On this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael are stepping into something truly transformative: an opportunity to empower global theological education. Michael returns from an exciting research trip to Asia Minor, sharing insights about the early church while introducing an unprecedented initiative—providing scholarships for PhD students in the Majority World to equip and raise up future Christian leaders. Join us as we unpack this vision, the obstacles, and the impact your partnership could have on generations of leaders in their cultural contexts. Don’t miss this pivotal conversation about building Christ’s Church worldwide.
Show Notes
In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, we take a transformative turn as we explore how equipping leaders in their own cultural contexts can shape the future of the global church. Michael shares highlights from his recent research trip to Asia Minor, where archaeological discoveries shed light on the vibrancy of early Christianity and its implications for ministry today.
But the heart of this episode is an urgent and exciting call to action: funding scholarships for PhD students in the Majority World. These scholarships will enable students in places like Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East to pursue theological education while remaining in their ministry contexts, equipping them to teach and raise up the next generation of leaders in their regions.
Join Michael and Andrew as they discuss:
- The significance of studying early Christian movements and how it impacts ministry today.
- The vision and development of Ephesiology Master Classes, an innovative and affordable global seminary model.
- The launch of a new PhD Scholarship Fund to train educators who will shape the future of the global church.
- How you can make a tangible difference by contributing to this life-changing initiative.
If you’ve ever wondered how your resources can help build God’s Kingdom, this episode is a must-listen.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- Donate to the PhD Scholarship Fund – Click “Donate” and specify “PhD Scholarship” in the notes.
- Learn More About Ephesiology Master Classes – Explore affordable theological education tailored to your ministry context.
Catch Up on Related Podcasts
Episode 114: Church Planters and Theological Education
Episode 115: Theological Education and the Church
Episode 116: Stewarding Followers of Jesus in Theological Education
Episode 132: A New Theological Education Initiative
If you have a question or topic that you’d like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com.
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Our Podcasters
Michael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.
Andrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he’s ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he’s an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers.
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Partner with the Pod
The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free.
However, if you’ve benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We’d be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world.
Empowering Future Seminary Professors
Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God’s Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions.
Celebrate the “First” Anniversary of Ephesiology
Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement
If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture?
“Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.”
Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture
Educating to Shift the Tracks of History
To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.
We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus!
Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes
Areopagus Symposium
Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium.
The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.