Many are wondering if a movement of churches is even possible in the United States. While the criticism of the movements we are seeing around the world has at times been sharp – accusations of theological shallowness, immature leaders, irresponsible evangelism – observers of the US evangelical landscape are beginning to recognize the same critique here.
According to Ligonier and Lifeway Research, over 70% of those who identify as evangelicals believe Jesus is a created being, and nearly 60% believe the Holy Spirit is a force. With the trust of pastors eroding and the rise in the number of notable evangelicals falling, leadership of evangelicalism is not necessarily something looked at as a model. As far as evangelism is concerned, Exponential recognizes that 70% of US churches are declining or stagnate, and very few are multiplying.
In this context, is a movement possible? In Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement, Michael lays out what he believes was the framework for the most significant movement in the first century. This isn’t a method. Rather, these are principles of a missiologically theocentric movement. There is no guarantee that those who apply these principles will see movement. However, there is every expectation that those who try will mature Christ-followers and develop New Testament leaders who are passionate about joining with God on His mission.
We hope you’ll pick up this book and discover God’s passion for movements that reach the lost.
“Who better to dig into the model of Ephesus than a missionary church-planter, turned missiologist, turned mission leader? Michael brings helpful breadth and depth to this work. His extensive experience and ongoing exposure to the church and the need around the world give him a unique platform. After decades of pragmatic, programmatic models, the church needs an exegetically-driven path forward.”
Rev. Kerry Doyal
District Superintendent
Allegheny District of the Evangelical Free Church of America
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