COMMENTARY

Don Atkin

EQUIPPING SHEPHERDS

I have believed for a long time that the "concept" of pastor as CEO has damaged some local fellowships and limited others. The pastor (shepherd) is listed among the five equipping gifts in Ephesians 4:11, and is not be equated with "elder." Not all elders are equipping shepherds. Neither are all CEO's shepherds. (Where did THAT CEO concept come from, anyway?) 

Jack Walter is a seasoned shepherd. He is "apostolic" in that he carries an apostolic revelation and vision. But, Jack is not an apostle. (This also is a vital clarification for many prophets and teachers.  Apostleship doesn't come by promotion, but comes (1) by God's appointment, (2) is recognized by the saints, and (3) confirmed with fruit.) 

I submitted what I was seeing to Jack and Jan. There was an "Amen!" in their spirits. I then shared my belief with our apostolic council that Jack and Jan are translocal, fivefold equipping shepherds who are available to the body of Christ.

One of the apostolic council, Jeff Ghiotto, is an apostle (by the grace of God). He also leads a local fellowship in Florida. Jeff, along with the other elders, recognized that none of them has a strong pastoral gift and anointing.  So, they invited Jack and Jan to spend almost two weeks with them. Jeff made it a point that this would require more than a typical weekend visit. His report speaks for itself. 

***

Hi, Don.

I want to give you a brief report on Jack and Jan Walter and their time with us. The day after we arrived from Savannah Jack taught at our Saturday equipping time that we do every six weeks, then of course on Sunday morning and the following Sunday morning. In between times he and Jan ate lunches and dinners with several core people and leaders in the church and visited a few home groups. We also hung out as a leadership team on several occasions. We did all this in keeping with the principle of receiving a pastor in the name of a pastor with that reward and impartation accompanying the gift that Jack is to the body. It worked. I could not have asked for any better results.

Our folks were wide open and Jack and Jan were so gracious even though Jan was suffering with illness. They did a fantastic job and I was more than content. The Walter’s were very sensitive to the Spirit and flowed together very well. Their prayer over people was very prophetic and as accurate as any prophet we’ve had in. It was extraordinary. Jack’s wisdom from years of experience was so valuable to us. I was able to ask his advice and counsel on a number of subjects. I would highly recommend the Walters to any church in need of the wise, stable, caring touch of seasoned pastors who equip and impart.

I think Jack and Jan were blessed as well just being able to serve and give the way they do. I had a revelation that we were actually receiving Jesus Himself. I mean we always say that and acknowledge Christ in one another but there was a moment at lunch together when I realized the risen Christ was actually there breaking bread and He was really inside Jack. It was revelatory, not just a belief, if that make any sense.

Anyway, I just wanted to give you a great report of the very valuable and successful ministry of Jack and Jan.

Be blessed,

Jeff

***

I am recommending (1) that you reevaluate your local church ministries to see if the saints are really receiving a fully-orbed fivefold impartation. And, (2) if not, arrange to bring in the needed gift(s) to equip the saints for works of service. Invite Jack and Jan Walter to spend some time with you if you need a shepherd’s reward, a release of the pastoral ministries in your midst. This is not about titles and position. It is about functional impartation that equips the saints.

I am praying that we will all continue to receive increasing insights into New Testament servant-leadership. Let's not be satisfied with the world's systems or religious systems, or old wineskins, or the way we've always done it!  Let's be changed ~ from glory to glory ~ until Christ shows up on the earth in His people!

Don Atkin