Podcasts about missional

Every human being has troubles. And sometimes our troubles overwhelm us. We live in a culture that encourages us to turn inward and endlessly process our troubles, yet this self-focused rumination often distorts our theology and leaves us doubting God's goodness. In this sermon, we look at how Psalm 77 calls God's people to shift their gaze from their own internal pain to God's steady faithfulness.

MinistryWatch has long been a proponent of what some call the “New Paradigm” of missions. This New Paradigm has several components, but at its core is the notion that well-trained indigenous missionaries are better positioned to evangelize their neighbors than American missionaries who come from thousands of miles away with little knowledge of the language or culture of the people they hope to evangelize. The Institute for Great Commission Research (IGCR) at California Baptist University recently released “Missional Imagination: How the Next Generation Understands Missions.” Among the “top line” findings of this landmark study is this: “Supporting local Christians in their context is seen as the most trusted model of missions.” The study continued, “This preference reflects a strong concern for cultural legitimacy, partnership, and long-term witness, and signals a shift away from models centered on external control, short-term intervention, or visibility.” The man who led that study is my guest today. Dr. Matthew Niermann serves as Professor of Architecture and Associate Dean of the College of Architecture, Visual Arts & Design at California Baptist University.  Niermann serves as a director of the Lausanne Movement and editor of the State of the Great Commission Report prepared for the 4th Global Congress in Seoul, Korea in 2024. Niermann holds a Ph.D. in Architectural Design from the University of Michigan, M.A. Apologetics from BIOLA, M.A. Theology and Th.M. of Missiology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. I'm your host Warren Smith. Until next time, may God bless you.  

In this interview, we hear from Erin Popova who is the Dean of Students of EnterMission. EnterMission is a guided gap year program that seeks to help students navigate life, faith, service, and their future. They partner with domestic and international partners to help their student discover how to live missionally wherever God takes them.

Who is Jesus, according to Jesus? We will answer that question by exploring seven scandalous claims he makes in the Gospel of John, known as the "I AM" statements.In John 15, Jesus declares, "I am the true vine." Often, we focus primarily on His command to "abide." We rightly understand that this passage holds a profound truth about our need to be rooted in Him as our ultimate source of rest and life. However, we sometimes overlook the fact that this text has just as much to say about what we produce. Because we are rooted in the vine, we inevitably "bear fruit" as we participate in the mission of God all around us.Ultimately, this is a message about rest and work—abiding and going. It challenges us to simultaneously dig deep into the source of life and reach out to offer that life to the world around us.

Sermon from New City Church.

Whether we admit it or not, every human being is prone to fear. We often let the fear of what others think or of what we might lose shape our decisions and responses. In this sermon, we explore Psalm 76 and how cultivating a right fear of God is the only way to stop fearing everything else.

Some parts of the mission just can't be sacrificed.

The mirror I look into shapes who I become.

This week, Alex and Scott tackle a difficult question from a missionary wife who, after experiencing significant trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, family challenges, and cultural stress during overseas service, no longer feels able to return to the mission field while her husband remains convinced they should continue. They explore the realities of missionary hardship, the emotional and spiritual toll of cross-cultural ministry, and the tension that can arise when spouses find themselves at odds over what they believe God is calling them to do. The conversation examines biblical concepts of calling, marriage, submission, family priorities, and the role of the local church in affirming missionary service. Alex and Scott encourage listeners to distinguish between personal desires, genuine calling, and God's providential limitations, while emphasizing that husbands and wives must seek unity, wise counsel, and pastoral guidance when navigating major ministry decisions. Key Topics Covered The emotional, relational, and spiritual impact of missionary trauma and culture shock. How to distinguish between personal desires, ministry ambitions, and biblical calling. The local church's role in affirming, evaluating, and guiding missionary service. Biblical perspectives on marital leadership, submission, and decision-making during disagreement. Balancing ministry commitments with responsibilities to spouse, children, and family health. Practical counsel for couples seeking unity when one spouse wants to continue missions and the other does not. Here's the conversation from Scott Dunford and his wife about missions. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com.

Whether it be graduation, tax day, or an important holiday, human beings intuitively understand what it means to live in light of a coming date on the calendar. In Psalm 75, God declares that he has appointed a day when he will judge with equity. In this sermon, we explore how living backward from the certainty of Judgment Day sets us free to walk in humility and hope.

I am empowered to stand fully equipped and ready as I hide God's Word in my heart.

Acts 2:1-13 - - Jun 26, 2016

Acts 1:6-11

Woman at the Well // 5-24-26John 4

I memorize Scripture to seek God's face and live as a fully alive disciple of Jesus.

Every human being wants a framework for a good life, often reducing faith to simply being a moral person, holding the right beliefs, or belonging to a community. But when our willpower fails or our doubts creep in, these superficial definitions leave us exhausted. The gospel subverts our striving by inviting us into a deeply personal union with Christ, where our old, corrupted self is crucified so that the living God can take up residence within us. In this sermon, we explore Galatians 2:20 and what it means for Christianity to be personal.

Launching our "Love Your Street 2026" mission month, this message unpacks Jesus' timeless call to live as both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Discover how pairing a faithful everyday presence with a bold voice for the Gospel can break through fear and bring Christ's transforming hope directly to our neighborhoods.

Living missionally as a family starts with recognizing where God has placed you and being intentional in those everyday spaces. Whether it is running errands, attending playdates, sitting at sports practices, or connecting with neighbors, each moment becomes an opportunity to reflect the love of Christ to others. What if we began each day asking God for divine appointments and open hearts to the people around us?How can we model integrating our values and faith by demonstrating practical ways to serve, give, and engage in the needs in our community? As we live this way, we're also modeling faith for our children. They're watching us learn what it truly means to follow Jesus—not just on Sundays, but in the everyday rhythms of life. Living missionally doesn't require grand gestures; it simply takes hearts that are willing to be intentional, obedient, and led by the Holy Spirit right where God has placed us.Resources Mentioned in Today's Podcast-The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson-The Hidding Place by Corrie Ten Boom-God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew-Gifted Hands by Ben Carson-George Meuller the Guardian of Bristol's Orphans

Familiarity with Jesus is not the same thing as following Jesus. Human beings love what is familiar. But familiarity can lead to complacency and apathy. The people of Jesus' hometown missed the miraculous power of God because they couldn't see past the ordinary carpenter they grew up with. In this sermon, we examine three ways to reject Jesus and what it means to actually receive his gracious authority.

Every human being is a disciple or a learner, constantly shaped and trained by the culture around us — from the algorithms on our phones to the expectations of our family of origin or careers. True discipleship, however, requires actively submitting ourselves to the training of Jesus, allowing him to shape our understanding so we can bring out the treasure of his truth to a hungry world. In this sermon, we explore what it means to be a disciple who understands, trains, and shares the ancient and new promises of the gospel.

Erik continues our sermon series on 1 Peter, "Stand Firm In True Grace", with a sermon on 1 Peter 2:11-17. (May 10, 2026)

In this episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine sits down with Heart for Lebanon's newest team member, John Frick, Senior Director of Development, for a thoughtful conversation on stewardship through the lens of Scripture and mission.What begins as a discussion about giving quickly expands into a deeper exploration of what it truly means to live as stewards of everything God has entrusted to us—time, resources, influence, and life itself. Drawing from Jesus' teaching on loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength, John unpacks how stewardship is not limited to finances, but is instead a full-life posture of surrender and obedience.He reflects on the biblical foundation of stewardship beginning in creation, where humanity was entrusted with the care of God's world, and how that calling continues today. From there, the conversation turns to how Western Christianity often narrows stewardship into a financial concept, while Scripture presents something far more holistic and transformative.John also shares his perspective on Heart for Lebanon, highlighting how the ministry uniquely integrates both Gospel proclamation and practical care—feeding the hungry while also making disciples, in the spirit of both Matthew 25 and Matthew 28. He describes this as a “holistic Kingdom approach,” one that reflects the way Jesus Himself ministered.Having known Heart for Lebanon's founder Camille Melki for over a decade, John speaks to the ministry's impact in Lebanon and why he felt called to join the team. He emphasizes that what is happening through Heart for Lebanon is far beyond human explanation—evidence of God's hand at work as grassroots leaders are equipped, disciples are made, and communities are transformed.The episode closes with a challenge to listeners: to step into where God is already at work. As John echoes Henry Blackaby's well-known principle, stewardship ultimately becomes about joining God in His mission and faithfully offering Him all that we have.Show NotesWhat is Biblical Stewardship?Stewardship includes far more than moneyRooted in Jesus' command to love God fully (heart, soul, strength)Everything we have belongs to GodDiscipleship is lived through obedience, not partial surrenderA Whole-Life Understanding of StewardshipTime, talent, influence, and resources all belong to GodTithing is not the limit of obedience—it is the beginning of surrenderTrue stewardship flows from recognizing God as the owner of all thingsBiblical FoundationsCreation mandate: humanity called to steward God's worldGenesis shows stewardship continues even after the FallJesus' teaching: “Why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and not do what I say?”Heart for Lebanon's Model of MinistryIntegrates physical care and Gospel proclamationReflects both Matthew 25 (compassion) and Matthew 28 (disciple-making)Built on a holistic Kingdom vision, not separated ministriesKingdom Impact in LebanonGod is raising up grassroots leadersDiscipleship happens in homes and communitiesGrowth is described as beyond human explanation—“punching above its weight”A Call to ParticipationFind where God is already at workJoin Him rather than trying to lead independentlyStewardship is ultimately about obedience and participation in God's missionKey TakeawayStewardship is not about managing a portion of what we own—it is about surrendering all of who we are and joining God in what He is already doing.Connect & Pray With Us

Most church leaders are leading inside a model they never chose and rarely understand. In this episode, Todd Wilson, founder of Exponential, walks through the true history of the modern church: Church Growth, Seeker Sensitive, Attractional, Missional—and what's coming next.  This is the seminary class no one got, but every church leader needs.

What happens when you visit 33 different churches in a year? Richard Riccardi, author of The Wandering Worshipper, shares his journey of exploring worship spaces, the surprising power of radical hospitality, and how authentic community can transform even the most unexpected visitor.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Richard Riccardi describes walking into 33 places of worship and discovering that churches are gardeners of fruitful communities.Churches serve as places where everyone can belong, and everyone needs a place to belong.Richard Riccardi intentionally attended a wide variety of worship services, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Baha'i gatherings.A welcoming environment across different places of worship made a strong positive impression, regardless of faith tradition.Richard Riccardi recounts a rare instance where a welcome felt too aggressive, serving as a caution about coming on too strong with visitors.Church members often believe their enthusiastic friendliness is always positive, but it can sometimes overwhelm newcomers.Experiences of deep hospitality and acceptance can transcend racial, cultural, and religious boundaries.Richard Riccardi explains that styles of worship that encourage relationship and participation engaged him more than rigid, predictable rituals.A diversity of approaches is needed in church messaging and environment to reach both newcomers and longtime members.Markus Watson and Richard Riccardi discuss the importance of “sacred listening” and tailoring responses to visitors' backgrounds and spiritual needs.Being sensitive about criticizing other faiths or denominations can foster genuine community and dialogue.Authentic community in churches is demonstrated when people support each other in times of need, as seen in the care Richard Riccardi's mother received near the end of her life.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINK:Richard RiccardiWebsite - https://thewanderingworshiper.com/Books mentioned:The Wandering Worshipper, by Richard RiccardiBeyond Thingification, by Markus WatsonRelated episodes:167. Called to Each Other218. Trust, Teams, and Transformational Leadership222. Building a Multi-Inclusive ChurchSend me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Who is Jesus, according to Jesus? We will answer that question by exploring seven scandalous claims he makes in the Gospel of John, known as the "I AM" statements.In John 8, Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world." Interestingly, this is the only "I AM" statement he also attributes to his followers (Matt. 5:14). We are called to be the light of the world as we walk alongside the ultimate Light.The interactions surrounding this claim demonstrate that light reveals what is hidden—not to destroy, but to restore; not to shame, but to heal. We can only effectively fulfill our calling to be "light" if we first step into that light ourselves, experiencing the full weight of Jesus' love and grace.

Being in the church is not the same thing as being in God's kingdom. Everyone sorts. Whether it's laundry, your recycling, or the people you spend time with, most of us have a deep-rooted instinct to sort the things in our lives. Through the parable of the net, Jesus warns that this period of grace will eventually give way to a final sorting. In this sermon, we explore the importance of responding to Jesus' kingdom invitation while there is still time.

In this episode, we break down a practical framework for moving from church activity to real mission through a balanced missional ecosystem. Instead of viewing church as a collection of programs, we explore four connected spaces that help people be encountered, discipled, and ultimately multiplied.We talk through how mission happens in everyday life, how relational environments help people explore faith, and how intentional discipling spaces lead to real transformation. We also highlight the role of gathered worship as a place of encounter and alignment.If you're looking to move beyond busyness and lead people into deeper discipleship and multiplication, this episode offers both clarity and practical direction.

The kingdom of heaven is irresistible to those who find it. We all seek something — a career, a relationship, or status — that makes life's sacrifices feel worthwhile and brings us joy. But when we glimpse the incomparable value of Jesus, "selling everything" no longer feels like a sacrifice; it becomes irresistible. In this sermon, we examine the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price, and the irresistible joy found in Christ and his kingdom.

A message from our Associate Pastor Ben Moir. For more information, visit hills.elevationchurch.com.au/ ​​--- Follow Elevation Church Hills: Instagram: @elevationchurchhills Facebook: /ElevationChurchHills http://hills.elevationchurch.com.au/

Jesus invites us into a life of hopeful realism. To be human is to wrestle with the presence of evil in a world we wish were different. We often feel an urgent pressure to "fix" the world by taking matters into our own hands. Yet Jesus, through the parable of the wheat and weeds, offers a path of hopeful realism. In this sermon, we explore the nature of hopeful realism as the kingdom develops from small beginnings into a global harvest.

Join lead pastor, Terry Ishee for our 2026 Missional Greenhouse Sunday.

We can be faithful because we've been forgiven, we can be teachable because we're secure in Jesus, and we can be filled because his Spirit now lives in us. Pastor Alex Hitchens continues our series through Acts—and delivers his first Reality LA sermon!—with a teaching from Acts 18:18 - 19:10.

3 missional markers of the Book of Proverbs

A fruitful life comes from standing under the word of God.Every human is listening to someone or something. And how we listen to the word of God makes all the difference. In this sermon, we explore Jesus' famous Parable of the Sower, which shows what happens when the seed of the gospel lands on the soil of our hearts. In this parable, Jesus teaches that a fruitful life comes from standing under the word of God. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

Pastoral ministry is both a sacred joy and a heavy burden. Kurt Fredrickson, Associate Dean for Professional Doctoral Programs at Fuller Seminary, discusses the struggles pastors face, how church leadership is shifting in a changing culture, and why creating life-giving congregational environments matters more than ever.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Markus Watson introduces the episode by referencing the book That Their Work Will Be a Joy and asks why it needed to exist.Kurt Fredrickson describes how the book originated from pastors resonating deeply with the challenges and joys of ministry in a seminary lunch discussion.Ministry is tough and filled with conflicts on the outside and fears within, as reflected in Paul's writings.Despite challenges, pastors find joy in being gripped by God and walking with people through both the best and hardest moments of life.Markus Watson shares his personal experience of moving through seasons of fear and joy in ministry, appreciating moments of goodness and kindness in congregational life.Ministry leaders enter sacred spaces in people's lives, highlighting the privilege of bringing gospel and good news during life's milestones and struggles.The Doctor of Ministry program provides “fire for ministry” and “oxygen for your soul,” supporting pastors with new skills and spiritual renewal.The Doctor of Global Leadership degree equips marketplace leaders and executives to integrate faith with work by tackling practical ministry challenges in their workplace.Pastors face unique challenges, including constant 24/7 expectations from both themselves and their congregations, often making it difficult to “take off the uniform.”Kurt Fredrickson shares an honest story of vulnerability with another pastor, revealing the value of mutual support and truthful conversations.Cohort-based models in Doctor of Ministry programs foster deep relationships and provide safe spaces for pastors to remove their masks and find encouragement.Ministry flows from the inside out, and leaders must be in a healthy place themselves to minister well and avoid causing harm within congregational cultures.Every congregation possesses its own culture, shaped by leaders, and has the potential to be either kind and life-giving or toxic and harmful.Being vulnerable as a pastoral leader is necessary, but requires discernment, as oversharing can sometimes lead to painful repercussions.Kurt Fredrickson emphasizes that pastors ultimately seek internal growth and love within their congregations, and asks congregants to be kind as pastors strive to embody what they teach.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Kurt Fredrickson – kurtf@fuller.eduFuller Doctor of Ministry ProgramFuller Doctor of Global Leadership ProgramBooks mentioned:That Their Work Will Be a Joy, by Kurt Fredrickson and Cameron LeeRelated episodes:103. Willingness to Adapt: The Church After Covid, with Kurt Fredrickson and Cameron Lee109. Leadership as Learning, Part 2: Coaches and Cohorts, with Tod Bolsinger113. Flourishing Leadership, wSend me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

On this Easter Sunday, we looked at the resurrection through the lens of John 11, Jesus' power over death. 

For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. Every weekday at 3:30 am and 7:30 am you can listen to The Gospel for Life on KSPD 94.5 FM and 790 AM Boise's Solid Talk in the Treasure Valley,  Idaho, USA.If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them.  Phone: (208) 991-3526E-mail: thegospelforlifeidaho@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://www.790kspd.com/gospel-for-life/to donate on line https://www.reformationboise.com/donate

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the ground of all Christian hope. Because Jesus conquered death, we will too — that's the conviction that has unified and strengthened Christians around the world and across the ages. In this Easter 2026 sermon, we examine what 1 Corinthians 15 reveals about the implications of Jesus' resurrection.

In John 17, Jesus prays a prayer of intercession for His Apostles and for all who will believe in Him throughout the ages. As we spend some time dwelling in Jesus' prayer, the twofold goal is to help us get unstuck if our prayer life is on autopilot, and also to think about who we need to be intentionally praying for. 

How should we relate to Jesus? Not by holding out or cleaning up, but by drawing near.Not everyone who knows ABOUT Jesus knows Jesus. It's possible to be religious, to know the Bible, to participate in church activities — and still remain outside God's family. In Matthew 12, religious leaders demand signs from Jesus, yet they miss what's right in front of them. In this sermon, we explore three different ways of relating to Jesus: holding out, cleaning up, or drawing near.

In 2026, the GC Podcast is shifting to a new format with two miniseries released throughout the year rather than monthly episodes. This change is going to allow us to go deeper into meaningful conversations that support our shared journey of Kingdom Living. In the first half of the year, we’re excited to launch the […] The post Kingdom Living (Part 3): Missional w/ Walter Kim first appeared on Grace Communion International Resources....

Neutrality is not an option.Neutrality about Jesus is impossible. Every human being wants to keep their options open, to stay uncommitted, to avoid making ultimate decisions. But in Matthew 12, Jesus heals a demon-possessed man and declares that whoever is not with him is against him. In this sermon, we explore the inescapable reality that because Jesus is King, neutrality is not an option — we must choose to follow him or reject him.

Episode Summary Brian Miller sits down with Dr. Angie Ward (Denver Seminary) for an honest, wide-angle conversation about what's happening to the Western church—and what might come next. Angie argues that "Christendom" (church as cultural establishment) is collapsing, and that COVID accelerated trends already underway: declining trust in institutions, shrinking attendance, and rising skepticism toward clergy and systems. But Angie doesn't treat this as only a crisis. She frames it as opportunity: the pressure is forcing the church to rediscover its identity and mission. Drawing on her book Beyond Church and Parachurch, Angie offers a framework shift—from institutions competing for dwindling resources to a kingdom "network" of missional extensions. Brian presses into the authority question (denominations vs. non-denominational independence), and Angie names the tension: agility is needed, but accountability can't be optional. Big Ideas & Takeaways 1) "Christendom" is fading—especially in the West Angie's claim: Christianity no longer holds the same cultural authority it once did. The church is not "the establishment" in the West, and that shift is showing up everywhere—from politics and cultural influence to local congregational life. Key implication: the old "we'll just keep doing Sunday better" strategy isn't a strategy. 2) COVID didn't start the change—it hit fast-forward They describe the pandemic as an accelerator, not the origin. Trends were already moving "down and to the left," and COVID made the decline visible and unavoidable. 3) Church planting "by that playbook" is dead Brian names the early-2000s church-planting surge and says bluntly: that model is dying. Angie agrees and reframes: when you focus on discipleship, church tends to emerge; when you focus on building the organization first, it often doesn't. 4) "Missional extensions" beats "parachurch" Angie pushes back on the old church/parachurch competition frame. Her alternative is a kingdom-network picture: Not siloed "cylinders" hoarding resources More like nodes on a web (or "lily pads") enabling the flow of mission Churches are best at "near-neighbor missionality" Nonprofits often move faster, focus tighter, and cross denominational lines more easily CAM gets a cameo here as an example of a nonprofit "missional extension." 5) The root problem: we don't know what the church is Angie points to a blurry (or missing) ecclesiology—basic understanding of what the church is supposed to be. Brian resonates hard: many churches functionally define "church" as songs + sermon + offering + programs—then wonder why it feels thin. 6) "Habitat is my church" …isn't church Brian tests a common modern claim. Angie's response: eyebrow-raising, but thoughtful. Her point: gathering with Christians for a good purpose is great—but it doesn't automatically equal ecclesia (church, as the New Testament writers meant it). Angie's Definition of the Church (Ecclesia) Angie reads her definition from her book: The church (biblical ecclesia) is a divinely established, called out and sent collection of all the people of God around the world—animated and united by the work of Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit—who gather regularly in locally embodied community to recenter their lives around God, and who seek to live out kingdom values in their relationships with one another and with the world. (That's the "PhD piled high" version… and it's solid.) The Authority Tension: Agility vs. Accountability Brian names what many leaders feel: "everyone's non-denominational" can sound less like freedom and more like rebellion—or at least an authority allergy. Angie agrees there's danger in independent startups with no communal discernment or accountability. She appreciates denominational structures that recognize, affirm, and send leaders (even while acknowledging some structures can become too heavy). A line that lands: "The only thing worse than being part of a denomination is not being part of a denomination." The Balance: Mission and Formation Near the end, Angie adds an important correction: if you focus only on mission you can drift into "scale for impact" without deep formation; if you focus only on formation you can become insular and forget mission. A faithful future church holds both: Missio Dei (God's mission) Discipleship and formation (becoming followers of Jesus) Community (not isolated spirituality) Timestamped Highlights (based on your transcript) 0:00–1:30 Intro + "What's the deal with the church?" 2:37–4:55 Christendom is fading; COVID accelerated decline 5:31–6:08 Church planting model "dead"; discipleship-first alternative 6:59–11:22 Beyond Church/Parachurch → "missional extensions" network model 12:02–13:15 Why nonprofits proliferate (speed, focus, cross-pollination) 15:17–16:51 "Habitat is my church?" → Nope, and why 16:07–16:51 Angie reads ecclesia definition 18:05–23:12 Authority/accountability: denominations, networks, plural leadership 24:18–26:13 Start with God's mission—but don't lose formation 26:26–28:10 Wrap + how to find Angie   Links Mentioned Angie's site: angiewardphd.com CAM: coachapproachministries.org  

What if the greatest barrier to kingdom collaboration isn't theology—but ego? In this episode, we sit down with leaders from GACX (Global Alliance for Church Multiplication) to explore a radically different vision of partnership—one that doesn't begin with “what do I gain?” but with “what can I give?” From global church planting networks to theological education, we wrestle with a provocative idea: real collaboration may require us not just to win—but to lose. And in that loss, discover how the kingdom actually advances. Keywords: Church multiplication, GACX, Global mission networks, Missiology, Kingdom collaboration, Partnership theology, Church planting movements, Theological education, Missional leadership, Younger leaders in mission, Organizational discipleship, Collaboration vs competition, Unreached people groups, Microchurch / movement ecclesiology, Competency-based theological education. Sound Bites “Partnership is not pragmatic—it's theological.” “If I come to the table to lose… and you come to lose… then the kingdom wins.” “The first question is not how you benefit—but how others benefit from you.” “Collaboration is part of the DNA of the kingdom—the struggle is the ‘how.'” “What would it look like for an organization to have a cruciform strategy?” “We're not about our thing—we're about His thing.” “We don't just want multiplying churches—we want sustainable ones.” “Maybe the future isn't choosing between models—but building bridges between them.” Key Takeaways Partnership must be re-theologized The “lose-win” paradigm Collaboration requires structure, not just desire The power of collective action Organizational discipleship The emerging gap: movements vs. theological education The future is both/and Younger leaders need access Chapters (Based on transcript timing) 00:00 – Opening + PrayerSetting the tone: mission, Jesus, and kingdom focus 01:40 – Episode Intro + GuestsJoey Shaw & Valerie Hamilton (GACX) 04:00 – Humanizing the GuestsPoetry, basketball, third-culture identity 11:00 – What is GACX?Vision: a church for every 1,000 peopleCollaboration over duplication 13:00 – The Challenge of PartnershipWhy collaboration is hard in practice 15:00 – Rethinking PartnershipFrom “win-win” → “lose-win” 20:00 – A Case Study in Kingdom CollaborationReal-time resource sharing across organizations 24:00 – Personal Reflection on Ego & LeadershipThe hidden struggle behind collaboration 25:00 – Future Vision of GACXInitiative groups, global forums, younger leaders 29:00 – Organizational DiscipleshipCan institutions live cruciform lives? 32:00 – Biblical Framework (Deuteronomy)Giving without recognition 34:00 – Theological Education & MovementsBridging formal and informal systems 38:00 – The Future of SeminariesDecline, innovation, and new models 41:00 – Two-Loop Theory of ChangeBridging old and emerging systems 43:00 – Final Reflections + Call to Action Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free. However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

Why do some believers naturally live on mission while others struggle to move beyond occasional moments of outreach? In this episode, we explore one of the most important questions for the church today: what actually motivates people for mission? Drawing from biblical insight, church history, and present-day ministry experience, we discuss the different forces that move people toward Kingdom work—from external influences and personal passion to the deeper identity of being a people sent by God. Along the way, we reflect on how the early church lived with a natural missional impulse and consider what it might look like for believers today to recover that same everyday, Spirit-led lifestyle of witness. This conversation invites us to think beyond programs and events and rediscover the deeper motivations that sustain a life devoted to advancing the Kingdom of God.

Coming to Jesus means repenting and resting.Freedom and authority seem like opposites, but they're not. We assume that submitting to a master means losing our freedom, yet the opposite is true. In this sermon, we explore how, because Jesus is Lord, we can live in freedom — not freedom to do whatever we want, but freedom from rules that crush and harshness that destroys.