Kitchen Table Theology
Where Coffee, Conversation, and Theology Meet. During my 40 years in ministry, I’ve developed an increasing burden for what I sense to be an increase in biblical illiteracy, not only among those in our churches, but also in the young men and women entering the ministry. Conversely, I am hopeful, because I also sense a hunger from people to learn and know biblical truth and the things of God has revealed to us in Scripture. Our Kitchen Table Theology team has developed a list of over 150 doctrinal topics which I, along with one of my cohosts, Jen Denton or Tiffany Coker, examine weekly. Our goal is to educate and share biblical truth on the same level as if we were sitting at your kitchen table with a Bible and a pot of southern pecan coffee in front of us. Welcome to the table!
Kitchen Table Theology
245 The Christian & Missionary Alliance (CMA) It's History, The Fourfold Gospel, and Global Mission
Pastor Jeff Cranston is back! And sitting down with Pastor Jason Esposito of Crossway Church (a CMA congregation in Wisconsin) to discuss he heart behind the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination. Founded by A.B. Simpson in the late 19th century, the CMA began not as a denomination but as a missions movement focused on bringing the gospel to the world. Pastor Jason unpacks the Fourfold Gospel (Jesus as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King) as well as the CMA’s global reach, spiritual emphasis, and governance model.
🎉 P.S. This episode is part of our ongoing series exploring the major Protestant denominations. Be sure to check out previous episodes to learn more about traditions like Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, and more!
Here’s What We Discussed:
01:18 – Pastor Jason’s background and journey
Jason shares how he came to faith, studied theology, and eventually joined the CMA after exploring multiple Christian traditions.
06:19 – Founding of the CMA by A.B. Simpson
A.B. Simpson left his Presbyterian church to reach unreached people in New York. His focus on marginalized groups and world missions led to the birth of the Alliance.
09:00 – Missions as local and global
The CMA does not separate local evangelism and global missions. Churches are called to be active in both.
11:00 – Early missionary commitment
Simpson’s vision included global outreach through sacrificial commitment. Missionaries served in difficult conditions with limited support.
12:33 – The Fourfold Gospel
CMA theology centers on Jesus as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King. This framework defines its approach to discipleship, worship, and mission.
15:00 – Global reach of the CMA
While there are around 2,000 churches in the U.S., international churches in Africa, South America, and Asia now far outnumber them and operate autonomously.
16:05 – Healing and anointing in CMA practice
The CMA teaches prayer for healing in accordance with James 5. Anointing with oil is practiced with faith and trust in God’s will.
18:06 – Evangelism and Christ’s return
The CMA emphasizes urgency in global evangelism with the belief that widespread gospel proclamation prepares the way for Christ’s return.
Key Quote:
“We want to be a people empowered by the Spirit, grounded in the Word, and driven by the mission of Jesus.” – Pastor Jason Esposito
Visit https://www.crosswayc.org to know more about our guest!
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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!