In this rich conversation, Camden Bucey sits down with Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn—historian, pastor, and professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte—to explore the remarkable work and enduring wisdom of the Westminster Assembly. Together, they discuss how the divines pursued theological clarity through collaboration, not compromise, and how their humility and respect shaped confessional standards that have guided the Reformed church for centuries.
Van Dixhoorn explains why the Westminster Confession should be seen as “a document with compromises, not a compromise document,” how its chapters differ in tone and theological armor, and what this teaches us about confessional fidelity today. The conversation also explores doctrinal preaching—how to preach theology without losing the text—and why confessions must unite rather than constantly be rewritten.
With warmth and clarity, Dr. Van Dixhoorn reminds us that Reformed unity is not built on uniformity, but on the shared pursuit of truth before the face of God.
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction and Word & Deed Ministry
- 01:18 At the Reformation and Worship Conference
- 04:10 Introducing Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn and the Westminster Assembly
- 06:00 Consensus, Collaboration, and Compromise in the Assembly
- 09:30 The Process of Drafting the Westminster Standards
- 12:00 Respectful Debate and the Spirit of the Divines
- 19:30 Comparing the Westminster and Heidelberg Traditions
- 25:30 Confessional Revision, Study Committees, and Doctrinal Reports
- 33:00 Doctrinal Preaching: From Text to Theology
- 40:50 The Joy of Teaching and Ongoing Research on the Divines
Participants: Camden Bucey, Chad Van Dixhoorn
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.
