{"title":"Michael T. Cooper","description":"\u003cp\u003eMichael T. Cooper currently serves as an executive for a missions agency, training national leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, and church planting. He is the former president and CEO of an international NGO. In 2010, he founded a Business as Mission initiative that focused on helping alleviate spiritual and economic poverty in the developing world. For a decade he equipped undergraduate and graduate students at Trinity International University with skills to engage culture. He has thirty years of ministry and missions experience, ten years as a pioneer church planter in Romania after the fall of communism.  He holds a MA in Missions from Columbia International University and a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Throughout his career, Michael has focused on creative ways to engage difficult-to-reach people with the gospel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrowse books by \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eMichael T. Cooper:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"contextualization-and-syncretism-ems-13","title":"Contextualization and Syncretism (EMS 13)","description":"\u003cp\u003e[DESCRIPTION]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpreading the Gospel to All in All Places\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGod calls his people to communicate the gospel for all nations. And so, the matter of contextualization is always relevant for every generation and culture. Many people know the difficulty of contextualizing the Christian message in ways that are faithful to Scripture and meaningful to the local context. Discerning culture’s influence on Christianity is easier done in retrospect than in prospect.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e When navigating cultural currents, we must consider the question, “What distinguishes contextualization from syncretism?” Culture inevitably shapes our theology. But how do we avoid accommodating the biblical message such that it loses its divine essence? \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e The contributors in this volume wrestle with these and other critical concerns. The essays address diverse historical and cultural settings. Readers will find themselves both challenged, stimulated, and encouraged as they reflect on the ideas presented in this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e [\/DESCRIPTION] [CREDIT] by: Gailyn Van Rheenen (Editor) [\/CREDIT] [PAGES] 354 [\/PAGES] [BINDING] Paperback [\/BINDING] [PUBLISHER] William Carey Library [\/PUBLISHER] [PUBLISHYEAR] 2005 [\/PUBLISHYEAR] [TOC]\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForeword by Gailyn Van Rheenen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthor profiles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDEFINING THE ISSUES\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1. Syncretism and Contextualization: the Church on a Journey Defining Itself by Gailyn Van Rheenen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2. Syncretism and Social Paradigms by Paul H. Hiebert\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3. Contextualization, Syncretism, and Spiritual Warfare: Identifying The Issues by Scott Moreau\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4. Syncretism: Mission And Missionary Induced? By David J. Hesselgrave\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS ON SYNCRETISM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5. The Role Of Context In Shaping Theology by Steve Strauss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6. The Lamb And The Emperor: Theologies Of Revelation Countering Syncretism by Ron Stansell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e CASE STUDIES: CONTEXTUALIZATION AND SYNCRETISM IN LIVING CONTEXTS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7. To the Muslim I Became a Muslim? by Dudley Woodberry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8. Suburban Evangelical Individualism: Syncretism or Contextualization? by J. Nelson Jennings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9. Post-constantinian Missions: Lessons from the Resurgence of Paganism by Michael T. Cooper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10. Dwarves, Elves, and Vampires: An Exploration on Syncretism in Metro Manila by Cynthia A. Strong and David K. Strong\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11. Revelation in the Chinese Characters: Divine or Divined? by How Chuang Chua\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12. “You Must Not Worship in Their Way…”: When Contextualization Becomes Syncretism (Syncretism Among Messianic Jews) by Larry Poston\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e13. Legalism-Syncretism from within a Challenge in the Romanian Church by Cristian Barbosu\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e14. Syncretism and Identity Among the Byano Kuna by Eric J. Moeller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e15. Building Bridges to Muslims: A Test Case by Gareth Lee Cockerill\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n[\/TOC]","brand":"William Carey Library","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":43978817437955,"sku":"9781645085263","price":26.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"eBook (Lumina Reader app)","offer_id":19692458246262,"sku":"9781645080138","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0052\/5615\/1158\/files\/william-carey-library-book-epub-ebook-contextualization-and-syncretism-ems-13-41967999811843.jpg?v=1707925529"},{"product_id":"ephesiology","title":"Ephesiology","description":"\u003cp\u003e[DESCRIPTION]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiscovering God’s Passion for Movements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe city of Ephesus was the site of the most significant church-planting movement in the early church, with 40 percent of the New Testament texts relating to it. What made that city the epicenter of the movement? And how can we replicate sustained movements in a world that feels so different?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not another methodology or attempt to re-contextualize evangelicalism. Rather, it is a journey from the launch of the church in Ephesus as it became a movement grounded in God’s mission and led by those who multiplied generations of disciples. Michael T. Cooper focuses on Paul and John as missiological theologians who successfully connected Jesus’s teaching with the cultural context and narrative of the people in Ephesus. Their ability to relate the God of all creation to a people who sought him in vain resulted in “the Way” transforming the religious, intellectual, economic, and social fabrics of the Ephesian society.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEphesiology\u003c\/em\u003e offers a comprehensive view of the redemptive movement of the Holy Spirit in this city and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? Through this study of a movement, discover how the Holy-Spirit still changes lives, cities, and the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpanish version is available \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/andamioeditorial.com\/producto\/efesiologia\/\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e [\/DESCRIPTION] [SUBTITLE]A Study of the Ephesian Movement[\/SUBTITLE][CREDIT] Michael T. Cooper [\/CREDIT] [PAGES] 242 [\/PAGES] [BINDING] Paperback [\/BINDING] [PUBLISHER] William Carey Publishing [\/PUBLISHER] [PUBLISHYEAR] 2020 [\/PUBLISHYEAR] [ENDORSEMENT2]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eI am happy to endorse \u003cem\u003eEphesiology: The Study of a Mo\u003c\/em\u003evement, by Dr. Michael Cooper. Church-planting movements continue to grow and thrive around the world. As these movements grow, Cooper’s work will provide a necessary theological and missiological foundation to ensure that these dynamic movements remain healthy into the future.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ccite\u003eDr. Dudley Brown\u003c\/cite\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInternational Training Institute, Christ Community Church, Greeley, Colorado\u003c\/span\u003e [\/ENDORSEMENT2] [ENDORSEMENT3]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eHaving worked as a missionary, an outreach pastor in the United States, and now heading an initiative for the Evangelical Free Church of America for the Unreached People Groups, I feel that the topic of this book is very timely. I am presently working alongside several CP movements in Africa and the leaders of these movements are beginning to struggle with the tension between movement and institution. The American church watches and marvels at these movements but remains asleep as to their own condition. This book has the potential to challenge and clarify the changes needed in America and offer warning and help to the global movements!\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ccite\u003eRev. Rick Burke\u003c\/cite\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAssociate director of Global Equipping, Unreached People Initiative, Reach Global, EFCA\u003c\/span\u003e [\/ENDORSEMENT3] [ENDORSEMENT4]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eWho better to dig into the model of Ephesus than a missionary church-planter, turned missiologist, turned mission leader? Michael Cooper brings helpful breadth and depth to this work. His extensive experience and ongoing exposure to the church and the need around the world give him a unique platform. After decades of pragmatic, programmatic models, the church needs an exegetically-driven path forward.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ccite\u003eRev. Kerry Doyal\u003c\/cite\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDistrict Superintendent, Evangelical Free Church of America\u003c\/span\u003e [\/ENDORSEMENT4] [ENDORSEMENT5]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eEphesiology\u003c\/em\u003e is a uniquely grounded and helpful framework that will bless any person needing direction for church planting “the New Testament way.” Drawing from biblical, theological, missiological, and practical experience and disciplines, Dr. Michael Cooper has created a tone that faithfully exposits the scriptural principles that guided one of the greatest churches of the New Testament era. As a seasoned church planter himself, complemented by solid academic grounding, Cooper’s book is a must read for anyone who takes seriously and prayerfully the concept of church planting movements.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ccite\u003eDr. Gary Fujino\u003c\/cite\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProfessor of Diaspora Studies, Missional University, Global Diaspora Network\u003c\/span\u003e [\/ENDORSEMENT5] [ENDORSEMENT6]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eI have personally been enlightened by Michael’s insights in regards to what it takes to start a movement like the early church that spanned much of the known world with the Gospel. Though I have earned multiple theological degrees, this is the first time I have heard the insights Michael has given in this book. It has motivated me to the point that I am having him train my staff and board of elders and deacons—hoping to light the fire for evangelism in their hearts as well.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ccite\u003eRev. Steve Gibson\u003c\/cite\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLead Pastor, Wellspring Church, Hudsonville, Michigan\u003c\/span\u003e [\/ENDORSEMENT6] [ENDORSEMENT7]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eDespite the fact that the modern missiological use of the phrase “church planting movements” is quite recent (in terms of over 2,000 years of church history), the phenomenon of the rapid multiplication of house churches was clearly birthed and evolved almost two millennia ago in Ephesus and other early Apostolic church plants. I love the concept of a book that examines the multiplication and growth of the early church in Ephesus while also integrating that study with an examination of relevant passages in the Epistles, Acts, and Revelation. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eMichael intertwines illustrations of contemporary church-planting movements with the study of the biblical theology of the church and early church multiplication movements. The Book of Ephesians’ clear focus on the believer’s intimacy with God, the centrality of the gospel of grace, the Holy Spirit empowerment for service and requisite holistic integrity of the life and family of a follower of Jesus make it the perfect New Testament book—and early church movement—to study in order to understand the explosion of the gospel that began in Ephesus almost 2,000 years ago! I recommend this strategic book to others in order to motivate the global church to sprint towards the finish line of the Great Commission!\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ccite\u003eDr. Kurt Nelson\u003c\/cite\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePresident and CEO, East West Ministries International, Author of Finishing Well: Encouraging Pastors to Persevere under Persecution\u003c\/span\u003e [\/ENDORSEMENT7] [ENDORSEMENT8]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eDr. Cooper’s proposal is creative, and the book will make a good contribution to existing literature on the theology of church-planting movements. Among its merits is the fact that the book combines research in New Testament with current issues and realities in church planting movements worldwide, drawing upon Dr. Cooper’s extensive experience in this area. I think the book will be welcomed by missiologists and church planters and it should find its place as a text in Bible colleges and seminaries.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ccite\u003eDr. Harold A. Netland\u003c\/cite\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProfessor of Philosophy of Religion and Intercultural Studies, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Author of Christianity and Religious Diversity\u003c\/span\u003e [\/ENDORSEMENT8] [ENDORSEMENT9]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eMasterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael T. 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 ongoing multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ccite\u003eMarvin J. Newell\u003c\/cite\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStaff missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of \u003cem\u003eA Third Of Us\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e [\/ENDORSEMENT9] [TOC]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForeword \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreface \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 1: Introducing Ephesiology \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEphesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Life Cycle of a Movement\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Challenge in the United States\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Challenge for the Global Church\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow to Read This Book\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTimeline for the Movement in Ephesus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 2: Church Planting Movements in the Book of Act\u003c\/strong\u003es \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasuring the Growth of Christianity between AD 33 and 67\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gathering Place of the Early Church\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristian Impact on the Roman Empire\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 3: Launching a Movement I: Missiological Exegesis \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gospel of a Movement\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMissiological Exegesis\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 4: Launching a Movement II: Missiological Reflection \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMissiological Theologians\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Framework for Missiological Reflection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 5: Launching a Movement III: Missiological Theology \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Doctrine of God: Formulating a Missiological Theism\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormulating a Missiological Theology\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteps to Launching a Movement\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 6: Grounding a Movement: Missiological Theology II \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Foundation of a Movement\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Battle for a Movement\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe People of a Movement\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 7: Leading a Movement \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMovement Leaders\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul and His Band of Movement Leaders\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMovement Leadership versus Charismatic Leadership\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMovement Structures\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Movement Leaders of Ephesus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 8: Multiplying a Movement \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpiritual Multiplication\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Nascent Movement in Asia Minor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMultiplying the Movement in Ephesus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTimothy’s Multiplication of Disciples\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 9: Sustaining a Movement \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Missiology of Revelation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus’ Letter to the Ephesians\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Good Ministry in Ephesus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustaining Our First Love\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 10: The Anatomy of a Movement \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCharactistics of the Disciples in the Ephesian Movement\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFramework of the Ephesian Movement\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeatures of an Indigenous Movement\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfterword \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAppendix A: Movement Action Plan \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeneral Information\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVision\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAction Steps\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccountability Plan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAppendix B: Movement Maturity Matrix \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReferences\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAncient Sources\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScripture Index\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTopical Index\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TOC]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"William Carey Publishing","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":44124639363331,"sku":"9781645082767","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"eBook (Lumina Reader app)","offer_id":44124639330563,"sku":"9781645082798","price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0052\/5615\/1158\/files\/william-carey-publishing-book-epub-ebook-ephesiology-41968016064771.jpg?v=1707927537"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0052\/5615\/1158\/collections\/Authors_Collection4_61a4a2c2-1734-4854-89f8-e57ea2556cfe.jpg?v=1716907835","url":"https:\/\/missionbooks.org\/collections\/michael-t-cooper.oembed","provider":"MissionBooks.org","version":"1.0","type":"link"}