The Archaeology of Early Christianity in a Greco-Roman World

Based on Dr. Cooper's book Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Faith: Discovering the Movement of God in the Archaeological Record of Asia Minor.

This deep dive into Asia Minor explores the intersection of archaeology, mythology, and religion in the ancient world, focusing on the seven cities of early Christianity in Asia Minor. Through visual presentations, historical analysis, and interactive discussions, participants will uncover how Christianity emerged in a world dominated by Greco-Roman gods, emperor worship, and mystery cults.

Join Dr. Cooper for a fresh, historical perspective on the ancient world, making archaeology accessible and engaging for those in ministry and in the church. Whether you're a mythology buff, history lover, or someone curious about how ancient beliefs shaped the Bible’s context and our world, this course will help bring your personal Bible study, discipleship, and sermons to life in an exciting and interactive way!

  • Discover the Ancient New Testament World Like Never Before

  • Apply Current Archaeological Research to your Study and Teaching of the New Testament

  • Engage with Mythology & History that will Make the Biblical World Come Alive

  • Experience Interactive & Engaging Learning with Others

Dig into the World of Asia Minor

Great for a 10-week small group Bible study or for personal enrichment

    1. Welcome to this Ephesiology Master Class

    2. How to use the course player

    3. Welcome to the Seminar!

    4. Zoom Registration

    5. Before we begin...

    1. What to expect ...

    2. A Deep Dive into Mind the Gap

    3. A Deep Dive into the Background of Asia Minor

    4. A Pedestal in Priene

    5. Aphrodite in Ephesos

    6. Key Terms

    1. Map of Ephesos

    2. A Deep Dive into Luke's Theophilos

    3. Chapter 3 - Ephesos Figures

    4. Rediscovering Theophilos

    1. Map of Smyrna

    2. A Deep Dive into The Writing on the Wall

    3. Christianity in Public Spaces

    4. Chapter 4 - Smyrna Figures

    5. A Word Square Puzzle

    1. Map of Pergamon

    2. A Deep Dive into the Disappearance of Christianity

    3. The Challenge of Pergamon

    4. Chapter 5 - Pergamon Figures

    1. Map of Thyatira

    2. A Deep Dive into Trade Guilds and Places of Peace

    3. Places of Peace

    4. Chapter 6 - Thyatira Figures

Mind the Gap Discussion Guide

  • Free
  • 14 Hours Live Streaming on Zoom
  • Discussion Guides for Small Groups
  • 10 Audio Episodes

Meet Dr. Michael T. Cooper

Join Michael on an archaeological exploration of the early church. This learning experience is based on his recent archaeological research in Asia Minor.

Professor of Missiological Theology Michael T. Cooper

Dr. Cooper earned a PhD in Intercultural Studies with a focus on religious movements and a minor in theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He currently serves as a missiologist for a missions agency where he focuses on missiological research and equipping missionaries for effective cultural engagement. He has thirty years of missions experience, including ten years as a pioneer church planter in Romania after the fall of communism and has equipped church planters and leaders in Africa, Europe, North America, South America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. He is a guest faculty at Torch Trinity Graduate University, adjunct faculty at Mission India Theological Seminary, Asia Graduate School of Theology Nepal, and Ebenezer Bible College in Katmandu, and affiliate faculty at Kairos University. He has written and contributed to more than 30 books and academic articles and has presented conference lectures at the London School of Economics, University of Bordeaux, Loyola University, Baylor University, and many others. His recent book, Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement is a best seller at William Carey Publishing.

David E. Brunelle

Dave Brunelle lives in the Cleveland area with his wife Carole. Dave has over 30 years of diverse experience working in Government, Public Safety, Non-Profit, and Faith-Based sectors. He is a professional coach with his PCC credential through the International Coaching Federation and has been coaching church planters, marketplace executives, churches and teams since 2014 and training coaches since 2017. Dave has an M.A. in missiology from Kairos University and is currently a PhD student also at Kairos University. He serves as an Elder at the church he planted over 20 years ago. The Brunelles have eight kids, three sons-in-law, seven grandchildren, one dog, and one motorcycle that Dave rides across the country in his spare time.