Home Visits and Holy Callings: How Ruling Elders Shepherd a Great Commission Church (Interview with Mr. John Terpstra)

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The Great Commission Today
Home Visits and Holy Callings: How Ruling Elders Shepherd a Great Commission Church (Interview with Mr. John Terpstra)
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In this rich and far-reaching conversation, OPC ruling elder John Terpstra (South Austin Presbyterian Church) helps church leaders recover a deeply biblical, confessional, and worship-centered understanding of the Great Commission. Drawing on decades of service in the OPC, hands-on church-planting experience, and a lifetime immersed in Scripture and Reformed theology, John shows how disciple-making flows out of worship, covenant community, and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit. He speaks candidly about the obstacles churches face today—distraction, cultural confusion, technological upheaval, and declining religious affiliation—yet he frames each challenge as a tremendous gospel opportunity. From the role of home visitation to the nature of biblical stewardship, from the rise of post-humanism to the necessity of preaching the whole counsel of God, this episode will both steady and strengthen pastors, elders, deacons, and all who labor in the ministry of making disciples as part of Christ’s Church.

Key Moments

0:02 — Introduction: Welcome to The Great Commission Today and the mission behind the podcast.

0:35 — Meet John Terpstra: Early life, emigration from Amsterdam to Australia, and growing up in the Reformed Churches of Australia.

4:11 — John’s Testimony: Never knowing a day without Christ; strengthened convictions through college conversations and visiting other churches.

6:01 — Service in the OPC & Church Planting: Ordination, moves, and involvement in multiple OPC church plants in Utah and Texas.

7:29 — Professional Background Shaping Ministry: From chemistry and engineering to IT leadership—how God used diverse vocations to prepare him for spiritual leadership.

10:33 — Influential Mentors: Stories of his father, a passionate pastor, and elder Malcolm Walker—and the importance of “20–20 vision” in Scripture.

14:52 — Signs of God at Work in the Church: Home visitation, shepherding, mentoring children, and the precious gift of fellowship among the saints.

17:03 — Reading the Great Commission: Matthew 28:16–20 and why the Commission is fundamentally given in the context of worship.

18:25 — The Parts of the Great Commission: Authority, worship, going, discipling, baptizing, teaching, and sustaining believers within the covenant community.

21:25 — “As You Go” Evangelism: How simple, natural witness flows from rejoicing in Christ—at the gas station, supermarket, or anywhere.

24:45 — Christ’s Promise: “I Am With You Always”: Romans 8 and the Spirit’s work in giving assurance, courage, and power for obedience.

27:34 — The Great Commission & the Early Church: Pentecost, Ephesus, sealing of the Spirit, and the mission of the apostles.

34:00 — Obstacles: Distraction & Spiritual Warfare: Ephesians 6, Malachi 3, winnowing, refining, and the need for disciplined attention to the Word.

40:05 — Are Our Times Really Unique? Why human nature and sin remain unchanged across the centuries—and what that means for ministry today.

43:05 — Post-Humanism, AI, and Gospel Opportunity: How technological disruption increases spiritual hunger and opens doors for gospel proclamation.

45:51 — How the Great Commission Shapes Local Churches: Lessons from Revelation 2 and the call to return to “first works”—sharing Christ and His love.

48:23 — Following Christ as Individuals: Justification, peace with God, saturation reading of Scripture, prayer, and faithful worship.

53:12 — Obstacles to Obedience: The refining fire of God’s Word and the necessity of abiding in Christ to bear fruit.

59:07 — Practical Outreach & Evangelism: Using the OPC Church Planting Manual’s four categories: sermon publishing, events, follow-up, and advertising.

1:03:12 — Membership Vows & Active Fellowship: The general office of believer, participating in worship and service, and embracing community.

1:07:03 — Advertising & Stewardship Principles: The need for careful targeting, wise budgeting, measurable follow-up, and avoiding wasted spending.

1:13:31 — Stewardship, Budgeting, & Church Health: Why biblical stewardship training matters and how giving grows as discipleship deepens.

1:20:35 — Rising Unbelief & Cultural Decline: Why sobering statistics should not discourage the Church but motivate bold proclamation.

1:27:04 — What Church Leaders Must Remember Today: Preach the Word, teach the confessions, mentor well, and equip the saints for spiritual battle.

1:31:20 — Encouragement from Isaiah 43 & John 10: “You are my witnesses.” The Shepherd guards, leads, and keeps all whom the Father has given Him.

Organizations & Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Next Steps