Branch of Protestant Christianity in which the church is governed by presbyters (elders)
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If we ever had a genuine democracy (and I would argue we never have) then it is clearly disintegrating now, along with the entire system with which it was entwined. Everyone agrees we need something new, what we don't necessarily agree on across the board is the design of this new thing. This week's guests are two people who spend their lives imagining how things might be different, particularly in the US, where even the pretence of democracy has been abandoned. Dr John Izzo is a friend of the podcast. Once an ordained Minister in a Presbyterian Church, he's now a bestselling author, speaker, and thought leader focused on social responsibility and intergenerational integration. He's a a Distinguished Fellow at The Stimson Center in Washington DC, and a Board Member of the Elders Action Network and the Elders Climate Action group. Most notably in terms of what we're talking about here, he's co-host of The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations Podcast on which I heard him speaking to our other guest, Suzette Brooks Masters. Suzette describes herself as a sometime Cassandra who sees around the corner; a serial social entrepreneur, and a thought leader and strategist in the fields of democracy, governance and futures.She has degrees in Economics from Amherst College and Cambridge University, and a Law degree from Harvard. She has spent much of her working life as a strategist working on immigration, inclusion and democracy. She is currently Senior Fellow and Director of Democracy Innovation at the Democracy Funders Network and Co-Founder of the Federal Foresight Advocacy Alliance. So listen in for a 3-way conversation on the nature of power, community and change as we move into the new year. John on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnizzo/John's showreel: https://vimeo.com/248012255?fl=pl&fe=vlJohn's website: www.drjohnizzo.comJohn's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1adiRng-Ab3d3Wos9pFjAA The Way Forward Regenerative Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-way-forward-regenerative-conversations/id1651941803Episode with Suzette: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-way-forward-regenerative-conversations/id1651941803?i=1000704364583The Way Forward on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RegenerativeConversationsSuzette on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzette-brooks-masters-0614981bDemocracy Funders Network https://www.democracyfundersnetwork.org/Federal Foresight Advocacy Alliance https://www.ffaa-us.org/Suzette's recent report - Becoming Futures Ready: How Philanthropy can leverage strategic foresight for democracy https://www.democracyfundersnetwork.org/resources/2024/10/3/becoming-futures-ready-how-philanthropy-can-leverage-strategic-foresight-for-democracyIf you'd like to support us, there is a Patreon page, but we're not going to link to it, because, honestly, the best way is to come and join the Accidental Gods Membership: that way you can share in the ideas, the programme that will help you connect to the Web of Life in ways that will last—and you can come to the Gatherings half price. Or if that doesn't appeal, come along to one of the Gatherings. Or buy a subscription/Gathering for a friend... do something that feels like a good exchange of energy and minimises our connection with old economic paradigm. Remember that if any of this is difficult, contact us and we'll find something that works for you. Details below: What we offer: Accidental Gods, Dreaming Awake and the Thrutopia Writing Masterclass If you'd like to join our next Open Gathering offered by our Accidental Gods Programme, it's 'Honouring Fear as your Mentor' on Sunday 8th February 2026 from 16:00 - 20:00 GMT - details are here. You don't have to be a member -but if you are, all Gatherings are half price.If you'd like to join us at Accidental Gods, this is the membership where we endeavour to help you to connect fully with the living web of life. If you'd like to train more deeply in the contemporary shamanic work at Dreaming Awake, you'll find us here. If you'd like to explore the recordings from our last Thrutopia Writing Masterclass, the details are here
Message from Elder Simon Gidney entitled "No Growth without Light." For more information, visit sntandrews.org. © St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
Message from Children & Youth Director, Richelle De Aragon entitled "Rejoice, Lament, Love." For more information, visit sntandrews.org. © St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
Message from Rev. Dr. Clark Cowden entitled "The Impact of Christmas." For more information, visit sntandrews.org. © St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
#36 in our series, "The Book of Romans: A Theology of Hope"
We're taking a look back across 2025, revisiting our episode with Rev Jill McDonald. 'God's longing for the world is much more than coming to church on a Sunday'. Reverend Jill McDonald currently ministers at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Hastings. She also runs a monthly event with a focus on social justice at the local pub called 'The Common Good' where the publican is an atheist and has welcomed Rev Jill and her pub church with open arms.Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Message from Rev. Dr. Clark Cowden entitled "Mary's Faith." For more information, visit sntandrews.org. © St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland held a special meeting of its general assembly on Thursday- five weeks after its moderator and clerk, the Reverend Dr Trevor Gribben, resigned over what he called serious and significant failings in its safeguarding process. Alan Meban reports from the Assembly and then Audrey talks to former PCI Moderator Norman Hamilton and Belfast Telegraph journalist Angela Davison about what it achieved.Its 75 years since The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was published. We step into Narnia with writers Tony Macaulay and Shirley Ann McMillan and Theologian Elaine Storkey. And we also hear about the enduring popularity of the book with some kids from a local school putting on a stage version of the book this Christmas.
Why Dec. 25? Why so much Christmas conflict & controversy in Christianity's history? Why is Christmas so important to Christianity? And to America? In this episode, I ask my guest, Dr. Carey Roberts, the following questions: ►Why is Christmas such a grand celebration? What does this tell us about Christianity? ►Did it take a while for Christmas to take a central role in Christianity►What's the difference between recognition and celebration of Christmas►Did Christmas piggyback on existing Roman pagan traditions? ►How did Christmas enter America's culture? If not the Puritans, then which immigrant group introduced Christmas to America? ►Were there any regional differences in the celebration of Christmas?►When did U.S. businesses begin to capitalize on Christmas? ►Would President Grant have witnessed a similar Christmas celebration in Boston and Savannah? ►Would George Washington recognize our Christmas? How about Andrew Jackson? Abraham Lincoln? Teddy Roosevelt? ►What happened to Christmas after WWII? ►Is it a bad thing that non-Christians and/or non-practicing Christians celebrate Christmas?
On today's program, the judicial commission of the Anglican Church in North America has handed down its long-awaited verdict in the months-long trial of Bishop Stewart Ruch. And that verdict is, “Not Guilty.” We'll have details. And, International Servants has been making big claims about its decades of ministry work in Belize—but verifying those claims has proven more difficult. We'll take a look. Plus, Elevation Church—the North Carolina-based megachurch led by Steven Furtick—has announced the launch of Elevation College. But first, St. Andrew's Chapel in Sanford, Florida, has officially voted to leave the Presbyterian Church in America. The church, originally led by Dr. R.C. Sproul, joined the PCA in 2023. It first considered a vote to leave this summer, but delayed the vote while referring the matter to the church's board of elders, also known as its session, to study the situation and return with a recommendation. Its lead pastor, Burk Parsons, was suspended from his role as a teaching elder in the PCA in June after being found guilty by a church judicial commission of three charges related to, among other things, a “domineering” and “intimidating” leadership style, which included accusations of bullying and slander. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Kim Roberts, Kathryn Post, Jessica Eturralde, and Aaron Earls. A special thanks to Lifeway Research for contributing material for this week's podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.
In this sermon on Matthew 1:18–23, Pastor Luke Herche preaches on the significance of the virgin birth, showing that in the virgin birth God identifies with the weak; God confounds the wise; God keeps his promise; and God does it all for us. Part of an Advent sermon series, "The Questions of Christmas." From Sunday Worship, December 14, 2025. ------------------------------- Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions: Which detail in Matthew 1:18–23—–Joseph's quiet resolve, the angel's dream, the promise of the name Immanuel (“God with us”), etc.—–stands out to you as the most surprising or significant moment in this story, and why? What about the Incarnation is most puzzling to you? What do you struggle to understand about “God-made-flesh” in Jesus? In what ways are you tempted to explain the mystery away rather than wonder and worship? What does it mean for your perspective on life's current challenges that the all-powerful and eternal King of kings chose to enter the world not as a muscled warrior, but as a helpless baby? In what way does the humility of Jesus, God with us, shape the way you think about your own life, especially the way you relate to the people around you day by day? ------------------------------- allsoulspca.org All Souls (Urbana, IL) is a part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), a Christian, Reformed denomination with historic and theological roots in the Protestant Reformation.
#36 in our series, "The Book of Romans: A Theology of Hope"
The Presbyterian Church of Upper Montclair Sunday, December 14, 2025 Sermon: "Joy in the Light, Joy in the Dark" James 5:7-11, Isaiah 35:1-10 Pastor Greg Horn
Message from Rev. Dr. Clark Cowden entitled "Jesus is the Word." For more information, visit sntandrews.org. © St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
This week on The Book Drop, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the technology powering the new Central Library's creator space and highlight how everyone from young learners to seasoned makers can bring their ideas to life!All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here or by visiting omahalibrary.org/podcast. Happening at the Library: Interactive Movie: Die Hard | Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Milton R. Abrahams BranchJane Austen Tea Party | Saturday, Dec. 13, 2 to 4 p.m. at Presbyterian Church of the MasterCut & Create: Vision & Mood Boards | Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Milton R. Abrahams BranchExplore all upcoming events at omahalibrary.org/events.Join the conversation for the next episode! Answer the Query of the Week “How do you get cozy?” by email at thebookdrop@omahalibrary.org or DM on social media!
The Presbyterian Church of Upper Montclair Sunday, November 30, 2025 Sermon: "All of It - All at Once" Romans 13:11-12, Isaiah 2:1-5 Pastor Greg Horn Frank Schramm, liturgist
#34 in our series, "The Book of Romans: A Theology of Hope"
RUF Campus Minister Ethan Brown preaches on Zechariah's prophecy from Luke 1:67–80. Part of an Advent sermon series, "The Questions of Christmas." From Sunday Worship, December 7, 2025. allsoulspca.org All Souls (Urbana, IL) is a part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), a Christian, Reformed denomination with historic and theological roots in the Protestant Reformation.
This sermon was preached on December 7, 2025 at Antioch Presbyterian Church, a congregation of Calvary Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America located in Woodruff, South Carolina. Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr. preached this sermon entitled "The Last Adam" on Romans 5:15-17. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit antiochpca.com or contact us at info@antiochpca.com.
This sermon was preached on December 7, 2025 at Antioch Presbyterian Church, a congregation of Calvary Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America located in Woodruff, South Carolina. Pastor Zachary Groff preached this sermon entitled "Observing the Sacrament" on Exodus 12:42-51. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit antiochpca.com or contact us at info@antiochpca.com.
Message from Rev. Dr. Clark Cowden entitled "Who is Jesus?" For more information, visit sntandrews.org. © St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
In this sermon on Psalm 150, Pastor Josué Pernillo addresses three questions: What do the Psalms teach us? How do the Psalms help us? And where do the Psalms point us? From the series "Praying through the Psalms." From Sunday Worship, November 30, 2025. allsoulspca.org All Souls (Urbana, IL) is a part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), a Christian, Reformed denomination with historic and theological roots in the Protestant Reformation.
#33 in our series, "The Book of Romans: A Theology of Hope"
We apologize for the audio quality-we had issues w/ our livestream last Sunday, we did our best to make the sermon "listenable". #32 in our series, "The Book of Romans: A Theology of Hope"
This sermon was preached on November 30, 2025 at Antioch Presbyterian Church, a congregation of Calvary Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America located in Woodruff, South Carolina. Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr. preached this sermon entitled "The Birth of Sin" on Romans 5:12-14. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit antiochpca.com or contact us at info@antiochpca.com.
Message from Rev. Dr. Clark Cowden entitled "The Stories of Christmas" For more information, visit sntandrews.org. © St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
This discussion among the co-hosts, Korey Maas (Lutheran), Miles Smith (Anglican), and D. G. Hart (Presbyterian), has almost nothing to do with Thanksgiving but it does resume the last one about the Anglican Church in North America. Miles Smith provides an update on the ongoing efforts to resolve conflict over allegations of sexual misconduct by Archbishop Steve Wood. He also comments on the Matthew Wilcoxen proposal for reforming ACNA. Disputes in the Presbyterian Church in America over women as deaconesses and or shepherdesses opened a window on the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod led by Korey Maas. All of this may sound like too much detail. But if you believe God is in the details, you should be fine.
This sermon was preached on November 23, 2025 at Antioch Presbyterian Church, a congregation of Calvary Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America located in Woodruff, South Carolina. Pastor Zachary Groff preached this sermon entitled "The Exodus" on Exodus 12:31-41. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit antiochpca.com or contact us at info@antiochpca.com.
This sermon was delivered on November 23, 2025 at Antioch Presbyterian Church, a congregation of Calvary Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America located in Woodruff, South Carolina. Mr. Timothy Pierce delivered this sermon entitled "A Blessing from the Triune God" on Revelation 1:4-8. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit antiochpca.com or contact us at info@antiochpca.com.
Message from Rev. Dr. Clark Cowden entitled "Thanksgiving Faith" For more information, visit sntandrews.org. © St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
Christian religious education (RE) taught in schools in Northern Ireland is unlawful, the UK Supreme Court has ruled. Audrey is joined by Dr James Nelson from Queens University, Bishop Donal McKeown and Boyd Sleator from the Northern Ireland Humanists to discuss the implications for schools.As the Presbyterian Church safeguarding scandal continues, we talk to church members about their reaction to the news and what they want to see happen.And as the COP 30 meeting in Brazil ends, we look at steps we can all take locally towards sustainability.
Rev. Ann-Henley Nicholson serves as Vice President of Enrollment Management and Vocational Outreach at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. Ann-Henley grew up worshipping in the pews at Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke, Virginia. She didn't imagine then that she'd later experience a call to ministry, yet God is always faithful and often full of surprises. After graduating from the University of Virginia, she pursued her passion for theatre in New York before heading to Princeton Seminary to follow her call to ministry. Upon graduating, she served First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta before returning to Princeton Seminary to become their Director of Alumni Relations. In her role at Columbia, she enjoys identifying the next generation of pastoral leaders and worshipping with communities like ours.
Jim Gamble, Chief Executive, INEQE Safeguarding Group, discusses safeguarding concerns within the Presbyterian Church of Ireland.
Nolan talks to safeguarding expert Jim Gamble
Faith levels in the U.S. are the lowest on record. That's according to a new Gallup poll. The data, as reported by Axios, shows fewer than half of Americans say religion is an important part of their day. The U.S. once ranked highly among wealthy nations for its religiosity. Now, Americans are tied to one of the largest declines in faith levels in the world. What has contributed to the change? And how do local faith leaders view it? We discuss those questions with our guests: Reverend Colin Pritchard, pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Geneva Abu Saeed Islam, Ph.D., former president of the Islamic Center of Rochester Rabbi Peter Stein, senior rabbi at Temple B'rith Kodesh ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
In this episode, Keaton and Seth continue their journey through church history zooming in on Zion's particular denomination: The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).For questions and feedback, reach out to keaton.paul@pcazion.orgFor more about Zion Presbyterian Church go to www.zioncolumbia.orgFor more about the PCA, visit pcanet.org.
#31 in our series, "The Book of Romans: A Theology of Hope"
This sermon was preached on November 16, 2025 at Antioch Presbyterian Church, a congregation of Calvary Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America located in Woodruff, South Carolina. Pastor Ronaldo André preached this sermon entitled "Greater Joy in Heaven's Register" on Luke 10:17-20. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit antiochpca.com or contact us at info@antiochpca.com.
This sermon was preached on November 16, 2025 at Antioch Presbyterian Church, a congregation of Calvary Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America located in Woodruff, South Carolina. Pastor Zachary Groff preached this sermon entitled "The Passover" on Exodus 12:21-30. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit antiochpca.com or contact us at info@antiochpca.com.
Message from Rev. Dr. Clark Cowden entitled "The Law of Measures" For more information, visit sntandrews.org. © St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has stepped down after "serious and significant failings" in safeguarding. The Rev Trevor Gribben said "people have been placed at risk" due to the failings in its processes between 2009 and 2022. We look at the wider implications of the story and ask whether an outside body needs to lead the denominations safeguarding process.The COP 30 meetings in Brazil are at the end of the first week. Sinead Loughran from Trocaire updates us on how things are going.Closer to home what can we do to encourage sustainability in our food system. Audrey talks to Beth Bell from Belfast Sustainability Partnership and Louise Ferguson from The Larder Community Foodbank about small changes we can all make.And this Sunday is German Remembrance Day but commemoration of the war dead is much more complex because of its 20th Century history. Audrey talks to Hamburg based journalist Jenny Witt.
Richard and guests discuss Rev Trevor Gribben's resignation and the church's future.
John Alderdice, former leader of the Alliance Party and elder of the Presbyterian Church discusses the resignation of the Moderator of the Church over safeguarding issues.
In this sermon on Psalm 3, Pastor Josué Pernillo teaches us that in the sorrows of life, we can cry to the Lord, see the glory of God, gain courage, and trust in God's salvation. From Sunday Evening Worship, November 9, 2025. allsoulspca.org All Souls (Urbana, IL) is a part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), a Christian, Reformed denomination with historic and theological roots in the Protestant Reformation.
#30 in our series, "The Book of Romans: A Theology of Hope"
In this episode, we trace how the Reformation rediscovered the gospel—from Luther's 95 Theses to the rise of Protestant movements—and how God used ordinary people, Scripture, and the printing press to bring His Word back to the world.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Episode SummaryBy the early 1500s, the Catholic Church had become powerful, wealthy, and deeply political. Salvation was treated like a transaction through rituals and indulgences, and the gospel was buried under centuries of human authority. The Bible was locked away in Latin, unreadable to most people. But God was preparing a movement of rediscovery—the Protestant Reformation.In this episode, we'll see how men like Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, John Knox, and the lesser-known Anabaptists helped bring Christianity back to the simple gospel of faith in Jesus Christ.The Reformation wasn't rebellion—it was rediscovery. It was a return to the gospel buried under layers of religion.The Reformation BeginsMartin Luther, a German monk, struggled with guilt and never felt good enough for God. While reading Romans 1:17, he discovered that righteousness is a gift from God—received by faith, not earned by works. Around that time, the Church was selling indulgences to raise money for St. Peter's Basilica, claiming that people could buy forgiveness. Outraged, Luther wrote his 95 Theses and nailed them to a church door in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517.The document spread quickly thanks to the newly invented printing press, and a movement was born. Luther stood before church authorities and declared, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God. Here I stand. I can do no other.” While hiding from persecution, he translated the Bible into German so ordinary people could read it for themselves.Other Reformers Across EuropeWhile Luther led in Germany, others joined the cause across Europe:Ulrich Zwingli in Switzerland preached directly from Scripture, opposed indulgences, and emphasized simple, Bible-centered worship.John Calvin in France and later Geneva wrote The Institutes of the Christian Religion, organizing Christian theology and emphasizing God's sovereignty, grace, and the authority of Scripture.John Knox in Scotland, a student of Calvin, boldly preached the gospel to kings and queens and helped establish the Presbyterian Church, governed by elders with Christ as its head.William Tyndale in England translated the Bible into English so people could read it in their own language.The Reformation spread rapidly, dividing Europe between those who followed the old system and those who embraced this rediscovered gospel of...
In this episode, we trace how the Reformation rediscovered the gospel—from Luther's 95 Theses to the rise of Protestant movements—and how God used ordinary people, Scripture, and the printing press to bring His Word back to the world.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Episode SummaryBy the early 1500s, the Catholic Church had become powerful, wealthy, and deeply political. Salvation was treated like a transaction through rituals and indulgences, and the gospel was buried under centuries of human authority. The Bible was locked away in Latin, unreadable to most people. But God was preparing a movement of rediscovery—the Protestant Reformation.In this episode, we'll see how men like Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, John Knox, and the lesser-known Anabaptists helped bring Christianity back to the simple gospel of faith in Jesus Christ.The Reformation wasn't rebellion—it was rediscovery. It was a return to the gospel buried under layers of religion.The Reformation BeginsMartin Luther, a German monk, struggled with guilt and never felt good enough for God. While reading Romans 1:17, he discovered that righteousness is a gift from God—received by faith, not earned by works. Around that time, the Church was selling indulgences to raise money for St. Peter's Basilica, claiming that people could buy forgiveness. Outraged, Luther wrote his 95 Theses and nailed them to a church door in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517.The document spread quickly thanks to the newly invented printing press, and a movement was born. Luther stood before church authorities and declared, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God. Here I stand. I can do no other.” While hiding from persecution, he translated the Bible into German so ordinary people could read it for themselves.Other Reformers Across EuropeWhile Luther led in Germany, others joined the cause across Europe:Ulrich Zwingli in Switzerland preached directly from Scripture, opposed indulgences, and emphasized simple, Bible-centered worship.John Calvin in France and later Geneva wrote The Institutes of the Christian Religion, organizing Christian theology and emphasizing God's sovereignty, grace, and the authority of Scripture.John Knox in Scotland, a student of Calvin, boldly preached the gospel to kings and queens and helped establish the Presbyterian Church, governed by elders with Christ as its head.William Tyndale in England translated the Bible into English so people could read it in their own language.The Reformation spread rapidly, dividing Europe between those who followed the old system and those who embraced this rediscovered gospel of...
Sam and Ryan Burge take a deep dive into the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), unpacking the denomination's unique growth patterns, size distribution, and robust recordkeeping. They explore surprising statistics on membership trends, baptisms, and church finances—revealing why some PCA congregations thrive while others remain stagnant. The co-hosts highlight key takeaways for understanding both the strengths and challenges of one of America's most data-rich evangelical denominations. The post The Burge Report: The Biggest Little Denomination: The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) appeared first on Church Answers.
Patrick takes a wave of listener questions, from the struggles of family rifts and parish frustrations to the innocence of a nine-year-old asking why God doesn't destroy the devil. Questions about marriage, priesthood, open caskets at funerals, and what to do when you can't kneel at Mass ricochet through the hour, each met with stories, honesty, and direct answers. Compassion, wit, and honesty steer intense moments and gentle guidance through real Catholic living. Patrick continues his conversation with Rod from the end of the last hour. Rod is asking, “Why did Jesus choose disciples who were already married when he could have asked single men instead” (00:33) Margaret - We have a new priest who has been here for two years. I don't like the way he is changing things. (09:26) Jacob (9-years-old) - Why doesn't God just kill the devil? (19:03) E-Frank - If a pastor is deviating from the Gospel, who could you go to talk to about this? (25:47) Richard (email) – Attacks Patrick and his show and calls it “Complete utter nonsense counseling” (28:05) Helene – Is it okay if a person who is Catholic has their funeral at a Presbyterian Church? (32:29) Anna - I didn't want to go to work but I went anyway. I ended up helping someone there and it was a gift from God. (40:03) Vincent - People behind me were kneeling and sitting back at inappropriate times during Mass. What can I do? (43:08) Dominic - What is a best practice for a Catholic to do during a moment of silence in public? (44:29) Mary - I wanted to comment on your thoughts about the separation of family because of belittling. Other people are going through this and just keep your peace and know that God will help you get through. (45:53)
Patrick fields concerns about communion, tackles biblical support for praying to saints, and answers honest doubts about faith and science, all while peppering the hour with candid exchanges that bounce from lighthearted to deeply pastoral without missing a beat. Even tricky issues like the validity of sacraments when a priest is in mortal sin or the obstacles of getting to confession spark clear, immediate answers that keep the conversation unpredictable and real. Robert (email) – Patrick shouldn’t share his opinions, and he was wrong when he told a man in prison that he shouldn’t take communion if he hasn’t had the opportunity of going to confession (02:28) Juan - My old friend is a pastor in a Presbyterian Church and asks why do Catholics pray to the saints? (20:41) John - Has there ever been a case where the priest celebrates Mass in a state of mortal sin? (27:44) Ed - What should we believe about evolution and the history of the world as Catholics? (36:32) Isabel - Why do we have to go to Confession once a year? (49:19) Originally Aired on 08/13/2025