Have you ever wondered how many churches are in The Presbyterian Church of the USA? Or how many conjunctions are in the EPC constitution? Or what “CREC” means?

Us, neither.

But have you wondered what denominations are worth considering for our congregation—pending Session approval and a congregational vote?

Us, too.

Everything you needed to know about Presbyterian denominations can be found in this episode, as Peter gives a snapshot of the landscape and a brief history of each.

Then Peter, Pastor Nate, and Kyle discuss ordination and next steps.

Welcome to another episode of We Make Christians!

https://beverlyheights.org/ | https://theparrhesians.com/

This week Peter Chace is officially graduating from seminary! Whoop whoop! Make sure you give him a high five, handshake, or a hug when you see him.

Peter and Kyle were on the ordination track, but we’re out of the denomination. Soooo, now what?

How are they supposed to get ordained? Did Peter do all that hard work for nothing?

In this episode of We Make Christians, Peter, Pastor Nate, and Kyle talk about graduation and ordination. What’s the difference between a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology? Are Peter and Kyle going to Boston in September? Why?

Tune in and find out.

https://beverlyheights.org/ | https://theparrhesians.com/

It means that I can walk away whenever I want. No harm, no foul.

I don’t need to explain—it's my decision.

I don’t even need to have good reasons; it's just what I want to do.

And, even if I did have good reasons, I certainly don’t need to give them to you!

This is the epitome of contractual thinking about relationships. They are for me, and I reserve the right to abandon ship when they aren't meeting my needs.

Sadly, this line of thinking has slithered its way even into the Christian's head and heart—with our marriages, friendships, and even our membership in the church.

In this episode of We Make Christians, Peter, Pastor Nate, and Kyle talk about the biblical way of thinking about relationships: one of covenant, not contract.

Specifically, they talk about the new five-week Adult Christian Education class that Pastor Nate is co-teaching with Nadine Michalak: The Covenant Family.

https://beverlyheights.org/ | https://theparrhesians.com/

Have you ever wondered why Christians celebrate Easter for so long? And Christmas?

We got these periods called "Eastertide" and "Christmastide?" Why? Why doesn't every liturgical event have a "tide?"

Because events like Christmas and Easter are so majestic and magnificent that we can’t adequately contemplate or celebrate them on just one day.

God took on flesh.

Born of a virgin.

And then He died.

And then He trampled death.

There is way too much awe and mystery to get our heads around that in just one day. We need at least a couple weeks.

In this episode of We Make Christians, Peter, Pastor Nate, and Kyle discuss the nature of Eastertide and why we should be celebrating Resurrection every day.

https://beverlyheights.org/ | https://theparrhesians.com/

Jesus said you can't serve God and Mammon (Matthew 6:24)—you have to pick one. That means that the Christian must make their money serve God.

Saints of old have blessed our congregation with riches. But some of those riches have become idols. They perpetuate names other than "Jesus."

In this episode of We Make Christians, Peter, Pastor Nate, and Kyle talk about the cost(s) of leaving the PCUSA and the EPC and using trusts to pay legal fees.

God's people have to be fiscally prudent and steward their dollars well, but when green paper starts to demand our trust, we must be ready to burn it, so to speak.

https://beverlyheights.org/ | https://theparrhesians.com/

The Church never stops making Christians, and the Christian never graduates from following Christ. 2, 22, or 92—we all need to keep growing and getting chiseled.

But, in this day and age, we need a particular kind of education. One that prepares and equips believers to live out their faith and Christian practices in “negative world.”

This applies to our Preschool, Academy, Sunday School, and Adult Christian Ed (ACE). In each stage of development and discipleship, we need educating and equipping.

In this episode of We Make Christians, Peter, Pastor Nate, and Kyle discuss ACE and our new three-fold approach: catechetical instruction, liturgical formation, and practical discussion.

https://beverlyheights.org/ | https://theparrhesians.com/

The episode you’ve all been waiting for: everything you wanted to know about church constitutions! All the preambles and policies to eat your heart out.

What is a church constitution? Is it necessary for a church? Or is it just helpful? But, also, if it’s 252 pages, might it create more problems than solutions?

After leaving the EPC, we are now an independent church. But freedom isn’t free. We need to update our governing documents—like our constitution and bylaws.

In this episode of We Make Christians, Peter, Pastor Nate, and Kyle discuss the nature and purpose of a church constitution and why we need one.

https://beverlyheights.org/ | https://theparrhesians.com/

“Is that all they do—make coffee, collect communion cups, wash dishes, and serve food? So anyone willing to give a helping hand can be a deacon?”

What is a deacon? What does it mean to say that it is an “office?” Is the diaconate a mark of the Church? Do you have to have deacons in order to be a church?

Peter, Pastor Nate, and I (alongside Elissa Winkler, Cindy England, and Joe Williams) were commissioned by Session, as the Deacon Task Force, to study the diaconate.

We discovered that deacons have four key responsibilities: distribute financial assistance, maintain building and grounds, perform acts of service and mercy, and provide liturgical support.

We also discovered that the diaconate is a high office reserved specifically for male leaders who serve under the direct oversight of the Presbyters, the Session.

Join me, Peter, and Pastor Nate as we discuss the Deacon Task Force’s report, laugh and wax sarcastically, and say “Brakel” at least four times.

https://beverlyheights.org/ | https://theparrhesians.com/