On this Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Matt team up to tackle the complicated notion that America is a Christian country. In light of the Capitol insurrection, we ask, “Is the myth of a Christian America preventing us from embracing God’s actual desire for his church?” Join Matt and Andrew as they wonder a better way forward.Continue reading Ep 71: The Myth of Christian America
The events in Washington D.C. last Wednesday were troubling and tragic. The political, economic, and societal turmoil in the United States continue to find new expressions in 2021. While we all have high hopes for the new year, the reality of Wednesday’s shocking display of utter disregard for the democrat process makes us wonder ifContinue reading Ep 70: Crisis at the Capitol, Crisis in the Church
It’s a new year and many optimistically look to a 2021 that will be markedly different from what we experienced in 2020. The reality is, the change of the calendar does not necessarily mean that all is better. In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Matt shares some insights into what he expects in 2021.Continue reading Ep 69: Good Riddance 2020!
Contemporary church leadership tends to model itself after various social structures of leadership whether in business or politics. The DNA of the New Testament church looked altogether different as Jesus instituted a leadership style that was counter-cultural and unique for His church. Join Matt, Andrew, and Michael as they continue to discuss the non-hierarchical leadershipContinue reading Ep 68: The Non-Hierarchical Leadership of the New Testament Church
For all of us, 2020 has been a challenging year. In spite of the reality of the global pandemic, a contentious election cycle, and intense racial outcries, we can still genuinely celebrate the hope of Jesus who brought good news that is for all people. In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, join Matt, Andrew,Continue reading Ep 67: Happy Covid Christmas
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 JesusContinue reading Ep 66: The Dark Side of Hierarchical Leadership
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 churchContinue reading Ep 65: Kingdom-Minded Church Planting
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 centuryContinue reading Ep 64: What is Social Justice?
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, ActsContinue reading Ep 63: Christianity and the Government
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 weContinue reading Ep 62: Catching Up with Brad Watson
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 thoseContinue reading Ep 61: QAnon and Conspiracies
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 shouldContinue reading Ep 60: The Christian and Politics
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 evangelicalismContinue reading Ep 59: The State of Theology
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 EphesusContinue reading Ep 58: Ephesiology’s New Season
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 outsideContinue reading Ep 57: When Evangelicals Sneeze
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 ofContinue reading Ep 56: Summer Break
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 ourContinue reading Ep 55: Ephesiology with Brad Watson
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 gospelContinue reading Ep 54: Movements and Business
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 inContinue 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 worldContinue 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 onContinue 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 whenContinue reading Ep 50: Fatigue or Burnout?
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’llContinue reading Ep 49: A Monthly Monday Movement Moment
We jumped on to record a podcast regarding a new reality due to COVID-19. Join Matt and Andrew as they begin to initially wrestle with how the church might respond to the pandemic. To comment on this episode and future episodes, be sure to login. Find Us On: Search “Ephesiology” on your preferred podcast appContinue reading Ep 42: Initial Reaction to COVID-19
While one of our Ephesiologists is galavanting around the world, we are taking a brief hiatus and invite you to continue engaging with Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement and catching up on missed episodes of the Ephesiology Podcast. Do not forget about the Ephesiology Blog where you’ll find interesting posts as we thinkContinue reading Ep 41: Spring Break
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 foundationContinue reading Ep 40: The Interview
How did the New Testament church sustain such fantastic growth? Join our podcasters as they look at the seven letters Jesus wrote to the churches of Asia Minor. The book of Revelation is often thought to be a book about the end times. We’ll discuss why it might be more appropriate to think of itContinue reading Ep 39: Sustaining a Movement
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” onContinue reading Ep 38: Restoration Church
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 episodeContinue reading Ep 37: The Anatomy of a Movement
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 in the second of a two part discussion. Their study of the early Christian movements highlights several key characteristics for what it means to be aContinue reading Ep 36: Maturing Disciples of a movement, Part 2
“We are perfectly designed to achieve what we are seeing.” Join us as we explore this profound statement in our interview with Alan Hirsch. Alan is one of the leading movement thinkers who believes that our movement rhetoric is beginning to see fruit. Among our topics: rediscovering the apostle, prophet, and evangelist; paradigm shifts; identifyingContinue reading Ep 35: Interview with Alan Hirsch
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 10Continue 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”Continue reading Ep 33: Happy New Year
The reaction to Mark Galli’s editorial in Christianity Today reveals how polarized the current political climate is in the United States. Some question his motives and others wonder what has taken so long. There are as many loud evangelical voices of dissent as there are of support for Galli’s call for President Trump’s removal from office. TheContinue reading Ep 32: The End of Evangelicalism
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 futureContinue reading Ep. 31: Unwrapping the First Christmas
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 preferredContinue reading Ep. 30: Jesus is King
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 episodeContinue 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 toContinue reading Ep 27: Leading a Movement, Part 2
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?Continue reading Ep 26: Leading a Movement, Part 1
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. ToContinue 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: SearchContinue reading Ep 24: More on Carter and CPM
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.Continue reading Ep 23: Interview with Dave
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. ToContinue reading Ep 22: Is CPM a Strategy?
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 podcastContinue 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 podcastContinue reading Ep 20: The Movement and Ethnic Diversity
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”Continue reading Ep 19: God’s Will
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.
What is the church? This is the second 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.
What is the church? This is the first 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.
We are gearing up for more Ephesiology podcasts. Join us beginning later in August as we pick up our discussion on the New Testament movement in Ephesus. Find us on: Search “Ephesiology” on your preferred podcast app.
It is hard to believe that we have recorded 13 episodes. We trust that you have enjoyed our banter as we study the New Testament movement in Ephesus. As we head into the summer, our podcasters are going to take a much needed break. So, this is a great time to catch up on earlierContinue reading Ep 14: Summer Break
