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:
01:11 – A.B. Simpson and the Origins of the CMA
A.B. Simpson left his Presbyterian pulpit in New York to focus on reaching marginalized and immigrant communities. His passion for global missions would ultimately spark the birth of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
03:20 – Not a Denomination (At First)
The CMA began as a missionary movement, not a church denomination. Its purpose was to equip and send ordinary people into cross-cultural ministry, not to build a brand or institution.
05:10 – The Fourfold Gospel
The CMA’s theology centers on four aspects of who Jesus is: salvation through grace, progressive sanctification, divine healing, and Christ’s return. Pastor Jason explains how this shapes the church’s preaching and mission.
09:18 – Healing in the CMA
The Alliance believes in the present-day power of healing but does not demand it from God. Healing is prayed for with faith and submitted to God’s sovereign will.
11:42 – Missions Are Not Optional
From its beginning, the CMA emphasized international missions. Pastor Jason shares how this missional DNA continues to drive church planting and gospel work worldwide.
14:10 – Church Governance and Structure
The CMA operates under a connectional polity with local church leadership and district-level accountability, including a president and national board.
16:27 – The Role of the Holy Spirit
The CMA values the work of the Holy Spirit but is cautious about making spiritual experiences the center of church life. Gifts of the Spirit are embraced but grounded in scriptural authority.
18:45 – What a CMA Church Service Looks Like
A typical Sunday service includes expositional preaching, Spirit-led worship, communion, and sometimes anointing for healing. Pastor Jason shares how their services stay rooted in Scripture while allowing for spiritual openness.
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!