Mid-America Reformed Seminary

Today, we will be discussing an important topic in the realm of pastoral care - family visitation. As a pastor, one of the many responsibilities is to care for the spiritual well-being of the members of their congregation. While there are many ways to do this, family visitation is a key method used by many pastors to connect with their congregants on a more personal level. Family visitation involves pastors visiting the homes of their congregants to offer support, encouragement, and prayer. During these visits, pastors have the opportunity to get to know their congregants and their families better, which helps to build deeper relationships and foster a sense of community within the church. In this episode, Rev. Paul Ipema, our new Professor of Ministerial Studies here at the Seminary, will explore the reasons why pastors do family visitation, including the biblical basis for this practice and the benefits it provides to both pastors and congregants. Whether you are a pastor, a church leader, or a member of a

Abuse is a painful and complex reality that affects many people in and outside the church. How can we, as Christians, respond to abuse in a way that honors God and brings healing and biblical justice to those who have been harmed-- In this episode, Rev. Danny Patterson and Rev. Andrew Compton will explore some of the principles and resources that can help churches prevent and respond to abuse.

In today's episode, Danny Patterson and Andrew Compton continue discussing the theme of abuse and the church. Today, they'll be exploring some common forms of abuse that can occur and some warning signs to look out for. So if you're part of a church community and interested in learning more about recognizing and preventing abuse, I hope you'll stick around and listen to what these pastors have to say.

In today's episode, we begin a sensitive and challenging topic that has affected many individuals and communities- abuse and the church. Rev. Andrew Compton is joined by Rev. Danny Patterson of Second Parish OPC in Portland, Maine. Rev. Patterson recently taught an interim course at the Seminary on this subject. In this introductory episode, Rev. Compton and Rev. Patterson will explore some of the complexities and challenges surrounding abuse within the church. They will explore recognizing and responding to such abuse in the weeks ahead.

In today's episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of Ministerial and Doctrinal Studies, responds to the objection- If God is all-loving and all-powerful, then why aren't all people saved-- This objection has been raised by skeptics, agnostics, and even some believers who struggle to reconcile the idea of a loving God with the reality of human suffering and eternal damnation. Here's Dr. Beach to help us understand this objection and provide insights into this question.

In today's episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of Ministerial and Doctrinal Studies, begins a two-part series on predestination and issues that some objectors to the doctrine take with it- namely, the justice of God and the love of God. Focusing today on justice, Dr. Beach asks and responds- Is it fair that God should elect some to eternal salvation but pass over others to their eternal damnation--

In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange delves into the life and legacy of Ambrose of Milan, a prominent bishop and theologian of the early Christian Church. Ambrose's life was marked by remarkable achievements and pivotal moments, including his appointment as bishop of Milan, his role in the conversion of Augustine of Hippo, his efforts to defend the Church against the Arian heresy, and his emphasis on the authority of the Church over the Emperor.

In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange delves into the life and teachings of one of the most prominent figures in early Christianity- John Chrysostom. Often referred to as the -Golden Mouth- due to his captivating and powerful preaching, John was the archbishop in the city of Constantinople and a prolific writer of sermons and commentaries on the Bible.-Dr. Strange explores Chrysostom's humble beginnings as a hermit in the desert and how he rose to become one of the most influential voices in the early church. He also examines his controversial views on wealth, power, and corruption and how these beliefs made him a target of both the imperial court and rival bishops.

In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange, Professor of Church History, describes the famous first Council of Constantinople in A.D. 381 that brought a decisive defeat to the threat of Arianism and its warped teachings on the person of Christ.

In today's episode, Dr. Strange returns to his series on the early church to describe the Cappadocian Fathers, a trio of mighty men of God who continued challenging some of the prevailing and erroneous teachings of Arianism, leading to the Council of Constantinople.

In today's episode, we're excited to have Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of systematic theology, dive into divine impassibility, a doctrine that has been a point of contention within Christianity for some time now, with some arguing that it undermines the compassion of God, while others see it as a necessary aspect of God's being.

In today's episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of systematic theology, looks at divine immutability, which pertains to the nature of God's unchanging character, a topic that has important implications for our understanding of God and his relationship with the world.

In today's episode, Rev. Andrew Compton and Rev. Mark Vander Hart will discuss how Christ is the fulfillment of wisdom, exploring what it means for Christ to be the wisdom of God, and how this concept is understood in Scripture.

In today's episode, Rev. Andrew Compton joins Rev. Mark Vander Hart for a two-part series on Wisdom and the Proverbs. Today, our Old Testament Professors give us a general introduction to this Wisdom Literature, commenting on the critical importance of why every Christian needs to pay special attention to the book of Scripture.

In today's episode, Rev. Compton and Dr. Alan Strange conclude their series on the gospel for a post-roe society by responding to the world's reaction to the repeal of Roe and how the church can continue to be a bastion for life.

In today's episode, Rev. Compton and Dr. Alan Strange look into what the ancient near east, particularly ancient Israel, thought about abortion and infanticide in general and what legislation was in place to protect the lives of the unborn.

In today's episode, Rev. Compton and Dr. Strange examine the gospel for a post-Roe society, taking some time now to explore what Scripture says about abortion.

In today's episode, Rev. Andrew Compton and Dr. Alan Strange reflect on a critical cultural, political, and religious piece in our day and age. That of the recent abortion ruling this past summer by the Supreme Court. Our fine professors will kick off a 4-part series on The Gospel for a Post-Roe Society, beginning with some background to Roe v. Wade and the Christian response to it.

In today's episode, Rev. Paul Ipema of Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary elaborates on what he means by -Reclaiming the Cure of Souls in an Age of Pastoral Confusion- and how that relates to not only preaching but to spiritual guidance and direction.

In today's episode, guest lecturer and professor of ministerial studies at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, Rev. Paul Ipema, gives us a timely word on Christian counseling and a word of advice for those studying in seminary seeking to enter the world of pastoral ministry someday.