E-2 PEOPLE FILES
- Mark W Elliot - Neil Ellis - Nathan Empsall - John Endriss - Lou Engle - Patricia Engler - Luigi Maria Epicoco - Christopher Esget - Crissa Esse - Braden Etcheson - Mike Evans - Rachel Held Evans - Kevin Ezell -
==mark w elliot======
Mark W. Elliott, Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, was schooled in Glasgow. For university he went to read Law at Oxford (St John’s), then he studied Divinity at Aberdeen and gained his PhD in Patristics at Cambridge University. After completing his education, he taught at the universities of Nottingham, Liverpool Hope and St Andrews from 2003-18, and then at Glasgow University from 2019 to 2022. He teaches at the University of the Highland and Islands (Highland Theological College) where he is Professor Biblical and Historical Theology and Head of Research in Theology. He also holds a half-time position at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto. Dr. Elliot has taught classes in Modern Christology, the Doctrine of Providence, Biblical Hermeneutics, Historical Ecclesiology, the Church Fathers in the Reformation, Early Christian Ethics, Acts of the Apostles in the history of interpretation, Bible, Doctrine and Freedom of Interpretation in the modern era, select historical theologians (Origen, Augustine, Maximus, Thomas Aquinas, Melanchthon, Calvin) as well as the History of Scottish Theology. He supervises in the history of biblical interpretation, history of doctrine, spirituality and ethics. He has also served as a co-chair of the History of Interpretation Section at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Biblical Literature (2015-21). He is also an editor of the Mohr Siebeck Series, History of Biblical Exegesis. His recent projects include History of Scottish Theology (co-edited with David Fergusson, published by Oxford University Press, 2019), Providence: Biblical and Theological with Baker (2020), and Psalms 42-72 (ITC: Bloomsbury, 2023). He is currently working on Acts of the Apostles in the history of interpretation for a book and is interested in the history of Moral Theology/Christian Ethics. Besides his academic endeavors, he also preaches regularly at a Scottish Episcopal Church and enjoys the Scottish Highlands.
==NEIL ELLIS======
Nov 17, 2020: Eyewitness News: Bishop Ellis urges Bimini residents to follow COVID protocols
Global United Fellowship Bishop Neil Ellis today urged residents of Bimini to adhere to COVID-19 protocols. His appeal comes on the heels of a large beach party on Bimini over the weekend drawing public criticism and police citations.
Global United Fellowship Bishop Neil Ellis today urged residents of Bimini to adhere to COVID-19 protocols. His appeal comes on the heels of a large beach party on Bimini over the weekend drawing public criticism and police citations.
Dec 21, 2014
Shekinah Prophetic Dance Ministry introduction of a mime to "The Wave of Glory" by Bishop Neil C Ellis.
Aug 16, 2014: BCNN1: Neil C. Ellis, Presiding Bishop of the Global United Fellowship, Issues Statement Regarding the Shooting of Mike Brown in Ferguson, MO
It is with a deep sense of outrage and a heavy heart that I address the Ferguson, MO shooting of an unarmed teenager earlier this week. On behalf of Global United Fellowship, I offer my deepest condolences to the parents, family and friends of Mike Brown. Your loss, under any circumstances, would be intensely significant. Under the tragedy of these circumstances, your loss is indescribable. I pray that the God we know as comforter brings you peace as you wrestle with your unimaginable personal grief.
It is with a deep sense of outrage and a heavy heart that I address the Ferguson, MO shooting of an unarmed teenager earlier this week. On behalf of Global United Fellowship, I offer my deepest condolences to the parents, family and friends of Mike Brown. Your loss, under any circumstances, would be intensely significant. Under the tragedy of these circumstances, your loss is indescribable. I pray that the God we know as comforter brings you peace as you wrestle with your unimaginable personal grief.
==nathan empsall======
 Nathan Empsall
“Christians across the country are sick and tired of seeing right-wing extremists hijack the gospel in an attempt to spread hatred and violently destroy American democracy. Christian nationalist leaders come to us in sheep’s clothing, claiming to promote the teachings of Jesus, but instead inject poison into society and our churches by distorting Scripture, spreading misinformation and inciting political violence. These false prophets do not speak for a majority of American Christians, many of whom are speaking out to reclaim Jesus’s name and promote the true Christian values of love, truth, peace and justice.” --Nathan Empsall, executive director of Faithful America 11/6/23
 Nathan Empsall
"Certainly, as patriotic Americans, we can and do honor our nation's flag, and as Christians, we venerate Christ before the cross—but while both objects are of great importance to us, only one is godly and only one is part of our faith..It's absolutely heartbreaking to see so many far-right politicians and pastors go a different direction, twisting the Gospel to seize power at any cost, attack equal rights, demonize their opponents, and spread dangerous conspiracy theories.. Toxic Christian nationalism is the single biggest threat to both democracy and the church, and we pastors have a moral obligation to loudly oppose it as a dangerous hijacking of our faith." --Rev. Nathan Empsall; Faithful America; 6.3.23
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October 31, 2024: Empsall article posted at Baptist News Global: ...while it is imperative that preachers lift a prophetic voice against both the rise of authoritarian American fascism and the hijacking of our faith, it is equally imperative for us to share what we are for — and what we believe Jesus is for. We cannot and should not tell our parishioners whom to vote for or against, but we can encourage them to vote, and we must urge them to do so with Christ-like values in mind: Values like peace, equality, justice and love for all our neighbors, including our LGBTQ sisters and brothers, those seeking reproductive care and abortion access, immigrants and refugees, those in poverty, and even the climate itself. Whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Jesus himself, and voting to support their dignity and rights is no exception.  Zorek Richards
May 16, 2023:
National and state Christian leaders spoke out against the white supremacist ideology espoused during two recent Christian nationalist rallies in South Florida. Christians Against Christian Nationalism and Faithful America organized a livestreamed event as a counter perspective to the May 11 “Pastors for Trump” reception and the May 12 ReAwaken America Tour rally, both held at the Trump Doral resort in Miami. “We are here today as Christians who are horrified to see the faith we hold dear being used to spread lies, violence and authoritarian theocracy,” said Amanda Tyler, executive director of Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism. Tyler was joined at All Angels Episcopal Church in Miami Springs by Nathan Empsall of Faithful America, Russell Meyer of the Florida Council of Churches, Jennifer Butler of Faith in Public Life Action, James Golden of Pastors for Florida Children and Charles Toy of The Christian Left. More at Baptist News Global |
==john endriss======
Mar 9, 2023: Baptist Press: Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention names interim executive-director
The executive board of the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention (HPBC) announced March 8 that John Endriss will serve as interim executive director during the continued search for a long-term candidate. Endriss currently serves as pastor of Engage Church in Hilo and is president of the HPBC executive board.
The executive board of the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention (HPBC) announced March 8 that John Endriss will serve as interim executive director during the continued search for a long-term candidate. Endriss currently serves as pastor of Engage Church in Hilo and is president of the HPBC executive board.
lou engle
July 11, 2023: Bucks County Beacon: Pennsylvania’s Prayer Warrior: Abby Abildness And Her Dominionist Crusade In The Commonwealth
We initially reported on the NAR in August last year. As stated in that report, some of the NAR’s most prominent leaders include: Cindy Jacobs, John Benefiel, Lance Wallnau, Abby Abildness, Dutch Sheets, Chuck Pierce, Ché Ahn, Lou Engle, Jim Garlow, Steve Strang (Charisma News), Steve Shultz (Elijah List).
We initially reported on the NAR in August last year. As stated in that report, some of the NAR’s most prominent leaders include: Cindy Jacobs, John Benefiel, Lance Wallnau, Abby Abildness, Dutch Sheets, Chuck Pierce, Ché Ahn, Lou Engle, Jim Garlow, Steve Strang (Charisma News), Steve Shultz (Elijah List).
Jan 10, 2023: Baptist News Global: The New Apostolic Reformation drove the January 6 riots, so why was it overlooked by the House Select Committee?
In September 2000, as that year’s presidential campaign was heating up, two independent charismatic apostles named Lou Engle and Che Ahn organized The Call DC, which claimed to have brought 400,000 people to the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
In September 2000, as that year’s presidential campaign was heating up, two independent charismatic apostles named Lou Engle and Che Ahn organized The Call DC, which claimed to have brought 400,000 people to the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
patricia engler
Feb 20, 2023: Baptist News Global: Questions to ask while pondering if Asbury is hosting a ‘true revival’
Surprise! It’s a revival!
Patricia Engler of Answers in Genesis reported, “The university’s director of strategic communications … told me the phenomenon has come as a surprise to everyone — including staff.”
Surprise! It’s a revival!
Patricia Engler of Answers in Genesis reported, “The university’s director of strategic communications … told me the phenomenon has come as a surprise to everyone — including staff.”
luigi maria epicoco
Luigi Maria Epicoco
The expulsion of the sellers from the temple is one of those pages of the Gospel that clash a bit with our imagery of an always serene, peaceful, meek Jesus. Actually, those who know the meek know that they almost never get angry, but when they do get angry, it’s big trouble.
And Jesus has a very serious reason to get angry: the Temple, which represents humanity’s relationship with God, is full of commerce and empty of love.
To understand the concrete fallout of this in our lives we can consider an example. How would we judge a relationship based only on opportunism? Would we consider it love, or hypocrisy?
Jesus is denouncing the opportunism that can lurk even in our relationship with God. If faith becomes only an exchange of petitions and graces then it’s no longer faith, but only religion, and a pagan one at that. Only when we reestablish a true prayerful relationship with God, which is a gratuitous relationship of good, does our religion cease to be pagan and become Christian faith.
-Father Luigi Maria Epicoco; Aletia; Careful: You might be treating God like a pagan 11.18.22
And Jesus has a very serious reason to get angry: the Temple, which represents humanity’s relationship with God, is full of commerce and empty of love.
To understand the concrete fallout of this in our lives we can consider an example. How would we judge a relationship based only on opportunism? Would we consider it love, or hypocrisy?
Jesus is denouncing the opportunism that can lurk even in our relationship with God. If faith becomes only an exchange of petitions and graces then it’s no longer faith, but only religion, and a pagan one at that. Only when we reestablish a true prayerful relationship with God, which is a gratuitous relationship of good, does our religion cease to be pagan and become Christian faith.
-Father Luigi Maria Epicoco; Aletia; Careful: You might be treating God like a pagan 11.18.22
Christopher Esget |
- Esgetology -
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Reverend Christopher S. Esget has served as Immanuel's Pastor (Alexandria, Virginia) since 2001. He is married to Kassie, and they have one son, James. Before going to Immanuel, Pastor Esget served at Bethel Lutheran Church, DuQuoin, IL, where he was ordained in 1998. He attended Concordia Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne, IN) where he earned the Master of Divinity degree (1997, concentration in systematic theology) and the Master of Sacred Theology degree (2005, major in systematic theology, minor in church history). His STM thesis was a comparison of the doctrine of original sin in Patristic and contemporary Eastern Orthodox theology. Pastor Esget's undergraduate degree is from Berklee College of Music (Summa cum laude 1993, with an emphasis in film scoring). He also studied classical piano performance at the University of Minnesota. Pastor Esget is the Fifth Vice-President of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (East-Southeast Region; 2015 – present). He is a member of the Board of Regents of Concordia College—New York. He is a contributing author to The Gates of Hell: Confessing Christ in a Hostile World (CPH, 2018) and Words of Strength and Promise: Devotions for Youth (CPH 2021).
Deaconess Tiffany Manor, director of Life Ministry for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), explained the connection: “We like to start with a Divine Service in which we receive the forgiveness of sins, lament the lives lost to abortion, and are strengthened through the Word preached to us and the Sacraments received.”
Following the service, worshipers exited the church, led by the processional cross. “The liturgical statement of the crucifix leading us both toward the altar and, later, out of the church is a statement that in this alone is the good that overcomes the world’s evil,” preached the Rev. Christopher Esget, senior pastor of Immanuel and fifth vice-president of the LCMS. Esget continued, “The march for life is a march behind the cross.” -Roy S Askins; LCMS Reporter 3.3.22
Following the service, worshipers exited the church, led by the processional cross. “The liturgical statement of the crucifix leading us both toward the altar and, later, out of the church is a statement that in this alone is the good that overcomes the world’s evil,” preached the Rev. Christopher Esget, senior pastor of Immanuel and fifth vice-president of the LCMS. Esget continued, “The march for life is a march behind the cross.” -Roy S Askins; LCMS Reporter 3.3.22
crissa esse
Crissa Esse
According to Romans 10:14, for someone to hear the powerful Word of God, someone else has to proclaim it. Dear pastors, proclaiming God’s Word is the greatest responsibility and privilege God gave you, so never neglect or belittle it. Be encouraged—it matters more than you realize.
--Crissa Esse; Gospel Coalition; Faithful Pastors, You Matter to Your Youth 9.1.23
--Crissa Esse; Gospel Coalition; Faithful Pastors, You Matter to Your Youth 9.1.23
Crissa Esse
The Bible’s power has never been bound by generations, cultures, or human imperfections. It’s a sharp sword (Heb. 4:12) that changes lives, saves souls, convicts sinners, and gives hope to the humble. The Bible matters to 5-year-olds, and the Bible matters to 50-year-olds. To doubt the Bible’s sufficiency and immutable power is to doubt God himself, for he said, “[My Word] shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” and “the word of our God will stand forever” (Isa. 55:11; 40:8). According to Romans 10:14, for someone to hear the powerful Word of God, someone else has to proclaim it. Dear pastors, proclaiming God’s Word is the greatest responsibility and privilege God gave you, so never neglect or belittle it. Be encouraged—it matters more than you realize.
--Crissa Esse; Gospel Coalition; Faithful Pastors, You Matter to Your Youth 9.1.23
--Crissa Esse; Gospel Coalition; Faithful Pastors, You Matter to Your Youth 9.1.23
braden etcheson
Rutland couple opens new ONE Church in a familiar space
Five years ago, in their Kansas City home, Lindsey and Braden Etcheson came across an article in the Rutland Herald detailing the upcoming move of Rutland United Methodist Church from its 71 Williams St. location. The two, who already had been considering moving to Vermont, immediately felt a connection to the 22,000-square-foot building and developed a dream of reopening the space to the community. This fall, that dream became a reality as ONE Church Rutland officially made its new home at the Williams Street property.
(Sophia Buckley/Rutland Herald 12/12/22)
Read More>>>>>
Five years ago, in their Kansas City home, Lindsey and Braden Etcheson came across an article in the Rutland Herald detailing the upcoming move of Rutland United Methodist Church from its 71 Williams St. location. The two, who already had been considering moving to Vermont, immediately felt a connection to the 22,000-square-foot building and developed a dream of reopening the space to the community. This fall, that dream became a reality as ONE Church Rutland officially made its new home at the Williams Street property.
(Sophia Buckley/Rutland Herald 12/12/22)
Read More>>>>>
Dec 1, 2021: Union Leader: Manchester Christian Church to change its name, reach out to rural areas
In Rutland, Manchester Christian Church has hired Braden Etcheson to be pastor. He moved to the area to start a church, part of the Christian restoration movement, but his funding source dried up.
The owner of a closed Methodist church is giving the building to Manchester Christian, Chancey said.
In Rutland, Manchester Christian Church has hired Braden Etcheson to be pastor. He moved to the area to start a church, part of the Christian restoration movement, but his funding source dried up.
The owner of a closed Methodist church is giving the building to Manchester Christian, Chancey said.
mike evans
Dec 14, 2022: The Independent: Evangelicals may be turning away from Trump, but Christian nationalism isn’t going anywhere
Mike Evans, a Christian Zionist and former member of Trump’s evangelical advisory board, wrote in an essay sent to the Washington Post that “Donald Trump can’t save America. He can’t even save himself.”
Mike Evans, a Christian Zionist and former member of Trump’s evangelical advisory board, wrote in an essay sent to the Washington Post that “Donald Trump can’t save America. He can’t even save himself.”
rachel held evans
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July 30, 2010: Rachel Held Evans: A Response to Ken Ham: Let’s Make Peace
Evolving in Monkey Town made national news last week when it was featured in a Nashville Tennessean story that was picked up by USA Today. The story described various views regarding the evolution-creationism debate and included my perspective that young Christians long for a more nuanced, constructive approach to this issue. |
According to Ken, the fact that thousands of young people visit the creation museum each year proves that this army is growing. But if you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, the numbers tell a different story. Young adults are leaving the church, with some studies suggesting that up to seventy percent of Protestants age 18-30 drop out of church before they turn 23. (In fact, Ken himself has observed this phenomenon.) --Rachel Held Evans |
==kevin ezell======
April 18, 2023: Baptist Press: SBC leaders, former presidents react to death of Charles Stanley
“I will always be grateful to him for what he did to anchor Southern Baptists solidly on the truth of God’s Word. That’s a legacy that can’t be fully measured. Dr. Stanley was a master communicator in a communications age. God gave him a gift for connecting with people—even over a television screen. And he used that gift to tell as many people as possible about how they can have a relationship with Christ.” --Kevin Ezell, president, North American Mission Board
“I will always be grateful to him for what he did to anchor Southern Baptists solidly on the truth of God’s Word. That’s a legacy that can’t be fully measured. Dr. Stanley was a master communicator in a communications age. God gave him a gift for connecting with people—even over a television screen. And he used that gift to tell as many people as possible about how they can have a relationship with Christ.” --Kevin Ezell, president, North American Mission Board