The Place of Anointing in Serving
Last Tuesday, during our Equip time, our Pastor, Fidelis, led us in a discussion on the place of anointing in serving. It was a timely reminder that serving God is not rooted in talent, experience, or human ability. While skill has value, it is never the foundation of Kingdom service.
Anointing is God’s design for service that carries His presence, power, and purpose. Without anointing, service becomes effort. With anointing, service becomes effective.
Before God sends us to serve, He meets us to consecrate us.
An Encounter Before an Assignment
The first mention of anointing in Scripture appears in Genesis 28. Jacob was not leading, building, or ministering when God encountered him. He was alone, fearful, and uncertain about his future. With nothing but a stone for a pillow, God revealed His presence.
“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” (Genesis 28:16)
Jacob responded by pouring oil on the stone and naming the place Bethel, the house of God. This moment establishes a powerful principle. Anointing begins with encounter, not activity. Awakening comes before assignment. Surrender comes before service.
What Is the Anointing?
Throughout Scripture, anointing carries three consistent meanings.
In Exodus 40, both the tabernacle and Aaron were anointed. Objects and people were made holy not simply to exist, but to serve the Lord. Anointing is not decoration. It is divine preparation.
Anointing Comes Before Function
It is easy to assume that anointing is reserved for ministry roles or visible platforms. Scripture shows us something deeper. Anointing begins with devotion long before it shows up in function.
It answers the question, “From where am I serving?”
Skill can accomplish tasks, but anointing carries God’s authority and presence. Service disconnected from encounter becomes empty and draining. Service that flows from anointing remains fruitful and life-giving.
Every Believer Is Anointed
Under the New Covenant, anointing no longer rests on objects. It abides in believers.
“The anointing which you received from Him abides in you.” (1 John 2:27)
What was once poured on a stone now dwells in people. We are God’s house. Every believer is anointed for life and service. This includes worship, hospitality, teaching, outreach, media, administration, and the work done quietly behind the scenes.
Cultivating the Anointing
Anointing is not sustained through activity but through abiding.
It is cultivated through:
While anointing begins in encounter, it is often activated and multiplied through faithful service.
Key Takeaways
We encourage you to review the slides and listen to the session recording.
When service flows from anointing, it carries God’s life, authority, and lasting impact.
Last Tuesday, during our Equip time, our Pastor, Fidelis, led us in a discussion on the place of anointing in serving. It was a timely reminder that serving God is not rooted in talent, experience, or human ability. While skill has value, it is never the foundation of Kingdom service.
Anointing is God’s design for service that carries His presence, power, and purpose. Without anointing, service becomes effort. With anointing, service becomes effective.
Before God sends us to serve, He meets us to consecrate us.
An Encounter Before an Assignment
The first mention of anointing in Scripture appears in Genesis 28. Jacob was not leading, building, or ministering when God encountered him. He was alone, fearful, and uncertain about his future. With nothing but a stone for a pillow, God revealed His presence.
“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” (Genesis 28:16)
Jacob responded by pouring oil on the stone and naming the place Bethel, the house of God. This moment establishes a powerful principle. Anointing begins with encounter, not activity. Awakening comes before assignment. Surrender comes before service.
What Is the Anointing?
Throughout Scripture, anointing carries three consistent meanings.
- Consecration - Being set apart as holy unto God.
- Empowerment - Being enabled by the Spirit of God.
- Commissioning - Being appointed for a specific purpose.
In Exodus 40, both the tabernacle and Aaron were anointed. Objects and people were made holy not simply to exist, but to serve the Lord. Anointing is not decoration. It is divine preparation.
Anointing Comes Before Function
It is easy to assume that anointing is reserved for ministry roles or visible platforms. Scripture shows us something deeper. Anointing begins with devotion long before it shows up in function.
It answers the question, “From where am I serving?”
Skill can accomplish tasks, but anointing carries God’s authority and presence. Service disconnected from encounter becomes empty and draining. Service that flows from anointing remains fruitful and life-giving.
Every Believer Is Anointed
Under the New Covenant, anointing no longer rests on objects. It abides in believers.
“The anointing which you received from Him abides in you.” (1 John 2:27)
What was once poured on a stone now dwells in people. We are God’s house. Every believer is anointed for life and service. This includes worship, hospitality, teaching, outreach, media, administration, and the work done quietly behind the scenes.
Cultivating the Anointing
Anointing is not sustained through activity but through abiding.
It is cultivated through:
- Consistent encounters with God’s presence
- Consecration of the heart and mind
- Sensitivity and obedience to the Holy Spirit
- Humility and daily dependence on God
While anointing begins in encounter, it is often activated and multiplied through faithful service.
Key Takeaways
- Encounter precedes assignment.
- Anointing flows from devotion, not performance.
- Every believer is anointed for service.
- Service carries power when it flows from God’s presence.
We encourage you to review the slides and listen to the session recording.
When service flows from anointing, it carries God’s life, authority, and lasting impact.
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