In Ephesians 4:11, the apostle Paul tells us that Jesus gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to the church. He did this in the days of the New Testament; the question is, does Jesus still give all of them to the church today? This book seeks to address this question. In this book you will find: . The ministries of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers defined. . Names of people in the Bible who held these ministries. . Descriptions of each ministry from a biblical-historical perspective. . An examination of the contemporary expressions of the ministries of evangelists, pastors, and teachers. . Answers to objections about the presence of apostles and prophets in the church today. . A case for the continuance of the ministries of apostles and prophets in the modern church. . A description of the ministries of apostles and prophets in the contemporary church. John P. Lathrop is a graduate of Zion Bible College and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is an Ordained Minister with the International Fellowship of Christian Assemblies and is currently active in pastoral ministry at the Christian Pentecostal Church in Newton, MA. In addition to pastoring, he regularly writes for Vista magazine, the official publication of the International Fellowship of Christian Assemblies, and for the Pneuma Review, a publication of the Pneuma Foundation. He has ministered overseas in the countries of Indonesia and Zimbabwe. He and his wife, Cynthia, are the parents of five adult children: Carrie, Joshua, Deborah, Stephen, and Daniel. The Lathrops also have two grandchildren.

Examines the origins and development of the episcopacy in the early church with an eye toward its implications for current ecumenical issues relating to the episcopacy and apostolic succession.

Taking a look at how the fivefold ministers relate to the church today... Discover how the fivefold ministry was created to work within the local church, the training ground for ministry. These ministers-apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers-are coaches who equip and train God's people to release His power for works of service. Learn how proven fivefold ministers can be mentored and released in the body of Christ. This book covers the "who, what, why, how" of fivefold ministry Who are these ministers and how are they identified? What fivefold ministry is and what it is not Why we need fivefold ministers How do five ministers relate to one another Who finances these ministers? How fivefold ministers are utilized in church planting Discover practical tips on building relationships between church leaders and fivefold ministers Grow a healthy fivefold ministry in your church

In this book the authors explore some dynamic trends in society and church that are pushing believers into simpler ways of doing church. -- from back cover.

This informative study guide discusses in depth the biblical characteristics of the ministry gifts -- apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher -- and their roles in the Body of Christ.

Millions of Christians around the world are becoming aware of an imminent reformation of global proportions within the church. God is changing this revered institution and is making a new collective awareness of an age-old revelation, a corporate spiritual echo that reflects God's desire for the church. In this book, Simson brings to light what God is saying to Christians everywhere. Researched across the globe, he presents the case for the reformation of the church's existence. In a world where the church is being ignored, it is time to bring the church to the people and not the people to the church. Whether it is what we know as church from the last five years or the last five hundred years, no one has truly been able to break free from the structures of the past. Many may see this book as radical, many may see it as a reforming of old ideals but all who read it will be challenged and their priorities refocused in a life-changing way.

Abstract theology is overrated, for God can be found in even the most ordinary of things. Jesus used things like a lily, sparrow, and sheep to teach about the kingdom of God. And in the Old Testament, God repeatedly describes himself and his saving work in relation to physical things such as a rock, horn, or eagle. In God of All Things, pastor and author Andrew Wilson invites you to rediscover God in this way, too--through ordinary, everyday things. He explores the idea of a material world and presents a variety of created marvels that reveal the gospel in everyday life and fuel worship and joy in God--marvels like: Dust: the image of God Horns: the salvation of God Donkeys: the peace of God Water: the life of God Viruses: the problem of God Cities: the kingdom of God God of All Things will leave you with a deeper understanding of Scripture, the world you live in, and the God who made it all.

What Are Apostles and Prophets and What Is Their Critical Role in an End-Times Church? These ministry gifts did not pass away with the last of Jesus' disciples. Christ gave them to the Church for all time, and they are still "alive and well" today. But what are apostles and prophets? Why is there so much controversy, error, and abuse in the Church concerning these ministry callings? In Apostles and Prophets — Their Roles in the Past, Present, and Last-Days Church, Rick Renner defines these ministry offices biblically and historically, tracing their roles from the Early Church all the way to the present. Filled with vivid illustrations that recount Church history as you have perhaps never seen it, this book answers such questions as: What signs accompany true apostles and prophets? What defines false apostles and prophets? Why does Scripture refer to the Church as a vineyard, a body, and a temple? Why you have a priestly ministry to fulfill How apostles and prophets equip you for priestly ministry What is God's real intention for a last-days Church? Are you weary from being tossed around by mind-bending doctrines that leave you weak and disappointed? Would you like to participate in fulfilling God's masterful plan for the age? This book will fortify you with revelation you can build on! It will equip you to better understand and cooperate with the ministry of the apostle and prophet in this critical hour of the last-days Church.

We love to share good news with the world—a great restaurant, a coveted promotion, a new baby—and that makes us evangelists for many things. So why don't we do the same with Jesus? Simply put, talking about Jesus is awkward. Yet when we brave the awkwardness, we see God work. Beau Crosetto helps us move out of our comfort zones and beyond the awkwardness to share the life-transforming power of God with others.

The Foundations of Faith is a commentary on the foundational truths of Scripture, written by Nicholas Cacciatore and eight contributing authors, to help one deepen the understanding of God's works.