Multiplying a Movement

Undoubtedly the most personal letter Paul had written, 2 Timothy prepared his faithful son for the inevitable: suffering and death. Suffering was as much from persecution as it was from the anguish of seeing people fall away from the Lord. In spite of this, Timothy was challenged to remain strong and vigilant in his calling because it was Christ himself who would sustain him through difficulty.

He was to entrust what he learned to others who would pass it further along. As Tertullian later picked up, “We multiply whenever we are mown down by you; the blood of Christians is seed” (Apologeticus 50.13). Paul not only taught the reality of suffering, but also struggled through it himself. So, it was not an admonishment to suffer alone, but to join with Paul in his sufferings. Ultimately, those who come out on the other side will receive a crown of righteousness that is for all who believe.

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Sustaining a Movement

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Also, check out other podcasts on the Ephesiology Podcast. You don’t want to miss an episode! And, join our discussion forum on the topic of movements.

Ephesiology [n. ih·fē·zē·äləʒē]: The Study of the Ephesian Movement

A community conversation about the most significant church-planting movement in the early church. The study of the Ephesian movement raises many questions about Christianity today. What made that city the epicenter of the movement? And how can we replicate sustained movements in a world that feels so different? This is not another methodology or attempt to re-contextualize evangelicalism. Rather, it is a look at the story of how the Holy Spirit still changes lives, cities, and the world.

On this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael sit down with Craig Whitney, Vice President of Church Multiplication with Stadia Church Planting. Craig states, “Growth is good. Multiplication is better” as we consider what is necessary to transition from church planting to church multiplication. Along the way, Craig shares that most church plants are simply attracting those who are inclined to go to church.

Find us on your favorite podcast app. Just search “Ephesiology.”

Michael

Resident Ephesiologist, Missions Executive

Michael is an executive in a missions organization where he leads a team focused on training and empowering local believers and 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.

AndrewJohnson

Associate Pastor, Neartown Church

Andrew is a pastor, husband and father who desires all to know the one true King. He happily serves at Neartown Church in Houston, TX with a vibrant and growing community. He is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast.

MattTill

Chief Communications Strategist

Matt serves as the chief communications strategist and brand storyteller for the mission of Knox Theological Seminary. He has a diverse background in communications, higher education, and Christian ministry, and is also a former on-air promotions writer and producer who holds multiple awards, including two Emmys for his past work in Chicago broadcast television. He is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast.

Episode 118: Growth is good, Multiplication is better
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