Season 6, Episode 2: “Recovering the Visible Church: The ARP, Polity, and the Path of Confessional Renewal” with Benjamin Glaser

The Perspectivalist

In this episode of The Perspectivalist, Pastor Uri Brito welcomes Rev. Benjamin Glaser of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP) to talk all things ARP—from its rich confessional heritage to its present role in the American ecclesiastical landscape.

🔹 Topics include:

• 📜 The history of the ARP — How a 1782 merger formed one of the oldest continually operating Reformed denominations in North America.

• 🏛️ Synodical polity explained — Why the ARP remains a Synod, and how its governing structure encourages fellowship and simplicity.

• 🔐 The visible church as Christ’s appointed institution — A defense of the church’s organic, not optional, role in God's kingdom.

• 🚫 The modern drift toward anti-discipline and DIY ecclesiology — What happens when Christians disconnect from accountability and structure.

• 🕯️ Worship and sacramental practice in the ARP — From exclusive psalmody and grape juice to a revival of weekly communion and wine.

• 🤝 Fraternal relations with OPC & beyond — Encouraging signs of confessional renewal and partnership among like-minded churches.

• ✍️ Rev. Glaser’s essay on the visible church
  → Read the Substack article here

• 🏛️ History of the ARP Church
  → Visit the official ARP Church website

• 🤝 NAPARC (North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council)
  → Learn more about NAPARC denominations

“The church is not an accident or a pragmatic structure—it is the ordinary means Christ uses to draw and mature His people.” — Rev. Benjamin Glaser

In an era when many young Christians are drawn to atomized, personality-driven spirituality, this conversation serves as a timely call to embrace the visible, historic, and confessional church. Rooted in Scripture and governed by wisdom, the church remains God’s chosen vessel to disciple the nations.