Podcast
St. Matthew's Inquirers' Class
Hosted by St. Matthew's Church in Newport Beach, California · EN
The St. Matthew's Inquirers' Class is designed for those who are new to the Anglican tradition, or who wish to understand the liturgy and sacraments in a deeper way.
The 10-week series will explore topics like The Creeds of the Church, The Moral Law, The Church Calendar, Church Symbolism, and The Duties of a Christian Life.
Join us as we lead new and experienced Christians into further inquiry.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Session 10: Church Membership
Apr 9, 202501:01:29Tap to summarizeIn this final session, Fr. Hayden Butler discusses what it means to be an active member of a parish—how our participation in the sacraments ushers us into a community in which we are formed by the Holy Spirit. He then responds to participant questions.
Transcribe →Session 9: The Duties of a Christian
Apr 2, 202501:16:17Tap to summarizeMr. Carl Swanson discusses Christian duty as it pertains to all aspects of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit during baptism. He then explains how the Christian life does not compete with our secular and natural endeavors, revealing a holistic approach to ministry and vocation.
Transcribe →Session 8: The Life of Prayer
Mar 26, 202501:17:23Tap to summarizeFr. Hayden Butler discusses the 'life of prayer,' the rhythms by which Christians encounter God and inhabit the Gospel. He then discusses the relationship between Holy Communion, fixed times of prayer each day, and personal devotions.
Transcribe →Session 7: The Church Calendar
Mar 18, 202501:10:06Tap to summarizeBp. Stephen Scarlett discusses the Christian sense of time and story, articulating its differences with faith lived according to the world's time and story. He then stresses the importance of living a life of prayer according to the time and narrative of the Church calendar, citing it as the foundation for long-term spiritual formation and the cultivation of hope.
Transcribe →Session 6: Liturgy of the Eucharist
Mar 10, 202501:16:18Tap to summarizeFr. Hayden Butler discusses the Liturgy of Holy Communion: the structure of the service, and how it orients us toward participation in Christ's sacrifice. He then discusses how the ritual gestures and words lead us into offering our whole selves to God for His blessing, commissioning us into the work of God in the world.
Transcribe →Session 5: Liturgy of the Word
Mar 5, 202501:12:53Tap to summarizeMr. Carl Swanson discusses how Christian worship is seen as the entire experience of new life in Christ, and how Holy Scripture narrates this new way of life through its sacramental character—making Christ present to the Church through the written word. He then explains the first part of the Mass, the "Liturgy of the Word," discussing the history and significance of its constituent parts, and how it leads the worshipper into the next part of the Mass, Holy Communion.Session Notes:https://bit.ly/IC_Liturgy-of-the-Word_Session-5_2025-03-02
Transcribe →Session 4: Symbols of the Church
Feb 25, 202501:17:57Tap to summarizeFr. Hayden Butler discusses symbolism in the Church—how it emerges from the symbolic worship of Israel, and is reoriented by fulfillment in Christ. He then discusses the components of a traditional church, and how the deliberate arrangement of the physical space communicates a rich theology, leading us further into participation in the Body of Christ.
Transcribe →Session 3: The Sacraments
Feb 18, 202501:15:21Tap to summarizeBp. Stephen Scarlett discusses the meaning of "sacraments"; how they are rooted in the creation and the Incarnation, and how they point forward to completion of the New Creation. He also discusses the theology and practicalities of the seven commonly recognized sacraments, as well as the use of what are called "sacramentals."
Transcribe →Session 2: The Moral Law
Feb 10, 202500:30:04Tap to summarizeFr. Hayden Butler discusses the concept of morality in the Christian life, framing it as the pathway to freedom and fullness of life in Christ, while also revealing some of our sources of moral insight.
Transcribe →Session 1: The Creeds of the Church
Feb 3, 202500:43:12Tap to summarizeFr. Hayden Butler explores how the Creeds of the Church affirm the experiences of Christians throughout the centuries—and also how they invite us into a richer experience of God's New Creation, as they shape and portray all of reality to be about loving relationships.
Transcribe →