Imaginatively Missional
On this third Sunday of Advent, our family gathered together in the living room for a devoted time of prayer, scripture reading, and the Lord’s supper — just as we have done every Sunday since the pandemic began in March of 2020. This week we read from Luke 2, specifically the story of the shepherds …
Continue reading "Good News for All People: The Three ‘Advents’ of 2020"
Leadership is one of the most important issues confronting the church today. In this podcast, Andrew, Matt, and Michael address the distinction between hierarchical and flat leadership. A discussion originating with a recent blog on the topic, Michael focuses attention on how the Trinity is a model for the body of Christ and how Jesus …
Continue reading "Ep 66: The Dark Side of Hierarchical Leadership"
It seems to be a regular occurrence these days. Another evangelical pastor falls into moral failure. Carl Lentz is the latest causality. The celebrity pastor of Hillsong Church’s New York City branch is a further example of the dark side of hierarchical leadership where a pastor-centric ecclesiology places a charismatic person as the lead of …
I am absolutely convinced that there has never been a genuine missional movement—the kind that has both exponential growth as well as transformational impact across a wide domain—that does not have APEST ministry. APEST, which stands for Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd and Teacher, comes from Ephesians 4, and I strongly believe movements need all five …
I am absolutely convinced that there has never been a genuine missional movement—the kind that has both exponential growth as well as transformational impact across a wide domain—that does not have APEST ministry. APEST, which stands for Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd and Teacher, comes from Ephesians 4, and I strongly believe movements need all five …
On this week's Ephesiology Podcast, Michael talks with Jeff Christopherson about his upcoming course on Church Planting. Jeff brings years of experience and wisdom from his career as a serial church planter. The course, based on his book Kingdom Matrix, focuses on equipping church planters in fundamentals based upon Kingdom concepts. Jeff explains that church …
I am absolutely convinced that there has never been a genuine missional movement—the kind that has both exponential growth as well as transformational impact across a wide domain—that does not have APEST ministry. APEST, which stands for Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd and Teacher, comes from Ephesians 4, and I strongly believe movements need all five …
I am absolutely convinced that there has never been a genuine missional movement—the kind that has both exponential growth as well as transformational impact across a wide domain—that does not have APEST ministry. APEST, which stands for Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd and Teacher, comes from Ephesians 4, and I strongly believe movements need all five …
I am absolutely convinced that there has never been a genuine missional movement—the kind that has both exponential growth as well as transformational impact across a wide domain—that does not have APEST ministry. APEST, which stands for Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd and Teacher, comes from Ephesians 4, and I strongly believe movements need all five …
On this week's Ephesiology Podcast, Michael talks with Kathryn Richards Bhatia, assistant professor of social justice in our Master of Arts Missiology of Movement degree, about ministry to the exploited and marginalized. As one of the three markers of the early church, social justice is a vital ministry that emulates the life of first century …
Jesus was often counter-cultural. He upset a lot of people because He would frequently break the status quo and do the will of His Father (Matthew 12:50) instead of “following the rules” society had established. On the heels of the vice presidential debate and the “super spreading” event that caused the hospitalization of the president …
Years ago when I was a student involved in Cru at Texas A&M, a single photocopied sheet circulated among students allegedly originating from Dr. Bill Bright. As I recall the story, Dr. Bright had been studying John and Charles Wesley’s Holy Club that had formed on the campus of Oxford in 1729. The club composed …
This week’s podcast dials in on Christianity’s relationship to governments as Andrew and Michael explore a subject appropriate for Christians around the world. Based on a lecture from an Ephesiology Master Class, The Church in Times of Crisis, Michael unpacks four areas in the New Testament where we learn about this important topic: Jesus, Acts …
Today on the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael catch up with Brad Watson from Soma. In June, Andrew, Michael, and Brad talked about the impact of the pandemic on Soma's work in LA County. The extreme lockdown had produced positive results as they reached their community with the gospel. It's been four months and we …
It is sometimes refreshing to look back in Christian history to be reminded once again of those events upon which we stand. Where we are today did not occur in a vacuum or in isolation from the past. In a very real sense, the past shapes who we are in the present and reminds us …
I believe in God's sovereignty, not in a fatalistic way or a double predestination one. Rather, God superintends His creation in such a manner to ensure that His will is completed. The Book of Revelation gives us a picture of the completion of that will: And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you …
Continue reading "The Lesser of Two Evils and God’s Sovereignty"
Next on the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael are talking with John W. Morehead about QAnon. The right-wing conspiracy theorist(s) has found his way into the mainstream and sadly many evangelicals are listening. John, Andrew, and Michael discuss why evangelicals are susceptible to conspiracy theories and how we might be able to constructively engage those …
It was only four years ago when many declared the election in 2016 to be the most important in our lifetime. Well, here we are in 2020 and undoubtedly this is the most important election in our lifetime. Join Andrew and Michael with special guest Nate Gass for an exhilarating conversation about how Christians should …
Yesterday was national daughter's day. I'm not sure when that national day came into being, but we have a daughter who merits being recognized for at least one day out of a year if not every day. Michaela and I were having another one of our great theological conversations. They are getting increasingly rare, not …
If you have been following the news regarding Grace Community Church and its pastor John MacArthur’s battle in the courts of California, you might be thinking this is one of those complex issues confronting Christian churches across the country. Watch the latest video at foxnews.com The claim that California is prohibiting the freedom to worship …
Over the past four years, Ligonier and Lifeway Research have published the State of Theology surveys as a resource for understanding what Americans think about important religious statements. Join Matt, Andrew, and Michael as they take a detailed look at several statements on the 2020 survey and offer insights in what they communicate about evangelicalism …
A new season of the Ephesiology Podcast begins with Andrew, Matt, and Michael sharing about the exciting work of how Ephesiology engages in equipping the saints for works of ministry. Join our podcasters as they look to this next season and the continuation of applying the principles of the first century Christian movement in Ephesus …
Leadership sets the tone for the direction of a movement. In fact, one might argue that a movement will rise or fall largely on its leadership. To understand the effective movement leadership that we see in the New Testament is to understand the theocentric focus of the leaders. This leadership imbues a profound sense of …
Are you struggling with American evangelicalism? It’s gotten to the point where it is difficult to recognize a theological tradition that has been around for nearly 500 years. In his recent book, Dr. Cooper shares his concerns for loosing the American evangelical identity. Michael shares: You’ll read about how the majority of evangelicals live outside …
It is that time of year, but a different year for sure. As best as we can in the time of COVID-19, we're going to take a few weeks of rest. We are very grateful for our listeners and excited to return the first week of September. In the meantime, we'll be reposting some of …
Join our discussion with Brad Watson as we hear about his book on Ephesians as well as what he and Soma are doing in Los Angeles. While COVID-19 continues to present its challenges, Brad and Soma are seeing some neat things as they reach their community with Christ. And, if you haven't heard about our …
So often, the church looks at business people as those who will pray and pay for the ministry. In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, we talk business with Mike Sharrow, president and CEO of C12 Group. You'll no doubt be encouraged to learn about how business people are engaging their employees with the gospel …
These are interesting days. COVID-19, George Floyd, President Trump and his Trumpgelicals. We address all of these in a spontaneous podcast that is challenging us to think about our allegiance. Join Matt, Michael, and Brian - an unsuspecting guest to the podcast cast - as they discuss race relations, the president, and current crises in …
Continue reading "Ep 53: race relations, the president, and current crises in the United States"
COVID-19 has provided many opportunities for us to rethink how we equip people for ministry and we have some big news! We're excited to announce the launch of Ephesiology Master Classes! We've been thinking about what it will take to get to movement in the US and how we can support movements around the world …
Continue reading "Ep 52: The State of Education and Ephesiology Master Classes"
We're excited to welcome a first time guest, Kyle Pierson. Kyle focuses on helping people think about movement in the context of the United States with East West Ministries International. This will be an encouraging podcast as we hear about how people are catching a vision for multiplying disciples in the church. To comment on …
Continue reading "Ep 51: Getting to Movement During the Plague"
Zoom fatigue, plague fatigue. How are you feeling? We're discussing where we are emotionally and spiritually as we continue to evaluate the long-term effect of the novel coronavirus. Join our podcasters as they reflect on the impact of the virus, news, and evil on our society. Also, take advantage of our free book offer when …
Our podcasters go live on Zoom and Facebook for the first time in our new month segment. You have heard us say many times that we love doing theology in community and a live discussion about Ephesiology is a great way to collaborate on the significance of the first century church's relevance for today. You'll …
With the release of his new book, Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement, Andrew sits down with Michael to learn more about the author, his motivations, and hopes for what the Lord might do with the book. You'll want to hear the interesting backstory to what has been described as a, "theologically strong foundation …
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 …
On this week's podcast, hear what Matt Till is doing at Restoration Church. It isn't perfect, but they are seeing a community committed to prayer, Scripture, fellowship, worship, and missions. Join our podcasters to learn more about Restoration Church. To comment on this episode and future episodes, be sure to login. Find Us On: Search "Ephesiology" on …
In our continuing study of a New Testament movement, we ask the question, "What did the movement look like?" Join our podcasters as they explore the anatomy of the movement in Ephesus and its impact on the Roman province of Asia. Interested in more? Check out the Movement Maturity Matrix. To comment on this episode …
What kind of leader will it take to see more churches start in the United States? Join our podcasters as we talk with Jeff Christopherson, a self-identified serial church planter. He and Ed Stetzer started the Send Institute with a focus on the future of church planting in North America. Jeff helps us unpack 10 …
Continue reading "Ep 34: Interview with Jeff Christopherson"
Ephesiology Podcast is back with season 2. Join our podcasters as they reflect on last year, look forward to the release of the book Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement on Leap Day, and dream about 2020. To comment on this episode and future episodes, be sure to login. Find Us On: Search "Ephesiology" …
Have you ever wondered about the origins of Christmas and the traditions celebrated in Western cultures? Join our podcasters as they talk about the new book, Unwrapping the First Christmas, and begin to peel back the layers of traditions that have come to define the Western celebrations of Christmas. To comment on this episode and future …
Kanye West's release of his latest album, Jesus is King, has grabbed the attention of Christians and critics. Join our podcasters with special guest Arman Sheffey as they discuss the album and the Sunday Service. To comment on this episode and future episodes, be sure to login. Find Us On: Search "Ephesiology" on your preferred …
Are buildings, butts in seats, and bucks the measure of success for the church today? What about transformation of lives resulting in cultural impact? Join us as we continue our conversation on the state of the church in America. Keelan Cook joins our podcast to help us think through the shift needed for gospel impact. …
Continue reading "Ep 29: The State of the Church in America – Part 2"
Defining "disciple" and "discipleship" presents interesting issues in contemporary Christianity. Join our podcasters as they look at the New Testament understanding of what it means to be a disciple. Their study of the early Christian movements highlights several key characteristics for what it means to be a follower of Christ. To comment on this episode …
Continue reading "Ep 28: Maturing Disciples in a Movement, Part 1"
The growth of the church will rise and fall on leadership and having the right team will position the church for continued growth. Join us in the riveting episode when our podcasters unpack the roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, and shepherd-teachers. Leadership in the church in Ephesus adopted forms from the culture that contributed to …
Join us for our next episode where we introduce the first of a multi-part series on leadership. Our podcasters are wrestling with the type of leadership that propelled the church on God's mission of more people following Jesus. In this episode, we begin to look at Paul's leadership. Was he a strategist? A lone ranger? …
What is the state of the church in America? Join our podcasters as they reflect on their participation at a recent Church Planting think tank held at Wheaton College with the Send Institute. In spite of the decline of the church in the US, there is hope for a future movement of multiplying disciples. To …
Continue reading "Ep 25: The State of the Church in America"
We so thoroughly enjoyed our interview with Dave in our last episode that we had to continue talking about issues he is helping us wrestle through. Join us for a continued discussion on strategies, Paul, and church planting movements. To comment on this episode and future episodes, be sure to login. Find Us On: Search …
We are excited to have Dave as our guest on this week's podcast. As a cross-cultural worker in Chad, Dave brings some perspective that will help the Western church think about what it means to sacrifice in the midst of challenging ministry situations. To comment on this episode and future episodes, be sure to login. …
For decades, church planting has been touted as one of the most effective strategies to reach the lost. However, our podcasters are asking, "Is CPM a strategy or a result?" Join us as we search for the biblical command to church plant and re-orient our focus on Jesus as the head of the church. To …
The early Christian movement was uniquely diverse, but not without its problems. Join our podcasters and special guest Pastor Devlin Scott as they unpack Ephesians 2 and its implication for ministry today. To comment on this episode and future episodes, be sure to login. Discussion Forum Find Us On: Search "Ephesiology" on your preferred podcast …
Continue reading "Ep 21: The Movement and Ethnic Diversity, Part 2"
The early Christian movement was uniquely diverse, but not without its problems. Join our podcasters and special guest Pastor Devlin Scott as they unpack Ephesians 2 and its implication for ministry today. To comment on this episode and future episodes, be sure to login. Discussion Forum Find Us On: Search "Ephesiology" on your preferred podcast …
What is God's will? In this episode, our podcasters attempt to tackle one of the most important questions in the Christian life. Join them as they look at Ephesians chapter 1 and discuss this essential question. To comment on this episode and future episodes, be sure to login. Discussion Forum Find Us On: Search "Ephesiology" …
What is the church? This is the third installment of a three part series that explores ecclesiology. Join Matt, Andrew, and Michael in a discussion on how Ephesiology impacts our thinking about the church. Search "Ephesiology" on your preferred podcast app.
You must be logged in to post a comment.