The Epaphras Project
In every place, God provides people whose gifting and calling is simply to pray, intercede and be persistent with him for the growth and maturity of the congregation.
What or who on earth is an Epaphras?
Who on earth is Epaphras? Epaphras is a biblical character who is only mentioned in four verses of the New Testament. He is not exactly the most famous or glamourous person but for the little Christian church in the city of Colossae, he was one of the most important people!
First, Epaphras was an evangelist. He was one of the first to share the gospel with the people of Colossae (Colossians 1:6–8). But just as importantly, Epaphras also served the Christians of his city in a different way; a behind-the-scenes way that quietly and powerfully shaped the church. St Paul tells us that Ephaphras was ‘always wrestling in prayer’ for Christians so that they might ‘stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured’ (Colossians 4:12). Epaphras is working hard in prayer! We might call him an intercessor or a prayer warrior.
In every church, God graciously puts at least one person like Epaphras. In every place, God provides people whose gifting and calling is simply to pray, intercede and be persistent with him for the growth and maturity of the congregation. Spirit-empowered, persistent prayer is the foundation of each ministry and mission opportunity of every congregation.
That’s why LCANZ Local Mission is launching the Epaphras Project. The project aims to identify, equip, affirm and network the intercessors – the Epaphras-type people – in every congregation across the church.
Who on earth are the Epaphrases in your congregation? They just may be among the quietest, least famous, but most vital people in your church! Will you join the Epaphras Project?
Calling all Epaphrases!
What or who on earth is an Epaphras? Epaphras is a biblical character who is only mentioned in four verses of the New Testament. He is not exactly the most famous or glamourous person but for the little Christian church in the city of Colossae, he was one of the most important people!
Read more ...Prayer is the work!
Liz Weiland talks about the Epaphras Project rollout in Victoria’s Ringwood Knox Parish.
Read more ...‘Be like Epaphras’ – Colossians 4:12
Those who really know Ruth Olsen know that prayer for others – intercession – is part of who she is.
Read more ...Pray for God to raise up prayer warriors
Pray for God to raise up prayer warriors and intercessors in every congregation of the LCANZ.
Read more ...Interceding for others
Do you know someone like Epaphras in your congregation? Do you know a prayer warrior, someone who is always praying for people that they may grow in God and be fully mature? Or perhaps, does the description of Epaphras stir and excite something in your own heart?
Read more ...How did we do?
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