Romans 1:11 “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you, some spiritual gift, so that you may be established –”
I am constantly amazed at what happens, when a leader, pastor or “anointed man of God”, lays hands on a person. In the last few years there has been a lot of talk on impartation. Even at some of my meetings and schools, I constantly get emails from individuals stating that since, I laid hands and prayed for them, something has been imparted that has caused a season shift.
Paul in this passage of scripture firmly states his passion to lay hands on the leaders of the Roman church, to actually see them established. The previous passage states that, “your fame is known all around the world”. The Roman church was famous, their influence, their model was spoken about, but yet Paul felt they were not established.
We read many stories about pioneers in the faith that have received prayer and seen significant shift in their ministry and life. I have personally been ministered by individuals who has sown into my life through council, wisdom and prayer.
But one of the obvious truths that I see in a lot of churches and leaders as I travel, especially in the western world, is the trend to imitate leaders and churches of influence. There are some awesome leaders and great churches that are doing so much globally, that their revelation is creating a shift in the corporate church. But unfortunately, many “second level” leaders, who are constantly bogged down by these truths, revelations and quotes have began to almost imitate, dress and articulate like these leaders. I have seen worship teams that dress up, just like the songwriters of the song they are singing.
I get excited seeing how churches are growing through the application of such truth but I worry about the fact that many of these leaders have lost their own personality and identity in their passionate journey for growth and revival. A part of me wishes, that leaders in their desire to be teachable, do not loose their own time with the greatest teacher, “the Holy Spirit”.
Paul was instrumental in teaching, training and even laying hands on young Timothy. He instructs Timothy, in 2nd Timothy, to stir up the gifts within him..which has been imparted through the laying on of hands. But yet, he ensures to remind, Timothy of his upbringing, his revelations and his own testimony, to ensure that his personality was not lost in the process of impartation.
If you are leader reading this, I appreciate your passion to be teachable and to receive, but I encourage you to be yourself. The Lord is passionate to hear “you” preach, to see “you” minister.
Let us never imitate but only be imitator’s of Christ. Your greatest victory is won on your knees!
