In this episode Camden Bucey welcomes Dr. Jonathan Master, president of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and host of the new podcast Dead Presbyterians Society. Together, they reflect on the theology and practice of public prayer, drawing upon the insights of 19th-century Presbyterian theologian Samuel Miller and his underappreciated classic, Thoughts on Public Prayer.

The conversation addresses the enduring importance of prayer in the public ministry of the church. Dr. Master discusses why pastors must be both God’s mouthpiece to the people through preaching and the people’s mouthpiece to God through prayer. The episode includes a full episode of Dead Presbyterian Society, in which Master offers a deep and moving treatment of Miller’s work—highlighting frequent faults in public prayer, the characteristics of excellent prayer, and the secret devotional habits that sustain it.

Whether you’re a pastor, elder, seminarian, or thoughtful church member, this episode is a call to recover the dignity, order, and spiritual power of public prayer in Reformed worship.

Watch on YouTube

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:04:53 Introducing Dead Presbyterians Society
• 00:21:22 Dead Presbyterians Society, Episode 5
• 00:47:28 The Relative Lack of Attention Given to Public Prayer
• 01:01:44 How to Grow in Public Prayer
• 01:06:05 Reading Books to Help Think More Biblically
• 01:08:30 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Master

In our weekly livestream for March 7, 2025, Camden Bucey first speaks with Jonathan Master about the upcoming Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary conference focused on pastoral ministry. They explore the theological significance of the pastoral office and the communal aspects of the conference.

In the second segment, Bucey speaks with David Noe, Tyson Watson, and Joan Crist about an innovative project centered on Calvin’s Latin Bible. The panel details their collaborative work to make this important historical text more accessible to contemporary readers. They address the challenges of translation, their quality control processes, and the technological solutions they’ve developed.

Joan Crist shares her personal journey to Reformed theology and explains how their project includes resources for learning Latin while engaging with Reformed theological traditions. The conversation highlights the enduring importance of liturgy and Latin in theological education, while offering insights into future developments of their digital platform.

To learn more:

• GPTS Conference: The Pastor: His Call, Character, and Work
• Calvin’s Latin Bible: Latin Per Diem
• Video Introduction: YouTube

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Panel Overview
• 02:48 Upcoming Conference at Greenville Seminary
• 05:56 Conference Speakers and Themes
• 09:00 Missions Midweeker and Community Engagement
• 12:08 Introduction to Calvin’s Latin Bible Project
• 15:00 Project Background and Team Contributions
• 17:52 Tyson Watson’s Role and Contributions
• 21:04 Joan Crist’s Involvement
• 24:01 Project Management and Quality Assurance
• 30:54 Joan’s Journey to the Reformed Faith
• 32:58 The Importance of Liturgy and Tradition
• 35:03 The Role of the App in Faith and Learning
• 37:57 Features of the Latin App
• 41:55 Teaching Latin and Developing Fluency
• 45:52 Collaborative Efforts and Contributions
• 48:00 Future Plans for the App
• 49:58 The Significance of Latin in Theology

Participants: Camden Bucey, David Noe, Joan Crist, Jonathan Master

In this episode, we approach the critical topic of Reformed global theological education and discipleship. Join us as we explore the unique challenges and incredible opportunities present in various regions around the world, including Hungary, Latvia, Germany, Moldova, and beyond.

We’ll hear insights from Reformed pastors and missionaries, who share their experiences and perspectives on the cultural, linguistic, and practical aspects of providing robust theological training in diverse contexts.

Tune in for a compelling discussion that not only highlights the needs but also presents actionable steps and opportunities for making a significant impact in the global Reformed community. Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or someone passionate about theological education, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for contributing to the advancement of Reformed theology worldwide.

Chapters

• 00:00:06 Introduction
• 00:01:44 An Update on Global Theological Education
• 00:04:31 Recent Travel for Reformed Forum
• 00:07:33 Summary of Conversations with Pastors and Missionaries
• 00:24:14 Supporting Global Theological Education
• 00:30:45 Paul Sanduleac, Moldova
• 00:37:07 Raul Profire, Romania
• 00:42:29 Jaroslav, Belarus
• 00:48:26 Artis Celmins, Latvia
• 00:53:49 Imre Szöke, Hungary
• 01:02:47 Peter Szabo, Hungary
• 01:03:40 Andreas Repp, Germany
• 01:13:56 Jonathan Master of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
• 01:33:09 Joshua Gielow of TruthXchange
• 01:39:13 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Master, Joshua Gielow

Christ the Center is on the road as Camden Bucey speaks with two guests from the Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Conference. This episode explores Reformed theology and its profound impact on missions. Camden is joined by Chad Vegas, founding pastor of Sovereign Grace Church and founding board chairman of Radius International, along with Jonathan Master, president of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, to explore the vital relationship between theological education and missionary work.

The conversation covers a broad spectrum, from the excitement surrounding the seminary’s annual spring conference to the innovative partnership between Greenville Seminary and Radius International, aimed at equipping the next generation for church planting among unreached language groups. Chad Vegas also shares his personal journey from a dispensationalist background to embracing Reformed theology and the inception of Radius International. This episode sheds light on the challenges and strategies of missionary work, emphasizing the necessity of a solid biblical foundation, cultural sensitivity, and the indispensable role of the local church in sending and supporting missionaries. Join us for an engaging discussion that reaffirms the vital role of Reformed theology in advancing the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Chapters

• [00:00:07] Introduction
• [00:06:35] Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and a Focus on Missions
• [00:08:35] Radius International and Church Planting among Unreached Groups
• [00:12:43] Missionary Training and Biblical Foundations
• [00:18:13] Historical and Theological Foundations of Missions
• [00:23:22] A Personal Journey to Reformed Theology
• [00:39:13] Development of Radius International
• [00:48:24] Missionary Work and Cultural Engagement
• [00:58:46] Evolving Role of Reformed Theology in Modern Missions
• [01:10:09] Future Directions for Presbyterian Missions

Participants: Camden Bucey, Chad Vegas, Jonathan Master

Since 2008, we have been taking time around New Year’s Day to bring you some of the top moments from the preceding year. We have several great clips lined up for you today.

The Top Episodes of 2023 (by YouTube views)

1. Dan Ragusa — Preterism and 2 Peter 3 (YouTube)
2. Gray Sutanto and Cory Brock — A Theological Introduction to Neo-Calvinism (YouTube)
3. Greg Beale — The New Testament Use of the Old Testament (YouTube)
4. Carlton Wynne — Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion (YouTube)
5. Camden Bucey — The Importance of Cornelius Van Til for Today (YouTube)
6. Jim Cassidy — Introducing and Interpreting Karl Barth (YouTube)
7. Danny Olinger — Christianity and Liberalism: Introduction (YouTube)
8. Lane Tipton — Exitus and Reditus in the Theology of Thomas Aquinas (YouTube)
9. Jonathan Master — Reformed Theology (YouTube)
10. Michael Beck — Covenant Theology and Cultural Engagement in the Thought of Meredith G. Kline (YouTube)

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:03:26 The Top 10 Episodes of 2023
• 00:15:13 [Dan Ragusa] Preterism and 2 Peter 3
• 00:24:22 [Gray Sutanto and Cory Brock] A Theological Introduction to Neo-Calvinism
• 00:30:14 [Greg Beale] The New Testament Use of the Old Testament
• 00:39:28 [Carlton Wynne] Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion
• 00:46:58 [Camden Bucey] The Importance of Cornelius Van Til for Today
• 01:00:24 [Jim Cassidy] Introducing and Interpreting Karl Barth
• 01:12:16 [Danny Olinger] Christianity and Liberalism: Introduction
• 01:16:59 [Lane Tipton] Exitus and Reditus in the Theology of Thomas Aquinas
• 01:25:09 [Jonathan Master] Reformed Theology
• 01:34:52 [Michael Beck] Covenant Theology and Cultural Engagement in the Thought of Meredith G. Kline
• 01:40:52 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Cory Brock, Dan Ragusa, Danny Olinger, Greg Beale, Jim Cassidy, Jonathan Master, Lane G. Tipton, Michael Beck, Nathaniel Gray Sutanto

Dr. Jonathan Master speaks about his book, Reformed Theology (P&R Publishing), which is part of the Blessings of the Faith series edited by Jason Helopoulos. Master provides a concise and accessible introduction to the historic and orthodox Christian tradition of Reformed theology. In this book, he emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the grace of salvation, while also demonstrating its biblical coherence and pastoral warmth. This resource is ideal for church leaders, study groups, and individuals who want a well-rounded overview of Reformed theology.

Jonathan Master is President of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary near Greenville, South Carolina.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 04:14 Update on Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
• 11:57 Reformed Theology
• 14:48 What Does It Mean to be Reformed?
• 24:52 Dr. Master’s Path to Becoming Reformed
• 28:49 The Intended Audience of the Book
• 32:48 The Role of Covenant Theology
• 41:01 Creeds and Confessions
• 45:13 Reformed Theology and the Ministry of the Holy Spirit
• 49:54 The Reformed Motivation for Missions and Evangelism
• 54:03 Conclusion

Links

• Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
• Theology on the Go podcast
• The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals
• Carl Trueman, The Creedal Imperative

Select Publications by Jonathan Master

• A Question of Consensus: The Doctrine of Assurance After the Westminster Confession (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2015)
• The God We Worship, ed. (P&R Publications, 2016)
• On Reforming Worship, ed. with David Hall (Covenant Publications, 2018)
• Growing in Grace (Banner of Truth, 2020)

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Master