Join us for this special introductory livestream where Dr. Camden Bucey offers an accessible first look at Eastern Orthodoxy from a Reformed theological perspective. This session represents only the beginning of our exploration into this tradition. Drawing from leading introductory texts—including works by Andrew Louth, Timothy Ware, Anthony Coniaris, and Frederica Mathewes-Green—Camden will guide us through the fundamental themes and distinctives of Eastern Orthodox theology and practice.

In this initial presentation, we’ll examine key doctrines such as Scripture, the Church, the Trinity, and theosis, while also considering the underlying assumptions that shape Orthodox spirituality. What distinguishes Orthodoxy from Protestantism—not just in its answers, but in the questions it asks?

This introductory session is designed for:

• Reformed Christians seeking to understand the profound theological differences between Orthodox and Reformed interpretations of Scripture
• Those wanting to recognize how Eastern Orthodoxy’s foundational assumptions and hermeneutical approaches diverge significantly from Reformed convictions
• Viewers interested in discerning the substantial distinctions in how these traditions approach authority, salvation, and worship
• Those who desire to strengthen their grasp of Reformed theology by understanding a tradition that takes significantly different paths on core doctrines

Our aim is to begin understanding a historic Christian tradition on its own terms, while also evaluating its claims in light of the confessional Reformed faith. Initial topics we’ll introduce:

• The foundations of Eastern Orthodoxy
• Orthodox understandings of Scripture and tradition
• The Trinity: mystery, apophaticism, and communion
• Theosis and sanctification
• Authority and conciliarity vs. sola Scriptura
• Orthodox perspectives on Protestantism and Roman Catholicism
• Reformed responses to Orthodox claims

This livestream serves as an entry point for further exploration. Future sessions will explore these complex theological matters in greater detail. Join us for this engaging first exploration—and come ready to think theologically.

Watch on YouTube

In this conversation, Camden Bucey discusses various topics related to Reformed theology, including updates on the upcoming Reformed Forum Theology Conference, an overview of his new apologetics course, and a look into Ulrich Zwingli’s theology, particularly regarding the Lord’s Supper. He emphasizes the importance of understanding historical theology and the need for faithful Reformed witness in contemporary contexts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Conference Updates
12:05 Apologetics Course Overview
24:06 Exploring Zwingli’s Theology
30:00 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Books

• Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Edited by John T. McNeill. Translated by Ford Lewis Battles. 2 vols. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1960.
• Calvin, John. Short Treatise on the Holy Supper of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Translated by Henry Beveridge. Originally published 1541. Available in various reprint editions.
• Gerrish, B. A. Grace and Gratitude: The Eucharistic Theology of John Calvin. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993.
• Hodge, Charles. Systematic Theology. Vol. 3. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997.
• Old, Hughes Oliphant. The Patristic Roots of Reformed Worship. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1975.
• Packer, J. I. “Calvin the Theologian.” In Honouring the People of God: Collected Shorter Writings, vol. 4, 77–92. Carlisle, PA: P&R Publishing, 2013.
• Potter, G. R. Zwingli. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976.
• Stephens, W. P. The Theology of Huldrych Zwingli. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1986.
• Zwingli, Ulrich. On the Lord’s Supper (1526). In Zwingli and Bullinger, edited and translated by G. W. Bromiley, 176ff. Library of Christian Classics. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1953.

In this conversation, Camden Bucey welcomes Matt Adams, Derrick Brite, and Stephen Spinnenweber. They reflect on their experiences at the Twin Lakes Fellowship and discuss the often-neglected Larger Catechism, its practical applications, and the value of humor in theological discussions. 

Registration for the Reformed Forum Conference is now open. We mention the event, highlighting its expansion to accommodate more attendees. 

The panelists discuss the Larger for Life podcast, focusing on its mission to make the Larger Catechism accessible and engaging for listeners. The conversation concludes with insights on future directions for both the podcast and the conference. In this engaging conversation, the participants explore various themes including the future of their band, the importance of catechism, personal projects like book writing and PhD studies, the significance of prison ministry, upcoming conferences, and the role of appearance in ministry. They share insights on how to dress appropriately for ministry and the impact of personal presentation on one's effectiveness in preaching and teaching.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 03:03 Reflections on Twin Lakes Fellowship
• 05:58 Experiences and Insights from Twin Lakes
• 08:52 The Importance of Fellowship and Connection
• 12:05 Reformed Forum Conference Announcement
• 15:06 Exploring the Larger For Life Podcast
• 17:57 The Larger Catechism: A Deep Dive
• 21:07 Practical Applications of the Larger Catechism
• 23:56 Commentaries and Resources for the Larger Catechism
• 27:01 Humor and Theology in Conversations
• 29:59 Future Directions for the Podcast
• 37:16 The Future of the Band
• 39:24 The Importance of Catechism
• 40:49 Book Writing and Personal Projects
• 41:32 PhD Studies and Theological Contributions
• 43:49 Prison Ministry and Education
• 49:41 Upcoming Conferences and Events
• 51:14 Dressing for Ministry
• 01:01:23 The Role of Appearance in Ministry

Camden Bucey and Ryan Noha jump on the livestream to share updates on several exciting initiatives at Reformed Forum. They discuss the development of new educational courses and publications, the expansion of international cohorts through Reformed Academy, and plans for the 2025 Reformed Forum Theology Conference.

Listeners will hear insights into the theological vision behind these efforts, including the importance of worship, biblical studies, connectionalism among Reformed ministers, and curating essential readings for robust ministerial training.

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In this episode of Reformed Forum Live, Camden Bucey speaks with Stephen Spanjer, a PCA minister serving in Neuenberg, Germany, with the Evangelical Reformed Church Westminster Confession (ERKWB). Stephen shares his fascinating journey of connecting Reformed theology, church planting, and baseball through his involvement with the Neuenberg Atomics baseball club.

Stephen discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of ministering in Germany, where clubs (orvereins) form a crucial part of social life. Through genuine relationships built over years of coaching and playing baseball, Stephen and his team have established credibility and meaningful connections with the local community.

Listeners will learn about Stephen’s approach to mission(s)—one rooted in vocation, authenticity, and long-term commitment. The conversation also highlights opportunities for short-term missions, internships, and how those passionate about baseball can serve the kingdom of God overseas.

Find out how you can get involved and explore what it means to live out your faith through sports and church ministry.

Links

• Neuenberg International Church
• Neuenberg Atomics baseball club

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

In this livestreamed conversation, Camden Bucey, Lane Tipton, and Dan Borvan discuss various topics including the recent Reformed Forum seminar in Oklahoma City, office tchotchkes, the announcement of a new book, and the pressing issue of ministerial training and the shortage of pastors in the Reformed community.

They explore the implications of these challenges and share insights on how to address them moving forward. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolving landscape of ministry, focusing on the reluctance of young men to relocate for vocational opportunities, the changing mindset towards ministry, and the need for proactive measures in raising future church leaders. They explore the challenges faced by churches in declining areas, the potential solutions such as merging congregations and bivocational ministry, and the future of ministerial education and credentialing.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 05:04 Reflections on the Oklahoma City Seminar
• 09:33 Office Items and Fun Conversations
• 15:30 Announcement of New Book and Upcoming Conference
• 17:24 Discussion on Ministerial Training Crisis
• 26:31 The Reluctance to Relocate for Ministry
• 29:18 The Changing Mindset of Ministry Aspirants
• 33:24 Raising Up Future Leaders in the Church
• 39:22 Challenges of Supporting Ministers in Declining Areas
• 44:08 Exploring Solutions: Merging Churches and Bivocational Ministry
• 50:04 The Future of Ministerial Education and Credentialing

Camden Bucey is joined by Bo Collins and Joe Cristman to discuss various topics related to their churches, upcoming events, and personal library management. They also touch on exciting developments in the PCA, including church planting efforts in North Carolina, and introduce Joe’s new YouTube channel, Take Up and Read, which focuses on literature and theology.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 04:11 News and Updates
• 08:50 Personal Library Management and Book Recommendations
• 17:04 Loaning Books
• 25:55 Office Knick-Knacks
• 40:41 PCA Updates
• 52:22 New Podcast: Take Up and Read
• 55:54 Conclusion

In this conversation, Camden Bucey, Ryan Noha, Lane Tipton, and Scott Cook discuss various themes surrounding Reformed apologetics, particularly focusing on the critique of Cornelius Van Til’s thought as presented in Keith Mathion’s book.

After highlighting Lane Tipton’s new book Union with Christ: The Benefits of His Suffering and Glory, they explore the challenges of understanding Van Til’s work, especially given his use of language and the philosophical context of his time. The discussion also touches on the relevance of Van Til’s thought in contemporary apologetics and the importance of engaging with the limitations of human language in theology.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction
• 00:06:53 Lane’s New Book, Union with Christ
• 00:09:49 Van Til and Idealism
• 00:24:43 Critics of Van Til
• 00:38:28 Cunningham on Idealism
• 00:42:30 A Sale on Our Van Til Books
• 00:44:32 Van Til’s Critique of Adam’s False Ideal of Knowledge
• 00:47:46 Applying Van Til Today
• 00:57:01 Understanding Idealism
• 01:03:41 Conclusion

Checking in from Scottsdale, Arizona, Camden Bucey discusses the Faith and Life Conference on worship and the themes of his upcoming talks. He reflects on recent podcast episodes, including discussions on ancient Near Eastern hero culture and the significance of animal imagery in biblical texts. The stream also touches on ethical considerations surrounding pet euthanasia, distinctions between the Reformed and Presbyterian family trees. We even daydream about a hunting excursion for people into Reformed theology.

In this lively Friday afternoon livestream recorded on January 17, 2025, Camden Bucey and a panel of guests discuss upcoming events, including Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary’s Confessional Conference, themed “The Pastor: His Call, Character, and Work.” The panel includes Pat Daly (Greenville Seminary), Stephen Spinnenweber (Westminster PCA, Jacksonville), Ryan Noha (Reformed Forum), and Carlton Wynne (Westminster PCA, Atlanta; Reformed Theological Seminary, Atlanta).

They preview the conference’s lineup, including talks on pastoral calling, ministry, and the broader applications of confessional theology.

Camden and Ryan highlight upcoming Reformed Forum events in Oklahoma City and California, offering opportunities to engage in robust theological discussions and fellowship.

Stephen shares insights from his current sermon series on the Book of Numbers, uncovering its rich ecclesiological and redemptive themes. The panel also reflects on the challenges of preaching through difficult books and the joy of revealing Christ in all of Scripture.

 

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Live Stream and Panel
• 03:00 Greenville Conference Overview
• 08:07 The Unique Community of the Greenville Conference
• 10:02 Carlton Wynne’s Insights on Pastoral Calling
• 15:54 Exploring the Nature of Pastoral Ministry
• 18:07 Upcoming Events and Future Plans
• 24:56 Fellowship and Worship Opportunities
• 26:45 Upcoming Conferences and Events
• 28:26 Memorable Experiences and Connections
• 30:11 Exploring Historical Figures and Their Impact
• 31:36 Engaging with Contemporary Discussions
• 33:08 Critiques and Insights on Apologetics
• 37:39 Theological Frameworks in Apologetics
• 41:09 Preaching Through Challenging Texts
• 42:00 Insights on the Book of Numbers
• 48:37 Exploring the Book of Numbers
• 50:12 The Impact of Preaching on Congregation
• 51:41 Challenges in Old Testament Preaching
• 54:15 The Aaronic Benediction and Its Significance
• 56:23 Resources for Preaching and Teaching
• 58:17 Introduction to Stephen’s Book
• 01:01:01 Understanding the Law of God
• 01:03:51 The Three Uses of the Law
• 01:06:12 Final Thoughts and Future Plans