Reimagining our Ecclesiology

Welcome to The Ephesiology Podcast series on the church! Join us as we explore the dynamics of the early Christian movement and its relevance for today’s church. Through biblical, historical, and missiological insights, we’ll uncover what it means to be part of a movement that transforms lives and communities. Whether you’re a church leader, planter, or simply curious about how to make disciples and multiply healthy churches, this series will inspire you to think deeply about the church’s mission in the 21st century. Let’s journey together to discover how we can align with the movement God started in the New Testament.

  • by Ephesiology Team
    In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew Johnson shares an update as the podcast enters a short hiatus. While the hosts are away on assignment, Andrew invites you to revisit the rich archive of over 200 episodes—conversations that continue to challenge, encourage, and shape how we do theology in community. Looking ahead to 2026, […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew Johnson, Michael, and guest Lance Ford delve into the themes of church leadership, the disconnect between leadership and the body of Christ, and the systemic issues that plague modern church structures. They discuss the impact of Lance's book, 'The Atlas Factor,' which emphasizes the need for a […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    In this episode of the Ephesiology podcast, Andrew, Michael, and Matt are visited again by Mark Thiessen Nation, exploring the profound impact of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and writings on contemporary Christianity. In this episode, our hosts talk to Mark about the dangers of nationalism within the church. They discuss the importance of robust discipleship, the […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew Johnson, Michael, and Matt Till engage with Dr. Steve Bezner, exploring the implications of Bonhoeffer's theology for contemporary church leadership. They discuss the importance of maintaining a distinct Christian identity in a politically charged environment, the role of pastors in shepherding their congregations, and the need for […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    In this episode of the Ephesiology podcast, Andrew, Matt, and Michael welcome Watson Jones III, an executive pastor in Chicago, to discuss the current climate of shepherding in the city. They explore the challenges faced by the church in light of social issues, the historical context of the church's role in society, and the shifts […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    In this episode of the Ephesiology podcast, Andrew, Michael, and Matt engage with Dr. Wes Watkins to explore the dynamics of church movements, the importance of understanding movements in a contemporary context, and the integration of Motus Dei with Missio Dei. They discuss the characteristics of movements, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Dr. Ralph Korner discusses the concept of ekklesia, its historical context, and its implications for the modern church. He emphasizes the importance of community, social justice, and the church's role in society, arguing against a separatist mentality and advocating for active engagement with the world. The conversation explores […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    On this episode of The Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael sit down Dr. Emanuel Prinz—researcher, author, practitioner, professor, and soon-to-be PhD in International Theological Education. With stories of rebel leaders laying down their weapons and whole villages turning to Christ, Emanuel invites us into a world where communal conversion, catalytic leadership, and the slow work of […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    On this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael are joined again by Pastor Caleb Campbell, author of Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor as they discuss what it means to be the Church in a moment of extreme political and cultural division? Together, they wrestle with the pastoral challenges of shepherding congregations split […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    Merry Christmas and Happy Advent! In this final Ephesiology Podcast episode of 2024, Andrew and Michael reflect on the joy and meaning of the Christmas season, share highlights from the year—including the Make Disciples series, the success of the PhD Scholarship Drive, and exciting updates like a forthcoming Spanish translation of Ephesiology—and offer a glimpse into 2025 plans, including new […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    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 […]
  • by Michael T. Cooper
    On this episode of The 10-Minute Ephesiologist, Dr. Michael T. Cooper unpacks the challenges missionaries face when theological education feels too academic or even pride-inducing, leaving them unprepared for real-world ministry. Dr. Cooper proposes a new, balanced approach to training—one that blends intellectual depth with practical skills and a humble heart for service. Could this model […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael conclude a multi-part series entitled This Political Moment with author and pastor Caleb Campbell. His recent book, Disarming Leviathan, discusses the complexities of Christian nationalism. Caleb shares the journey behind his book, opening up about his struggle with cultural polarization within his church and the relational […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael continue a multi-part series entitled This Political Moment by exploring the kingdom of God and its political implications. We are joined once more by retired missionary Dr. Ron Hesselgrave and missionary Jim Baker for the final discussion in the series . Together, they explore Patrick […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael continue a multi-part series This Political Moment by exploring of the kingdom of God and its political implications. Joined again by Dr. Ron Hesselgrave and Jim Baker, the discussion takes a deep dive into Patrick Schreiner's Political Gospel: Public Witness in a Politically Crazy World. […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    On this Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael conclude the discussion on the concept of adaptive ecclesiology by exploring how the early church adapted to various cultural contexts while preserving its core meaning. Join us as we examine the crucial distinction between form and meaning, and how adapting the church to different cultures can help it […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    On this Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael dive more deeply into adaptive ecclesiology, discussing how the Church can mirror Christ in every culture. We’ll explore how the early Church adapted to its cultural contexts—and what that means for us today. Stay with us as we unpack how churches can move from captive methodologies to adaptive, […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    On this Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael begin to explore the concept of adaptive ecclesiology, challenging the traditional view of the church as a static institution. They dive into how the early church, rooted in the teachings of Jesus, adapted to different cultural contexts, showing that the true essence of the ekklesia is the gathering […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    On this Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael continue emphasizing how important it is for us to understand Jesus primarily from who He describes Himself to be. Unpacking the paradigm of Christiology-Missiology-Ecclesiology, our podcasters discuss how our view of Jesus informs the manner in which we engage the world and what His people look like as […]
  • by Ephesiology Team
    On this Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael catch up after recent travels to South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Among other topics, Michael shares about the significance of archaeology for the study of the New Testament movement and invites listeners to join him on an upcoming research trip to Asia Minor. Learn more about […]