247 The Christian & Missionary Alliance (CMA) | An Overview of the Fourfold Gospel, Beliefs & Structure

Kitchen Table Theology

What do A.W. Tozer, global missions, and church planting have in common? They’re all part of the story of the Christian & Missionary Alliance. In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany unpack the history, theology, and leadership structure of the CMA denomination. They explore the Alliance’s roots in 19th-century revivalism, the influence of A.B. Simpson, and why CMA churches are often more recognizable by their mission than by their name.

🎉 This is Part 3 of our series on the Christian & Missionary Alliance. If you missed it, be sure to check out Part 1-2: Our full interview with Pastor Jason Esposito of Crossway Church, and our other episodes in our denominational series covering traditions like Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, and more.

Here’s What We Discussed:
02:00 – How the CMA Began
The Christian & Missionary Alliance started as two separate societies focused on domestic and international missions, founded by A.B. Simpson in the late 1800s. It is larger internationally than in the U.S., a result of its early emphasis on global missions.

05:31 – Influential Figures: A.B. Simpson and A.W. Tozer
How these two leaders shaped CMA theology and left a legacy through teaching and writing that still influences the denomination today.

07:59 – Church Governance in the CMA
Local CMA churches operate under a district-based system, with authority structures that include district superintendents, elder boards, and national leadership.

10:46 – What a CMA Church Service Looks Like
Worship styles vary, but expect a strong emphasis on Scripture, music, prayer, and mission, whether the service is traditional or contemporary.

12:35 – The Fourfold Gospel
A summary of the CMA’s core theological framework: Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King.

14:54 – Sanctification in CMA Theology
The CMA teaches both positional and progressive sanctification, rooted in the Holiness Movement and grounded in Scripture.

16:39 – The CMA View on Healing
Belief in physical healing through Christ’s atonement is a distinctive teaching, with practices like prayer and anointing with oil.

17:57 – The Second Coming and Eternal Judgment
The CMA holds a premillennial view of Christ’s return and teaches eternal life for the saved and judgment for the lost.

Key Quote:
The Fourfold Gospel is Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King—and those four distinctives have remained central to the Alliance since the beginning.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston

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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!