In this conversation from the Reformation and Worship Conference, Camden Bucey speaks with Dr. Jonathan Master, president of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, about the unshakable relationship between doctrine and life. Drawing on J. Gresham Machen’s insight that Christianity for Paul was not only a life but also a doctrine—and logically, the doctrine came first, Master reminds us that Christianity is irreducibly doctrinal. Without doctrine, there is no gospel.
They discuss Greenville’s pastoral training mission, the seminary’s remarkable 92% long-term ministry retention rate, and why theological integrity in vows, confessional subscription, and seminary education is essential for the health of Christ’s church. Master insists that doctrine is not a straitjacket—it’s the lifeblood of the church’s joy, sincerity, and freedom in Christ.
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction and Conference Setting
- 02:00 Introducing Dr. Jonathan Master and Greenville Seminary
- 04:10 Doctrine Before Life: Machen’s Insight
- 08:30 Theological Integrity and Confessional Fidelity
- 12:40 Training Pastors for a Lifetime of Ministry
- 17:00 Why Christianity Is Irreducibly Doctrinal
- 21:15 Confessions as Gifts, Not Straitjackets
- 25:00 Doctrine That Shapes Life and Love
- 29:30 Seminary Education and Church Health
- 33:45 Closing Reflections on Faithful Ministry
Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Master
Christ the Center focuses on Reformed Christian theology. In each episode a group of informed panelists discusses important issues in order to encourage critical thinking and a better understanding of Reformed doctrine with a view toward godly living. Browse more episodes from this program or subscribe to the podcast feed.
