An Explanation of the Name

“Ephphatha Reformation Ministries”

EPHPHATHA

The word “ephphatha” is found in Mark 7:34. An Aramaic word within the Greek text, it is left untranslated in modern versions especially since the gospel writer translates the word for us as meaning “Be opened.” As Christ speaks this word of command to heal a deaf and speech impaired man and as this man begins to “speak plainly,” we are provided with something of a metaphor for an open, plain-speaking ministry of the church through the power of Christ’s Spirit. After ten years of ministry as a pastor, it is my conviction that the church needs to speak and teach more openly and plainly in discipling her covenant children and evangelizing unbelievers. Thus Ephphatha is committed to being open and speaking plainly and to encouraging and equipping the church to do the same.

REFORMATION

Reformation is the call of God for the church of every generation. We are to be “always reforming according to the Word of God.” Contrary to some modern notions, this does not mean always changing for the sake of change; nor does it mean always accommodating the Christian faith to the culture. Instead, it means always examining ourselves to see if we are in the faith, always repenting of being wayward from God’s Word, and always reforming the church to be a pillar of truth in the world and to answer the call of Christ to be His faithful church.

MINISTRIES

There are many excellent organizations working for reformation in the church. Why another one called “Ephphatha Reformation Ministries”? While so many of these organizations excel in encouraging and equipping church leaders, it is my conviction that there is need for greater encouragement and equipping of families and individuals, especially new believers or those newly quickened to study God’s Word. It is time to restore ministry in the home and to take up the practice of family and personal worship once more. It is true that “as goes the pulpit, so goes the church,” but too many pastors are out there on their own, without understandable material to give to families and individuals in their churches as confirmation and application to their faithful preaching and teaching.