Imaginatively Missional
On this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, we interview Dr. Randy Newman about his new book Mere Evangelism: 10 Insights from C.S. Lewis to Help You Share Your Faith. Dr. Newman walks us through Lewis' ideas of engaging our culture with the gospel. We talk about pre-evangelism which paves the way for evangelism. Randy suggests Lewis was a wonderful model of this pattern in his radio program and fiction writing.
Over the past 10 years, social media use has exploded and provided people with platforms to voice their thoughts and ideas, even criticisms of the thoughts and ideas of others. How do we navigate such criticism? Or differentiate criticism from critique? On this Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew, Matt, and Michael talk about the need for us …
We continue in our series After Evangelicalism, What? with the provocative topic of church planting. Starting new churches has long been considered one of the most strategic methods of evangelism. However, with more churches closing than starting in 2019, we rightly reconsider its strategic nature. Should we plant a church where the church is already …
Continue reading "Ep 95: Church Planting Where the Church is Planted?"
In this Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew, Matt, and Michael begin a conversation about what might come after evangelicalism. Many have been disenchanted by a distorted form of evangelicalism in the United States. The inclination toward nationalism, moral failures of high profile pastors, power struggles in prominent churches have led some evangelicals to reconsider their allegiance to …
In this Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew, Matt, and Michael share what they are looking forward to as they begin moving from the New Testament movement in Ephesus to the first and second century church. After emerging from one of the most polemical years in recent memory, our podcasters cast a hopeful tone for a future that …
Continuing our series of podcasts on Raising Resilient Children, we sat down with Father Matt Marino and our own Pastor Andrew for their insights. In today's podcast, we talk about what pastors want parents to know about discipling their children. Discipling children is a role that falls primarily on the shoulders of parents. While pastors …
Continuing our series of podcasts on Raising Resilient Children, we sat down with Josh McDowell for his insights. The challenges that children and parents face seem immeasurable at times. According to Josh, the two greatest threats facing families and the church are pornography and critical race theory. In this episode, we'll learn some helpful parenting …
From the seven seals to the seven trumpets, one thing seems clear. The disciples continue to have a mission on earth during tumultuous times. Join Dr. Cooper, Dr. Feiser, and Dr. Harris as they discuss the seals, the little scroll, and what John meant when he was told, "you must again must prophesy about many people and nations and languages and kings" (Rev 10:11).
From the seven seals to the seven trumpets, one thing seems clear. The disciples continue to have a mission on earth during tumultuous times. Join Dr. Cooper, Dr. Feiser, and Dr. Harris as they discuss the seals, the little scroll, and what John meant when he was told, "you must again must prophesy about many people and nations and languages and kings" (Rev 10:11).
The seven seals reveal more than simply the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Join us this week on the Ephesiology Podcast as Dr. Feiser, Dr. Harris, and Dr. Cooper discuss what seal 5 reveals about Jesus' disciples. While the septets (seven seals, trumpets, and bowls) describe the mounting political, economic, and social upheaval, there is hope for those who remain faithful to the word of God and the witness it bears.
The portrait that John paints in the book of Revelation often appears strange and unusual to the modern reader. The living creatures with multiple eyes and wings surrounding the throne can become a distraction from the real scope of Revelation 4 and 5. On today's podcast, Dr. Harris, Dr. Feiser, and Dr. Cooper dive into …
In today's podcast, Dr. Harris, Dr. Feiser, and Dr. Cooper dive into more questions about Revelation to help us figure out what it is about. Beginning with the description of John's Jesus, we'll discuss the cultural issues confronting the seven churches in Asia Minor and conclude with the reason why John writes Revelation. Join us for another episode in our ongoing series, "Rediscover Jesus through Revelation."
Revelation is one of the most difficult books in the Bible to interpret and it is also one of the most abused and ignored books of the Bible. In this first session on our series focused on rediscovering Jesus through Revelation, Dr. Feiser, Dr. Harris, and Dr. Cooper discuss four interpretative strategies used to understand Revelation: Historicist, Idealist, Preterist, and Futurist.
Revelation is one of the most difficult books in the Bible to interpret and it is also one of the most abused and ignored books of the Bible. In this first session on our series focused on rediscovering Jesus through Revelation, Dr. Feiser, Dr. Harris, and Dr. Cooper discuss four interpretative strategies used to understand Revelation: Historicist, Idealist, Preterist, and Futurist.
This is the fifth in a series of podcasts on Raising Resilient Children. Over the course of the next several weeks, we're going to examine the importance of parents discipling their children. Paul makes a clear admonition in Ephesians 6:4 to "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." On this Ephesiology …
Continue reading "Ep 78: Raising Children to be Missionaries. Seriously?"
This is the fourth in a series of podcasts on Raising Resilient Children. Over the course of the next several weeks, we're going to examine the importance of parents discipling their children. Paul makes a clear admonition in Ephesians 6:4 to "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." On this Ephesiology …
This is the third in a series of podcasts on Raising Resilient Children. Over the course of the next several weeks, we're going to examine the importance of parents discipling their children. Paul makes a clear admonition in Ephesians 6:4 to "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." So, on this …
This is the second in a series of podcasts on Raising Resilient Children. Over the course of the next several weeks, we're going to examine the importance of parents discipling their children. Paul makes a clear admonition in Ephesians 6:4 to "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." So, on this …
We are beginning a series on Raising Resilient Children. Over the course of the next several weeks, we're going to examine the importance of parents discipling their children. Paul makes a clear admonition in Ephesians 6:4 to "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." So, on this episode of the Ephesiology …
On this Ephesiology Podcast, Michael is joined by Dr. Stephen Leston, President and CEO of To Every Tribe to introduce an Ephesiology Master Class focusing on worldview apologetics. Dr. Leston explains that the course focuses on learning how to engage the culture around us by showing how a biblically informed worldview gives answer to five …
Looking for a loophole, (the religious scholar) asked, “And just how would you define ‘my COVID neighbor’?” (Luke 10:29ish). Join us on this Ephesiology Podcast, as Andrew and Mattas look into God’s call to love our neighbors faithfully through this crazy season we still find ourselves in. To comment on this episode and future episodes, be …
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. …
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 if …
Continue 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. …
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 leadership …
Continue 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, …
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"
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
In the age of COVID-19, the preparedness of the church now is critical to her ability to be positioned for growth on the other side of the crisis. In this podcast, Michael teams up with Nate Vander Stelt, Executive Vice President of GACX to discuss the early church’s preparedness and how God continued to grow …
Continue reading "Ep 48: Early Plagues and the Movement of God"
What will the sermon look like in a post COVID-19 world? We talk about this subject with Russell Cravens, lead pastor of Neartown Church in Houston, Texas. As the sermon developed historically and became the central focus of the church in an illiterate world, how should it change in a largely biblically illiterate world today? …
Alan Hirsch joins the Ephesiology Podcasters again. This time, they discuss leadership during a time of crisis. With our interest in seeing movement, Alan shares more about APEST and the gaps in the church that need bolstered to achieve movement. COVID-19 presents an opportunity to position the church for growth if we can adjust our …
COVID-19 continues to ravage many places in the world and especially North America. As we continue to think about the implications of the crisis on the church, Jeff Christopherson joins us again to talk about what he sees for the future of North American evangelicalism. We also get into a discussion about his new book …
How is the church responding to COVID-19? Join us as we discuss how one church in Houston is empowering their leaders to shepherd the church. Their investment of time and resources is positioning them for a sustainable reconstruction as we prepare for a church after crisis. This is an opportunity for the church to be …
As churches and ministry leaders face a shocking new reality in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, a pathway forward on meeting the spiritual needs of our congregations and finding creative ways to remain on mission for the Kingdom are needed now. Join Matt as he shares more about resources he has used at Restoration Church. …
Continue reading "Ep 43: A Missiologically Theocentric Micro-Church"
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