7

    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

  6. Apr 30

    Prioritizing the Gospel in Parenting with Reverend Derek Roberts

    In this episode, Pastor Mason Ballard and Reverend Derek Roberts explore the intersection of faith, family, and church life, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the gospel in parenting and personal decisions. They discuss practical challenges faced by young families, the role of church community, and the balance between cultural influences and biblical priorities. 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 EPISODE: 00:00 Introduction to Catholicity and Personal Journeys 02:02 Navigating Parenthood and Church Life 05:38 The Ideology of Parenting 09:09 The Role of the Gospel in Parenting 13:02 Travel Sports and Church Attendance 16:37 Prioritizing Church in Family Life 24:06 Evaluating Life Priorities 26:31 Authority and Christian Parenting 28:52 Navigating Parenting Ideologies 31:39 Balancing Family and Ministry 34:18 Embracing the Gift of Parenting 37:18 Grace in Parenting Decisions 39:06 Addressing Infertility and Community Support

  7. Apr 23

    Local Theologians - The Universal Church and Your Church | A Study Story with Mason Ballard

    This week we are sharing an episode of the Local Theologians podcast. Dr. Mason Ballard joins Dr. Travis Montgomery to discuss the doctrine of catholicity (little‑c) and how recovering a sense of the church’s universality across time and space has transformed his ministry. Mason explains how Baptist convictions harmonize with the historic Christian confession of ‘one holy, catholic, and apostolic church,’ why ‘catholic’ doesn’t mean ‘Roman Catholic,’ and how embracing the wholeness of the global and historic church shapes worship, partnership, posture, and humility. They discuss practical expressions of catholicity in church planting, liturgy, ecumenical charity, and ministry context as well as cautions for those rediscovering ancient practices for the first time. About the Podcast Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at: mbts.edu/global Local Theologians YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCZE7aFNgaLTKBygxAymRPrA Local Theologians Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BAUb8dSNL9GIp0AEocQOQ?si=24bca9786e9e4555 Local Theologians Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-theologians/id1849306162 Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/ Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/ CONTENTS OF THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Introduction to Catholicity and Theological Education 02:03 Understanding Catholicity: Definition and Importance 05:21 Practical Implications of Catholicity in Ministry 09:03 Ecumenism vs. Catholicity: A Deeper Look 12:22 Worship Practices and Their Significance 16:03 Cautions for Embracing Ancient Traditions 24:56 Resources for Understanding Catholicity

  8. Apr 16

    Navigating Church Traditions and Transitions with Reverend Derek Roberts

    In this episode, Pastor Mason Ballard and Reverend Derek Roberts discuss various aspects of church life, including reflections on Easter services, the significance of baptism, navigating church traditions, and the importance of finding the right church community. They emphasize the need for moral clarity and theological convictions in church selection, as well as the role of online presence in attracting new members. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of church transitions and the importance of engaging with a new church community. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the complexities of church involvement, the decision to leave a church, and the importance of communication with pastors. They explore the reasons people leave churches, the significance of community and relationships within the church, and the need to address abusive leadership. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding one's convictions and the challenges that come with changing churches. 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 EPISODE: 00:00 Introduction and Easter Reflections 02:55 Understanding Baptism: A Theological Discussion 05:58 Navigating Church Traditions and Transitions 09:01 Finding the Right Church: Key Considerations 11:48 The Role of Online Presence in Church Selection 14:55 Moral Clarity and Theological Convictions 18:01 Engaging with a New Church Community 28:00 Navigating Church Involvement and Expectations 31:01 Deciding to Leave a Church: Key Considerations 34:05 The Importance of Communication with Pastors 38:52 Understanding Relationships and Community in the Church 43:54 Addressing Abuse and Toxicity in Church Leadership 50:53 The Complexity of Changing Convictions and Church Membership

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Retrieving Catholicity with Pastor Mason Ballard is a podcast dedicated to thoughtful engagement with the church—her history, theology, and mission in the world. We believe the whole church matters—that Christians today can benefit greatly from voices of the past, voices around the world, and voices across the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. Join us as we seek the whole truth with the whole Church for the whole world—one conversation at a time.

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