On Religion in Ministry
I once had the privilege of speaking at a church where I had been regularly leading services with great joy for many years. It was a dynamic and innovative congregation, where the power of the Spirit was visibly at work through His gifts. I was looking forward to concluding the sermon once again with an invitation to ‘come forward’ for prayer, so that people could be served by God’s tangible and transformative Presence.
Just before the service, the pastor—someone I deeply value and respect—casually approached me. He mentioned that he no longer wanted people to come forward for extended prayer at the front. Instead, those who wanted personal prayer could go to the back of the hall. He had his reasons for this, which I of course respected.
Although I found it difficult, especially since I was excited to serve in that particular way, I submitted as a guest speaker to the policy of the church. The sermon went excellently, and the responses were positive. However, this policy choice raised some questions for me and unexpectedly led me into a phase of reflection and personal growth. Who was I without the moment of power? Had I gotten caught up in a religion of renewal? Was I involved in revivalism?
Isaiah 43:18–19 says
[18] “Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
[19] Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.”
There is once again a Spirit of revival sweeping through the land. As a result, there has been an increasing rise of so-called power ministries, which bring renewal to the Body of Christ through events, worship services, and training. The goal of these movements is to stir the church to prayer and repentance and to empower it, so that the church can experience renewal and restoration in the power of the Holy Spirit. I personally enjoy operating in such ministries, though I know that my calling is broader than just this aspect. In such ministry, you experience God up close, the impact of your prayers on people is more noticeable, and you also feel more supernatural love and hope.
These movements or “waves” are not new, however. Throughout church history, we see various waves emerge time and again, each one making a deep impact on people, churches, and existing movements.
Such developments often bring tension when enthusiasts wanting to share their experiences meet established structures, which have already been formed around specific visions and directions. Sudden spiritual renewal can feel like a disturbance or disruption, which often raises questions about theology, but also touches on themes like trust, influence, and status. It’s similar to the impact Uber had on traditional taxi companies: both serve the same target audience in the same field, but one’s vision and strategy may ‘disrupt’ or challenge the other.
Spiritual leaders typically operate from a strong, empowered conviction. Just like in business, you don’t start something only to abandon it after a few years when another strong vision comes along. You often want, consciously or unconsciously, to build something that outlasts you and serves the people you minister to. However, in the Kingdom of God, we are not competitors.
Luke 11:9–13 says:
[9] “So I say to you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.[11] If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? [12] Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?
[13] If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
The words of Jesus in Luke 11 show that His followers could already ask for the Holy Spirit during His life, before His death and resurrection, and the Father would give it to them in a certain way. This is remarkable because at that time, the resurrection and the birth of the Church had not yet taken place. For the followers, the concept of God as Father and the idea of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in people’s hearts were still new and not well understood.
However, Luke wrote for readers who lived after the resurrection and the birth of the Church and who were already becoming familiar with these concepts. Still, Jesus encouraged His followers to approach God as Father and ask for the Holy Spirit, even though they couldn’t fully understand what this meant. Jesus’ words point forward to a deeper, future fulfillment, where the Holy Spirit would fully dwell in the hearts of believers at Pentecost.
The Bible teaches us that there will always be new insights and revelations from the Holy Spirit, and we must learn to deal with them. A fitting term for this process is “present truth”—describing the process in which each believer, church, or movement finds itself. A truth may already exist but still be unknown to the recipient. The Holy Spirit leads us to discover this existing Truth, which appears new to the believer, church, or movement.
This is how new waves of movements form, as pioneers and reformers begin working with present truth. They build a theology and structure (or “wineskin”) around the spiritual workings and invite others to join them. The remarkable thing is that, even while one wave is still moving (or sometimes completed, though people within that system may not acknowledge it), another wave already begins to emerge. We live in a time where this process seems to be accelerating, even as multiple waves emerge simultaneously—while we must also be alert to both true and false movements—that flow into and permeate the Body of Christ. Factors like the internet, media, and professionalization further speed up this process. For the Church, this is like a “North Sea” of various currents and movements crossing each other and sometimes clashing. A pastor or movement leader can no longer maintain the illusion that congregants or followers are only loyal to “their own group.” Believers are discovering and exploring new insights and influences, integrating them into their collection of beliefs, choices, and priorities—including how they spend their time and money. As the leader of a ship at sea, one must be careful not to grip the rudder too tightly out of fear and control. One must not hold onto what is known more firmly, but continue trusting in the course set by the Creator.
A Religious Mindset in Me and in Us
The pastor’s decision led me to think deeply and invited me to take an honest look in the mirror. As a result, and honestly, I was given the opportunity several times later to reconsider my motivations, beliefs, and roles. Why did it affect me so deeply that I could not do what I was looking forward to? Had I become part of a religion of renewal? Had I become a dealer of renewal?
Luke 3:9 says:
“Indeed, the ax is already laid to the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
This verse reminds us that every ministry must bear fruit, but the fruit itself is not the ultimate goal—God is. Where is the ax in my life?
It seemed like time to do my homework. And if you are wise, you do this with prophets. These are ministries in the church with wisdom and discernment of spirits. They are pray-ers who can see and know quicker and better than others what is right or wrong. They can look straight through you while they themselves have often navigated through difficult times with Jesus for years. I feel blessed with precious gifts around me that I can call my friends and acquaintances.
Let me share some insights I gained during this period of reflection.
1.Renewal is not an end in itself. Moving in a power ministry is valuable, but it is not the highest goal of a Christian. Sometimes a religious mindset within spiritual leadership can define theology and vision, where the role of renewal may be over- or undervalued. Renewal should always serve the building up of the Body of Christ, not merely to amplify the power of the moment. The ultimate goal is to make Christ Himself more visible in our lives and the lives of others. We must be careful that our methods do not become a form of religion—consider altar calls, manifestations, and the often unconscious thinking of ‘anointed and non-anointed’.
2.Believers have different ministries and callings. Each of us carries unique gifts that together form the Body of Christ. Not every believer is called to the same ministry, and this is essential for the health of the church. Consider Elijah and Elisha, two ministries that manifested in different ways in different seasons. The Holy Spirit works through all of us in different ways, tailored to what the church and the world need in each season. This reminds me that the power ministry I was so looking forward to is just one aspect of a much larger plan in which every ministry plays a unique, important role.
3.We are not dealers of renewal. Ministry, whatever its form, is not about ego or self-fulfillment. Any form of service should never be about building one’s own status or satisfaction. The risk is that we, often unconsciously, put our own desires and longings for fulfillment first, instead of God’s will. True ministry is about humbly serving God and others, without focusing on personal recognition or success. We are not dealers of renewal who connect people to ourselves. We are mature vessels of the Kingdom through which revelation and truth may flow to God’s children.
4.Dependency and flexibility are essential in leadership. It is precisely when things do not go as expected that I learn the importance of flexibility in ministry. We must be willing to adjust our plans to align with the policies and vision of the congregation we serve, even when it is frustrating or challenging. This attitude requires us to set aside our personal preferences for the greater good and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes this means concluding, and sometimes it means challenging. But it always means aligning ourselves with God’s leading.
5.It is important to remain flexible and adaptive when leading a church or movement. There is nothing wrong with choosing a clear direction and strategy. However, if what you have built becomes more important than the leading of the Holy Spirit, you risk creating an idol in your sphere of influence. This could even be a church, a movement, or a powerful ministry. There is so much Truth that the Lord wants to reveal to the people you serve today; do not stand in the way. Facilitate and study, and have a soft heart. We remain both students and teachers at the same time.
6.This season of the church is also a great opportunity for the (re-)resurrection of solid home-theologians. I see an urgent need for understandable online platforms that help Christians find their way in the North Sea. Not to fill one’s own parish, but to pass on the passion for the Word, interpretation, and tradition to new generations. It is incomprehensible to me that theological institutions and pastors are not fully engaging with this. Help people navigate theologically at home, I would say. Be more disruptive in your resources and strategy rather than complaining about the storms at sea. Or are you still a dealer of knowledge instead of a channel for the Kingdom?
As I discussed these thoughts prayerfully with prophets I work with, I became aware of my tendency toward religiosity, both in myself and in others. As a ministry of power, it is our job not to give people the idea, consciously or unconsciously, that serving in the anointing during gatherings is the most important thing. Because it is not. Nor should we present renewal as the ultimate goal of our faith life. Our focus must always remain on Christ and His will, not on the form or way in which we serve Him.
Faith renewal is indeed very important, and we should not reject or overlook it. That spiritual leaders still do so today, believing it is not from God or unnecessary, saddens me and gives me a sense of frustration, knowing that they are hindering many believers from receiving the full gospel of the Kingdom rather than offering them an environment where it can break through.
This period of reflection has taught me again that true fruit comes from devotion to Christ, rather than from specific forms of ministry. It compels me to keep my focus on God and the fruit He wants to bear in everything, even in unexpected situations. Ministries of power must be free from religion and control, but remain adaptive and lead by example in following and flexibility.
A well-known pastor often says “character before anointing.” And he is absolutely right. God is looking for mature leaders who, like Jesus, can carry His Spirit for the long haul and faithfully.
God is doing something new— even after previous renewal. Who would have thought? Let’s be careful not to trap emerging spiritual generations in a theology meant for yesterday. That theology and the associated wineskin have their value and purpose, but they are not the final goal—just a part of it. We are not dealers, but simply carriers. New is new, and we do not yet know it. Back to the drawing board, back to the prayer room, back to the mirror. Back to humility.
What now?
Step into the river of renewal, enjoy the flow, and let it transform you completely. It is wonderful. And, leader, repent if you have hindered yourself or others from receiving what the Spirit offers through renewal—especially when you realize that others, for whom you are spiritually responsible, have even surpassed you. This is always a possibility.
When you stand in the river of renewal or serve from that river, do not forget that there is always more. There are many rivers and streams in the Spirit. The heavens in all their dimensions are so much greater. There is still much revelation about existing Truth available. And God continues to do new things, even during and after renewal.
However you turn it, you have to deal with renewal. Whether you seek it, reject it, or serve in it, renewal is a given. But the challenge is to ask yourself, do I miss the renewal within renewal? God is doing new things, don’t miss it by clinging to your cluttered religiosity. No matter how anointed you are.
Sven Leeuwestein advises and mentors leaders in churches, businesses, and politics at the intersection of spirituality and leadership. He is also the founder of Nations Ablaze, a movement that aims to contribute to the coming of the Kingdom by restoring apostolic and prophetic leadership in and through the church in Europe and Asia.
I once had the privilege of speaking at a church where I had been regularly leading services with great joy for many years. It was a dynamic and innovative congregation, where the power of the Spirit was visibly at work through His gifts. I was looking forward to concluding the sermon once again with an invitation to ‘come forward’ for prayer, so that people could be served by God’s tangible and transformative Presence.
Just before the service, the pastor—someone I deeply value and respect—casually approached me. He mentioned that he no longer wanted people to come forward for extended prayer at the front. Instead, those who wanted personal prayer could go to the back of the hall. He had his reasons for this, which I of course respected.
Although I found it difficult, especially since I was excited to serve in that particular way, I submitted as a guest speaker to the policy of the church. The sermon went excellently, and the responses were positive. However, this policy choice raised some questions for me and unexpectedly led me into a phase of reflection and personal growth. Who was I without the moment of power? Had I gotten caught up in a religion of renewal? Was I involved in revivalism?
Isaiah 43:18–19 says
[18] “Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
[19] Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.”
There is once again a Spirit of revival sweeping through the land. As a result, there has been an increasing rise of so-called power ministries, which bring renewal to the Body of Christ through events, worship services, and training. The goal of these movements is to stir the church to prayer and repentance and to empower it, so that the church can experience renewal and restoration in the power of the Holy Spirit. I personally enjoy operating in such ministries, though I know that my calling is broader than just this aspect. In such ministry, you experience God up close, the impact of your prayers on people is more noticeable, and you also feel more supernatural love and hope.
These movements or “waves” are not new, however. Throughout church history, we see various waves emerge time and again, each one making a deep impact on people, churches, and existing movements.
Such developments often bring tension when enthusiasts wanting to share their experiences meet established structures, which have already been formed around specific visions and directions. Sudden spiritual renewal can feel like a disturbance or disruption, which often raises questions about theology, but also touches on themes like trust, influence, and status. It’s similar to the impact Uber had on traditional taxi companies: both serve the same target audience in the same field, but one’s vision and strategy may ‘disrupt’ or challenge the other.
Spiritual leaders typically operate from a strong, empowered conviction. Just like in business, you don’t start something only to abandon it after a few years when another strong vision comes along. You often want, consciously or unconsciously, to build something that outlasts you and serves the people you minister to. However, in the Kingdom of God, we are not competitors.
Luke 11:9–13 says:
[9] “So I say to you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.[11] If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? [12] Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?
[13] If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
The words of Jesus in Luke 11 show that His followers could already ask for the Holy Spirit during His life, before His death and resurrection, and the Father would give it to them in a certain way. This is remarkable because at that time, the resurrection and the birth of the Church had not yet taken place. For the followers, the concept of God as Father and the idea of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in people’s hearts were still new and not well understood.
However, Luke wrote for readers who lived after the resurrection and the birth of the Church and who were already becoming familiar with these concepts. Still, Jesus encouraged His followers to approach God as Father and ask for the Holy Spirit, even though they couldn’t fully understand what this meant. Jesus’ words point forward to a deeper, future fulfillment, where the Holy Spirit would fully dwell in the hearts of believers at Pentecost.
The Bible teaches us that there will always be new insights and revelations from the Holy Spirit, and we must learn to deal with them. A fitting term for this process is “present truth”—describing the process in which each believer, church, or movement finds itself. A truth may already exist but still be unknown to the recipient. The Holy Spirit leads us to discover this existing Truth, which appears new to the believer, church, or movement.
This is how new waves of movements form, as pioneers and reformers begin working with present truth. They build a theology and structure (or “wineskin”) around the spiritual workings and invite others to join them. The remarkable thing is that, even while one wave is still moving (or sometimes completed, though people within that system may not acknowledge it), another wave already begins to emerge. We live in a time where this process seems to be accelerating, even as multiple waves emerge simultaneously—while we must also be alert to both true and false movements—that flow into and permeate the Body of Christ. Factors like the internet, media, and professionalization further speed up this process. For the Church, this is like a “North Sea” of various currents and movements crossing each other and sometimes clashing. A pastor or movement leader can no longer maintain the illusion that congregants or followers are only loyal to “their own group.” Believers are discovering and exploring new insights and influences, integrating them into their collection of beliefs, choices, and priorities—including how they spend their time and money. As the leader of a ship at sea, one must be careful not to grip the rudder too tightly out of fear and control. One must not hold onto what is known more firmly, but continue trusting in the course set by the Creator.
A Religious Mindset in Me and in Us
The pastor’s decision led me to think deeply and invited me to take an honest look in the mirror. As a result, and honestly, I was given the opportunity several times later to reconsider my motivations, beliefs, and roles. Why did it affect me so deeply that I could not do what I was looking forward to? Had I become part of a religion of renewal? Had I become a dealer of renewal?
Luke 3:9 says:
“Indeed, the ax is already laid to the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
This verse reminds us that every ministry must bear fruit, but the fruit itself is not the ultimate goal—God is. Where is the ax in my life?
It seemed like time to do my homework. And if you are wise, you do this with prophets. These are ministries in the church with wisdom and discernment of spirits. They are pray-ers who can see and know quicker and better than others what is right or wrong. They can look straight through you while they themselves have often navigated through difficult times with Jesus for years. I feel blessed with precious gifts around me that I can call my friends and acquaintances.
Let me share some insights I gained during this period of reflection.
1.Renewal is not an end in itself. Moving in a power ministry is valuable, but it is not the highest goal of a Christian. Sometimes a religious mindset within spiritual leadership can define theology and vision, where the role of renewal may be over- or undervalued. Renewal should always serve the building up of the Body of Christ, not merely to amplify the power of the moment. The ultimate goal is to make Christ Himself more visible in our lives and the lives of others. We must be careful that our methods do not become a form of religion—consider altar calls, manifestations, and the often unconscious thinking of ‘anointed and non-anointed’.
2.Believers have different ministries and callings. Each of us carries unique gifts that together form the Body of Christ. Not every believer is called to the same ministry, and this is essential for the health of the church. Consider Elijah and Elisha, two ministries that manifested in different ways in different seasons. The Holy Spirit works through all of us in different ways, tailored to what the church and the world need in each season. This reminds me that the power ministry I was so looking forward to is just one aspect of a much larger plan in which every ministry plays a unique, important role.
3.We are not dealers of renewal. Ministry, whatever its form, is not about ego or self-fulfillment. Any form of service should never be about building one’s own status or satisfaction. The risk is that we, often unconsciously, put our own desires and longings for fulfillment first, instead of God’s will. True ministry is about humbly serving God and others, without focusing on personal recognition or success. We are not dealers of renewal who connect people to ourselves. We are mature vessels of the Kingdom through which revelation and truth may flow to God’s children.
4.Dependency and flexibility are essential in leadership. It is precisely when things do not go as expected that I learn the importance of flexibility in ministry. We must be willing to adjust our plans to align with the policies and vision of the congregation we serve, even when it is frustrating or challenging. This attitude requires us to set aside our personal preferences for the greater good and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes this means concluding, and sometimes it means challenging. But it always means aligning ourselves with God’s leading.
5.It is important to remain flexible and adaptive when leading a church or movement. There is nothing wrong with choosing a clear direction and strategy. However, if what you have built becomes more important than the leading of the Holy Spirit, you risk creating an idol in your sphere of influence. This could even be a church, a movement, or a powerful ministry. There is so much Truth that the Lord wants to reveal to the people you serve today; do not stand in the way. Facilitate and study, and have a soft heart. We remain both students and teachers at the same time.
6.This season of the church is also a great opportunity for the (re-)resurrection of solid home-theologians. I see an urgent need for understandable online platforms that help Christians find their way in the North Sea. Not to fill one’s own parish, but to pass on the passion for the Word, interpretation, and tradition to new generations. It is incomprehensible to me that theological institutions and pastors are not fully engaging with this. Help people navigate theologically at home, I would say. Be more disruptive in your resources and strategy rather than complaining about the storms at sea. Or are you still a dealer of knowledge instead of a channel for the Kingdom?
As I discussed these thoughts prayerfully with prophets I work with, I became aware of my tendency toward religiosity, both in myself and in others. As a ministry of power, it is our job not to give people the idea, consciously or unconsciously, that serving in the anointing during gatherings is the most important thing. Because it is not. Nor should we present renewal as the ultimate goal of our faith life. Our focus must always remain on Christ and His will, not on the form or way in which we serve Him.
Faith renewal is indeed very important, and we should not reject or overlook it. That spiritual leaders still do so today, believing it is not from God or unnecessary, saddens me and gives me a sense of frustration, knowing that they are hindering many believers from receiving the full gospel of the Kingdom rather than offering them an environment where it can break through.
This period of reflection has taught me again that true fruit comes from devotion to Christ, rather than from specific forms of ministry. It compels me to keep my focus on God and the fruit He wants to bear in everything, even in unexpected situations. Ministries of power must be free from religion and control, but remain adaptive and lead by example in following and flexibility.
A well-known pastor often says “character before anointing.” And he is absolutely right. God is looking for mature leaders who, like Jesus, can carry His Spirit for the long haul and faithfully.
God is doing something new— even after previous renewal. Who would have thought? Let’s be careful not to trap emerging spiritual generations in a theology meant for yesterday. That theology and the associated wineskin have their value and purpose, but they are not the final goal—just a part of it. We are not dealers, but simply carriers. New is new, and we do not yet know it. Back to the drawing board, back to the prayer room, back to the mirror. Back to humility.
What now?
Step into the river of renewal, enjoy the flow, and let it transform you completely. It is wonderful. And, leader, repent if you have hindered yourself or others from receiving what the Spirit offers through renewal—especially when you realize that others, for whom you are spiritually responsible, have even surpassed you. This is always a possibility.
When you stand in the river of renewal or serve from that river, do not forget that there is always more. There are many rivers and streams in the Spirit. The heavens in all their dimensions are so much greater. There is still much revelation about existing Truth available. And God continues to do new things, even during and after renewal.
However you turn it, you have to deal with renewal. Whether you seek it, reject it, or serve in it, renewal is a given. But the challenge is to ask yourself, do I miss the renewal within renewal? God is doing new things, don’t miss it by clinging to your cluttered religiosity. No matter how anointed you are.
Sven Leeuwestein advises and mentors leaders in churches, businesses, and politics at the intersection of spirituality and leadership. He is also the founder of Nations Ablaze, a movement that aims to contribute to the coming of the Kingdom by restoring apostolic and prophetic leadership in and through the church in Europe and Asia.