In this episode, we speak with William Boekestein, Jonathan Landry Cruse, and Andrew J. Miller, the authors behind a new book, Glorifying and Enjoying God: 52 Devotions through the Westminster Shorter Catechism. These three pastors and theologians share their insights and experiences from their journey through the Westminster Shorter Catechism, offering listeners a unique opportunity to understand the profound theological truths encapsulated in this historic summary of faith.

William Boekestein, serving the Immanuel Fellowship Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan, alongside his wife Amy and their four children, brings a pastoral heart to our discussion. Jonathan Landry Cruse, author of What Happens When We Worship and pastor of Community Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Kalamazoo, where he resides with his wife and three children, offers a perspective enriched by his literary and ministerial endeavors. Andrew J. Miller, the Regional Home Missionary for the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in central Pennsylvania, shares his extensive missionary experiences, living out the catechism’s teachings alongside his wife Rebekah and their five children.

Together, they speak about the motivations behind their collaborative work, the importance of the Westminster Shorter Catechism in today’s Christian walk, and how the book aims to deepen the reader’s love and knowledge of God. Join us as we explore how understanding God leads to a richer relationship with Him, and how the intertwined nature of heart and mind can bring us closer to the glory and enjoyment of God.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 03:12 Ministry in Kalamazoo
• 04:43 Church Planting in Central Pennsylvania
• 06:18 Beginning the Book Project
• 11:21 Reformed Ecumenism and Confessional Standards
• 18:06 Organizing the Shorter Catechism into 52 Sections
• 24:56 A Devotional Mindset
• 26:47 How to Use the Book
• 27:47 The Chief End of Man
• 33:23 The Relationship of the Catechism to the Bible
• 40:51 The Abiding Relevance of the Catechism’s Questions
• 43:22 Scripture and Catechetical Memorization
• 50:24 Lessons Learned and Pleasant Surprises
• 53:58 Make the Catechism Great Again
• 56:12 Conclusion

Participants: Andrew J. Miller, Camden Bucey, Jonathan Landry Cruse, William Boekestein

Healthy churches have healthy elders and deacons. When a local congregation is blessed with faithful officers the results are bountiful (Acts 6:7). William Boekestein and Steven Swets speak about ordained ministry in its manifold dimensions. Boekestein and Swets have edited, Faithful and Fruitful: Essays for Elders and Deacons (Reformed Fellowship), which provides current and future church leaders with an exciting opportunity of personal development. 

Like its companion (Called to Serve), this collection of essays offers biblical and practical essays written by seasoned churchmen drawing upon a wealth of leadership knowledge, experience, and wisdom. Engaging study questions for each essay can help readers make the most of the Bible’s instruction and encouragement for those tasked with the responsibility and privilege of leading Christ’s church.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Steven Swets, William Boekestein

William Boekestein speaks about eschatology and the life of the Christian. While many limit eschatology merely to the consideration of millennial views, Rev. Boekestein calls all Christians to understand how our view of the future in Christ shapes all of life.

Boekestein is the author of The Future of Everything: Essential Truths about the End Times (Reformation Heritage, 2019).

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, William Boekestein

We speak with William Boekestein about the Swiss reformer, Ulrich Zwingli. Ulrich Zwingli was a leader of the Reformation in Switzerland. His efforts in reforming doctrine and practice serve as examples and lessons for us today. Rev. Boekestein has written two biographies of Zwingli, each capturing the significance of the man for different audiences. He serves as Pastor of Immanuel Fellowship Church (URCNA) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He joined us on a previous episode of Christ the Center to discuss the history of the Heidelberg Catechism.

Books by William Boekestein

• Ulrich Zwingli (Bitesize Biographies)
• Ulrich Zwingli: Shepherd Warrior (Trailblazers)
• The Glory of Grace: The Story of the Canons of Dort
• Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism
• Faithfulness Under Fire: The Story of Guido DeBrees

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, William Boekestein

William Boekestein speaks about the history of the Heidelberg Catechism. Rev. Boekestein is pastor of Covenant Reformed Church in Carbondale, PA and the author of The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism published by Reformation Heritage Books. This wonderful book is written as a way for children to grasp the history behind the catechism, and its illustrations by Evan Hughes bring the book to life.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, William Boekestein