Hello everyone,
many readers we are sure recognise the terminology of anointing, mantle, impartation, passing the baton, and blessings, as they are all in common use in Christian ministry and in the Bible. However, recent questions we have received asking for clarification have prompted us to do an in-depth research of these terms; what they are, what they mean from a Scriptural and traditional context, and where, when, and they they are used.
Definitions in Christian Ministry
Here are the Christian definitions of the terms that have been asked about, grounded in Biblical and theological understanding.
Christian Anointing
- Definition: Anointing refers to the spiritual empowerment given by God through the Holy Spirit to accomplish His purposes.
- Biblical Basis: In Scripture, anointing often involved oil symbolising consecration (e.g., of kings and priests), but spiritually it represents being set apart and empowered by God (1 John 2:20, Acts 10:38).
- Purpose: It enables believers to operate in spiritual authority, healing, preaching, or other ministries.
Christian Mantle
- Definition: A mantle symbolises a divine calling or spiritual responsibility passed from one servant of God to another.
- Biblical Example: Elijah passing his mantle to Elisha (2 Kings 2:13-14) represents the transfer of prophetic authority.
- Clarification: A mantle is not merely a gift or anointing—it’s a lifelong assignment from God, not something casually transferred. (1)
Christian Impartation of Gifts
- Definition: Impartation is the act of transferring spiritual gifts, blessings, or anointing from one believer to another, often through prayer and/or the laying on of hands.
- Biblical Support: Paul speaks of stirring up gifts through laying on of hands (2 Timothy 1:6), but Scripture emphasises that the Holy Spirit distributes gifts as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11).
- Caution: True impartation is Spirit-led, not manipulated or ritualised. (2)
Christian “Pass on the Baton”
- Definition: This metaphor refers to the intentional handover of ministry, leadership, or spiritual responsibility from one generation or leader to the next.
- Biblical Parallel: Paul mentoring Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2) and Moses preparing Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7-8) are examples of intentional handover, i.e. a spiritual succession.
- Purpose: It ensures continuity of God’s work and faithful stewardship of calling.
Christian Blessings
- Definition: Blessings are divine favour, protection, or provision bestowed by God, often spoken and/or prayed over others.
- Biblical Foundation: Blessings can be material, spiritual, or relational (Numbers 6:24-26, Ephesians 1:3).
- Function: They affirm identity, release grace, and declare God’s goodness over someone’s life.
Application in Christian Ministry
How are these concepts practiced in different Christian traditions—like Pentecostal, Catholic, or Evangelical circles?
Pentecostal Tradition
- Anointing: Seen as a powerful, tangible presence of the Holy Spirit for ministry, healing, prophecy, and miracles. Often emphasised in worship and revival settings.
- Mantle: Used metaphorically to describe receiving a spiritual assignment or calling, often linked to prophetic ministry (e.g., “Elijah’s mantle”).
- Impartation: Commonly practiced through laying on of hands, prayer, and prophetic declarations. Believers may receive spiritual gifts or empowerment from seasoned ministers.
- Passing the Baton: Strong emphasis on spiritual succession—leaders mentor and release others into ministry roles, often with ceremonial prayer.
- Blessings: Spoken blessings are frequent, especially in services. Believers are encouraged to bless others verbally and spiritually. (3) (4)
Evangelical Tradition
- Anointing: Generally understood as God’s empowerment for service, especially preaching and teaching. Less emphasis on physical manifestations.
- Mantle: Rarely used; more focus on “calling” or “vocation” as a biblical concept. Evangelicals prefer clear biblical language over symbolic terms.
- Impartation: Not commonly practiced as a formal ritual. Spiritual gifts are believed to come directly from the Holy Spirit, not transferred by people.
- Passing the Baton: Leadership transition is structured and intentional, usually involving mentorship and discipleship (e.g., Paul and Timothy).
- Blessings: Often expressed through prayer and encouragement. Less ritualistic, more relational and scriptural.
Catholic Tradition
- Anointing: Sacramentally used in rites like Baptism, Confirmation, and Anointing of the Sick. Oil symbolises the Holy Spirit’s presence and healing.
- Mantle: Not a common term. Spiritual authority is passed through “apostolic succession” and ordination.
- Impartation: Occurs through sacraments, especially Confirmation and Holy Orders. Gifts are believed to be conferred by the Holy Spirit through the Church.
- Passing the Baton: Formalised through ordination and ecclesiastical appointment. Succession is hierarchical and sacramental.
- Blessings: Deeply embedded in liturgy. Priests bless individuals, objects, and events; lay people may also offer blessings in daily life.
References
(1) Mantles, Anointings, and Impartations: What’s the Difference? — Harrison House
(2), (4) What Is The Biblical Meaning Of Impartation And Its Role In Spiritual Growth And Community
(3) The Mantle In The Bible: A Prophetic Look At Calling & Anointing | Think About Such Things
We pray you find the above definitions useful.
Kind regards,
Bjorn and Lilian Schmid
Prayer Coordinators
Spheres of Influence
www.prayerstrategy.org
https://prayerstrategy.org/books/
+61412766917