About EQUIP

For Jesus-centered leaders and churches, EQUIP is an innovative and leading ministry helping to build discipleship cultures that prepare people to experience, live, and share God’s Story.

Welcome to EQUIP
(Formerly known as Kingdom Story)

Meet our world-class team of instructors

Who We Serve

EQUIP seeks to serve leaders who are making Jesus disciples. 

Our approach is particularly compatible with those who are spiritually hungry, eager, and committed to the next generation of leaders and to people of all races and colors around the world.

EQUIP's Vision

Our vision is to see a discipleship culture in every church.

EQUIP's Mission

Our mission is to inspire and provide Christian leaders with the training, resources, and support to build discipleship cultures.

EQUIP's Values

EMPOWERMENT

We are leaders who equip leaders to lead.

MASTERY

We are masters of our craft, always improving and never complacent.

ADVENTURE

We are risk-takers who courageously step into the unknown.

CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO

We challenge conventional paradigms and stretch others beyond the dominant culture's assumptions.

RELATIONSHIPS

We are focused on people over products. 

PERSONAL GROWTH

We are consistent in our journey of becoming free from the old self and embracing the Ways of Jesus.

TRUST

We are people who cultivate trust in our team, partners, and God.

Our History

The Creation of the Kingdom Story

The Kingdom Story Experience curriculum was authored by John Lewis in 1994. The primary audience was students, interns and staff involved in the University of Puget Sound college ministry (1994-2001). John then served in the local church and a non-profit organization called Leadership Foundations (2001-11); in between John and his family did a two-year stint in Beijing, China, working with young adults. During this phase, the Kingdom Story Experience was taught and experienced by over 500 people of all ages and denominations in the U.S. and China. It was translated into Chinese, two English versions were developed (group & personal study) and an introduction seminar called The Bible Reframed was created.

The Birth of the Kingdom Story Mission

In 2012, John launched Kingdom Story Ministries to focus on the Kingdom Story approach and to serve churches and faith based organizations. Over the years this has led to providing vital resources for kingdom impact in the Tacoma, Washington area through partnerships with organizations including the Tacoma Rescue Mission, Young Life and Youth for Christ, as well as in worldwide communities in China and East Africa. During these years, Kingdom Story trained over 70 people in the U.S., China and Africa to facilitate the distribution of various Kingdom Story curriculum; developed several adaptations for local and global audiences; and developed the Discipleship ReFramed seminar to help churches develop cultures of discipleship. In March of 2024, Kingdom Story changed its name to EQUIP.

The EQUIP Team

Rob DeKlotz

Executive Director
Rob is new to the team in 2020. Rob serves the ministry in the areas of leadership development, strategic planning, and communication. He is the primary mover in our rebranding. 

John Lewis

Founder and President
John founded Kingdom Story Ministries (now known as EQUIP) in 2012, and is actively serving as the President of the ministry.

Branden Hubbell

Associate Executive Director
Branden is responsible for many of EQUIP's day-to-day operations as Associate Executive Director.

Richard Mutura

Director of the
Community Transformation Center
in Africa
As the Director of CTC, Richard is responsible for the discipleship development programs throughout Africa.

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