Equipping the Equippers: The Handbook for Raising up Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers

For many years, as I have gone into various churches, I have witnessed a level of frustration between the leaders and the congregation. I have observed, for example, an Evangelist, pigeon holed into a “pastor role”, and feeling frustrated with the church members lack of passion for missions; and the church members being frustrated with the “pastor” for not understanding their gifts and callings which might not involve overseas missions. We utilize a Pastor/Teacher/Preacher model in our churches which does not always fit with every minister called of God. Many men and women called of God have felt ineffective and frustrated in their leadership roles. The church, at least in America, has needed a clearer understanding from the Bible of the leadership models Jesus set in the church which I believe Dr. Jonathan Welton’s book Equipping the Equippers provides. Equipping the Equippers is a biblically sound and healthy discourse on church leadership. Dr. Welton takes us on a journey biblically documenting that the fivefold ministries of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers continue in operation today. Equipping the Equippers details the need for the fivefold and what their roles are in spiritually “adjusting” the body. He addresses past abuses of leadership and defines the true heart of leadership in the church as the “feet washers” today. If you are interested in a thorough discussion on the fivefold leadership and healthy implementation in a church structure this book will be of great benefit to you.

Dr. Welton's book is a very welcome, fresh treatment on the fivefold ministry and their function for the 21st century and beyond. The fact that none of the fivefold offices of the church have passed away has not often been taught in the modern church. Even where it has, much ignorance exists as to the functions of each office, especially that of apostle. In this excellent, scholarly and highly readable treatment of the aforementioned, Dr. Welton brings great clarity to what it means to be an apostle as well as the other offices and how to serve as such in the modern church. Dr. Welton brings a wealth of academic and ministry experience to bear on these questions from his own life. As a fivefold teacher/pastor myself, I highly recommend all those in ministry and leaders in the church read this book.

Dr. Jonathan Welton wrote this book as a servent hearted leader and from that perspective we get a fresh revelation of true five fold leadership. Dr. Welton is an apostle, that has washed many feet and willing to wash more. He models the same leadership Jesus did, and he writes about in this new book. It's one of the best definitions of the five fold ministry. He breaks down each part of the five fold, explaining what the Bible says about it and how it can be used in ministry and leadership today. He even goes into proper correction used in the Bible and how to do it in a loving way today. A must tool for the toolbox of references in your library. There is also a great chapter on Women in ministry too, check it out.

A well laid out exposition of the need for the five grace gifts of Christ for His church. If we are to see the body of Christ, the people of God, to be fully effective, we need each grace at work equipping each believer for the work they are called to do.

Jonathan pulls together a solid revisiting of an immensely important but neglected area surrounded my misunderstanding and confusion. In the process he not only cuts through that confusion but helps the church to receive from and step into the vital callings that God established for the equipping of the church. Thank you Jonathan for this powerful life-giving work!

This is an excellent book for Pastors. The insights will help to clarify your vision. As well as how the Holy Spirit may be working in the members of your church. Yielding to the move of the Holy Spirit in your local church is vital to getting with the move of God everywhere.

This is a comprehensive study of five-fold ministry with practical application throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The chapter in the appendix concerning women in ministry was excellent. I cannot say enough about this book! It is most definitely a handbook, and one that I will refer back to often. Highly recommended!

This book is a breath of fresh air for what I have been seeing experienced in my church as well as others I have relationship with. Thank you Jonathan for this powerful and simple message.

Dr. Welton clearly views himself as an apostle and clearly writes about it from a charismatic (NAR) perspective. I had many checks in my spirit regarding his view as an apostle.But he does have a very clear understanding about lines of authority, spheres of influence and women in ministry. But unfortunately Dr. Welton, despite his language, still believes in hierarchy in church life. When Paul says Apostles are first we can read it two ways; first as in the head or first as in order of sequence of function. He also fails to highlight the missional aspect of Apostles being church planters first, then raising up others. He focuses on the latter for this book.If you want to understand how they 5 fold can work together skip this book, there is minimal information. If you want to understand Apostles as governing authorities this is a good book for that.Personally to understand Apostles more clearly and a more scholarly approach I would RECCOMEND Don Dents book on Apostles. Much better and clearer.

The heart of empowerment that issues from this book is marvellous. Whilst there are one or two points of emphasis that I found difficult to wholeheartedly agree with. The majority of the text was challenging and helpful.

A Very Easy read but with so much Great insight on The Five Fold Ministry, puts things in Perspective like no other book on the Apostolic Five Fold ministry. This model is the Future of the Church ! Even tho this model has really always been there , it has not been executed for a lack of true understanding until now ! Dr Jonathan Welton has done an Amazing Job here with this Work! This book will be devoured by Many for a Very Long time !Marc Collette

The book was somewhat helpful for understanding apostleship but his use of scripture I found to be weak and at times contrary to his points.

Muy claro y necesario para la Iglesia moderna, donde los ministerios se han convertido en una competición para ver quien manda más, en vez de quien sirve al Cuerpo de Cristo