Imaginatively Missional
One of the questions I am increasingly asked is what we mean when we describe our work as being “shaped by the Ephesiology Framework.” It is an important question because the phrase is not intended as a slogan or a branding exercise. Rather, it expresses the theological and missiological lens through which we seek to …
In this summer hiatus episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Michael and Andrew welcome—or perhaps ambush—Dave Brunelle into a conversation about spiritual formation, discipleship, and the life of Christ being formed in us. With humor, stories, and a few “under the bus” moments, the episode introduces Dave’s journey from public safety to church planting, mentoring, global …
Continue reading "Episode 224: Spiritual Formation and the Life of Christ in Us"
In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Michael T. Cooper and Andrew Johnson introduce Dr. Cooper’s seminar, “Let the Stones Speak,” part of the Archaeology Meets Missiology series. The conversation explores five archaeological discoveries that preserve early memories of Jesus across Asia Minor, North Africa, Edessa, and the Arabian Peninsula. From inscriptions and graffiti to apocryphal traditions and Christograms, …
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 …
Continue reading "Episode 215: Bonhoeffer and Nationalism with Mark Thiessen Nation"
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 …
Continue reading "Episode 214: Bonhoeffer the Pastor with Steve Bezner"
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 …
Continue reading "Episode 213: Ministering in Chicago with Watson Jones III"
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 …
Continue reading "Episode 212: Reactivating the Church as Movement"
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 …
Continue reading "Episode 211: Rethinking Ekklesia with Dr. Ralph Korner"
In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew, Matt, and Michael engage in a deep conversation with Mark Thiessen Nation about the life and works of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. They explore Bonhoeffer's stance on pacifism, the influence of Eberhard Bethge, and the misrepresentation of Bonhoeffer in popular media. The discussion delves into the complexities of Bonhoeffer's …
Continue reading "Episode 210: Unpacking Bonhoeffer’s Legacy with Mark Thiessen Nation"
In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew, Michael, and Matt discuss the rise of end times predictions, particularly through social media platforms like TikTok. They explore the implications of these predictions, the historical context of prophecy, and the importance of focusing on Jesus' mission rather than sensationalism. The conversation also touches on the dangers …
The decision to cease USAID funding has sparked concerns regarding the future of global development efforts particularly in regions heavily reliant on foreign assistance. While the immediate consequences of this policy shift are significant, this moment presents an opportunity to reevaluate traditional aid models and embrace more sustainable, locally led approaches. A church-driven, asset-based model …
In April 2024, our television and mobile screens were filled with images of long-range ballistics glowing in the night sky over Jerusalem. A barrage of missiles had been launched directly by Iran from hundreds of miles away into Israel. In the tense moments where we waited for spectacular images of destruction across a land considered …
In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, the hosts discuss the recent tragedy involving Charlie Kirk and the broader implications of gun violence in America. They explore the intersection of faith, politics, and violence, reflecting on the Christian response to such tragedies. The conversation emphasizes the need for love, justice, and a departure from divisive …
Continue reading "Episode 208: Christian Response to Tragedy"
In this episode of the Ephesiology podcast, hosts Andrew and Michael welcome back Matt Till as he takes on a new role focused on social justice and community engagement. The conversation explores the importance of integrating social justice into the church's mission, reflecting on its historical significance within evangelicalism. Matt shares his personal journey and …
On this Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael delve into the foundational importance of Christology within the context of innovative disruption. Emphasizing a return to understanding who Jesus is and how He defines Himself, they explore the implications of Christological clarity for mission and ecclesiology. Drawing from biblical texts and theological reflection, they discuss how a …
Continue reading "Episode 173: The Christology of our Mission"
On this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew, Matt, and Michael discuss a recent survey revealing that the majority of US pastors believe people in their congregations lack commitment. At the core of the survey is the gap between the pulpit and the pew. It's reminiscent of the classic story of the monkey and the …
Continue reading "Ep 117: The Pessimistic Perception of Pastoral Ministry"
On this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael are joined by Greg Henson, president of Kairos University to discuss the seminary's role in stewarding followers of Jesus in theological education. Kairos University's unique collaborative innovation focuses on theological education that is affordable, accessible, relevant, and faithful. Its watchword is easily summarized as discipling …
Continue reading "Ep 116: Stewarding Followers of Jesus in Theological Education"
On this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew, Matt, and Michael are joined by Dr. Scott Manor, president of Knox Theological Seminary to discuss theological education and the church. Accessibility is one of the major issues confronting seminaries around the country. Innovative seminaries are stepping away from the traditional campus model and taking seminary to …
Continue reading "Ep 115: Theological Education for the Church"
I recently met with the Vice President of Church Planting Strategy from a well respected church planting organization in the United States to talk about new metrics for church planting. During the course of our conversation, he referenced the Great Opportunity study conducted by Pinetops Foundation in 2018. The study indicated the need to double or triple …
On this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, we begin a multi-part series on theological education. In part one, we focus in on church planters and theological education. While enrollment in theological education is at an all-time high, according to the Association of Theological Schools, the question remains whether or not seminary is still relevant. We …
Continue reading "Ep 114: Church Planters and Theological Education"
There are many cultural myths about Jesus; ways in which people have come to describe Him that arise from particular traditions. Often they are not matters of right or wrong, but rather expressions which have helped people relate to Jesus from their unique backgrounds. For example, in our sensitivity to race and ethnicity, when we …
On this Ephesiology Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Dietrich Schindler who has been church planting in Europe for more than three decades. Dr. Schindler shares about his work and writings as they relate to the spread of the gospel through church planting across the continent. In his recent book, Shift: The Road to Level …
On this Ephesiology Podcast, we take some time to talk with Alan Hirsch and Mike Frost about the revised and updated edition of ReJesus: Remaking the Church in Our Founder's Image. Alan comments, "If you don't get Jesus right, you only make bad religion bad." Michael and Alan share various flaws in our thinking about …
On this special edition of the Ephesiology Podcast, Michael speaks with Ruslan Khmyz, president of Kyiv Theological Seminary about what is happening in Ukraine. He shares the story of how he and his family were stirred by God to leave Kyiv just as the bomb and missiles were hitting targets in the city. You'll hear …
Continue reading "Ep 111: A Conversation with the President of Kyiv Theological Seminary"
Has Power Corrupted Our Witness? On this Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Matt discuss insights and cultural implications from David Brooks' (New York Times) opinion article "The Dissenters Trying to Save Evangelicalism from Itself." Find us on your favorite podcast app. Just search "Ephesiology." Partner with Ephesiology If you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider …
Ever since C. Peter Wagner declared church planting as the greatest strategy for the spread the gospel around the world (1990), church planters have taken up the banner of what is no doubt one of the most obvious results of making disciples in the book of Acts. Indeed, Tim Keller writes, “The continual planting of …
Continue reading "Reflections on the State of Church Planting in the US"
In this week’s episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, we’re talking for a 3rd installment with Brad Watson about what the church in Los Angeles looks like these days. How have they discipled and pursued the mission of God through the COVID era? How has evangelism pushed forward? What was the greatest wake-up call to Angelenos …
On this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew, Matt, and Michael look back to episode 69 and our discussion of what to expect in 2021. Will 2022 be different? Or should we expect more of the same? Don't miss this podcast as we give special attention to unity in diversity and the mission of the …
Peyton Jones joins us on this Ephesiology Podcast to talk about his latest book, Church Plantology: The Art and Science of Church Planting. We talk about church starting versus church planting as well as current trends focusing on marketing the church. No discussion about church planting is incomplete without a conversation about APEST. Peyton dives …
Continue reading "Ep 107: The Art and Science of Planting Churches"
We are joined on this Ephesiology Podcast by Kathy Richard Bhatia, co-editor of the Ephesiology book Social Injustice, Volume II: Evangelical Voices in Tumultuous Times. Having been born in Baghdad and raised in the Middle East, Kathy brings a unique background to talk about issues of justice. This present volume is a 10-year anniversary bringing …
Continue reading "Ep 106: Evangelical Voices in Tumultuous Times"
On this Ephesiology Podcast, we continue our conversation about the widely popular Rise and Fall of Mars Hill with some reflections on the Young, Restless, and Reformed (YRR). Join Andrew, Matt, and Michael as they react to the podcast and the impact of YRR on contemporary evangelicalism. Andrew and Matt share how they were personally …
Continue reading "Ep 105: The Young, Restless, and Reformed"
The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill has been one of this year's most popular podcast series. On this Ephesiology Podcast, we begin to unpack the issues in light of an Ephesiological framework for a New Testament movement. Andrew and Matt lead the discussion from places of personal experience with leaders who have abused their authority in ministry. Don't miss this longer than usual episode of the Ephesiology Podcast.
On this Ephesiology Podcast, we're talking about Christmas past, present, and future. What are the things we long for in our Christmas pasts? What do we look forward to this Christmas? And what is our hope for Christmas futures? Join our podcasters for our Christmas special as we reflect on the most miraculous of miracles …
On this Ephesiology Podcast, we are very grateful for how God has used Ephesiology as a resource for the global church. Our podcasters reflect on the growth of the podcast audience as well as that of Ephesiology Master Classes. We're so thankful for you and hopeful that Ephesiology is contributing in a small way to …
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.
This week on the Ephesiology Podcast Andrew, Matt, and Michael discuss the interesting topic of a biblical worldview. With more than 8,000 denominations and so many different expressions of Christianity, our podcasters rightly ask the question, "Who determines what a biblical worldview looks like?" To get there, they discuss a definition of worldview and consider …
This week on the Ephesiology Podcast we talk about what unites us. Andrew, Matt, and Michael are joined by Father Matt as they discuss the development of early church creeds, church history, and the remarkable unity of the church in her first three hundred years. Such unity strove to preserve the apostolic tradition that had …
On this Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael discuss the recent Barna study on the American Worldview. The shocking, but not altogether surprising, data revealed that only 6 percent of Americans hold an identifiable "biblical" worldview. Our podcasters talk about the survey as well as correlating factors that have impacted this phenomenon. In the end, to …
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 …
One only needs to consult an online job board to observe the vast number of staff openings in churches across the United States. As do others, I receive regular requests from headhunters for recommendations of people to fill this or that ministry position. However, a question has been raised, at least in my mind, regarding …
Continue reading "The Solution to Your Church Staffing Needs"
During my doctoral studies in the early 2000s, Paul Hiebert shared a story that I have never forgotten. Dr. Hiebert was a master at using illustrations and case studies to highlight essential missiological principles. His years of experience in India and as a world renowned missiological anthropologist made those attending his classes sit on the edge of …
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"
On January 6th while the 117th Congress gathered to certify the 2020 election, an individual who identifies himself as Crazy Cripple filmed a group marching on the street toward the US Capitol. At about the 2 minute mark in the video, the group stops to pray. Ahead of the prayer, someone announces, “If you’re on …
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"
The Christian movement in Asia Minor is a wonderful example of a group of churches and APEST leaders who took doctrine and morality seriously. Writing to a few of these churches in Ephesus less than four decades after Paul's initial engagement of people in the city began (Acts 19), Jesus applauded them for the good …
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