Many young ministries copy the behavior and content of pioneers. While it is inspiring to learn from spiritual fathers and mothers, God’s intention is not for us to merely imitate them. He calls us to walk in our unique identity and anointing. In this article, I will discuss three biblical principles that help transition from being a parrot—one who merely repeats what they hear—to an eagle, soaring high in their own God-given destiny.
Receive Revelation Firsthand (Exodus 33:11)
Moses spoke with God face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. His servant Joshua remained in the tent, seeking God’s presence. Instead of relying solely on secondhand revelation from others, God calls us to come into His presence ourselves and hear directly from Him. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice” (John 10:27). A ministry built on a personal walk with God carries His authority and freshness.
It is certainly valuable to spend a season learning from others, but do so with the understanding that God has called you to receive and share revelation yourself. Learn not only from their teachings but also from their walk and lifestyle—how they arrived at that revelation—and apply what you recognize and can integrate into your own life.
Let Your Character Be Shaped (1 Samuel 17:39-40)
David refused to wear Saul’s armor, choosing instead to fight with the weapons he had mastered in the solitude of the fields. Many attempt to wear someone else’s armor, but true authority comes from the process in which God shapes our character. Just as an eagle leaves its nest and learns to ride the wind currents, we must learn to trust the Spirit and allow ourselves to be shaped by the processes God brings into our lives.
Every ministry comes with an unavoidable cost. The Holy Spirit wants to mold you, teach you to die to yourself, and transform your heart to reflect Jesus, so that you build His Kingdom rather than pursuing your own agenda. This process can take many years and is only complete when God says it is.
Move in the Power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)
Jesus promised that His disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. A ministry without the Spirit’s anointing is merely human effort. The eagle soars effortlessly on the wind currents, while the parrot must work hard to keep flapping its wings. When we are led by the Holy Spirit and His power is at work in us, our ministry will not merely echo others but become a powerful expression of God’s Kingdom.
Ministering in someone else’s anointing is not difficult—many do it eagerly. But who is the anointed one who has served and simultaneously seen their own oil rise through worship, service, prayer, and fasting?
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:19-20:
“But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”
The true power of God, dunamis, cannot be faked. It is either present in some measure or not at all. A parrot will pretend power is there and mimic what they see, but an eagle soars, learns, and grows in the grace of God. An eagle carries anointing and power.
But Didn’t Paul Say We Should Imitate Leaders?
Yes, he did. Paul encourages us to follow his example, but only to the extent that he himself follows Christ: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Paul was a pioneer and a relentless pursuer of God, receiving revelation through deep intimacy with Him. His life was the result of years of preparation, marked by both power and suffering, as well as servanthood. He did not seek fame or a platform but the salvation of his people, living out of a deep love for Jesus.
God does not call us to be parrots, but eagles who operate with discernment, wisdom, and power in their unique calling. Learn from others, but above all, seek Him for yourself, allow your character to be shaped, and move in the power of the Holy Spirit. Then, you will not merely repeat what others say but become a source of life and renewal in the ministry God has entrusted to you.
Sven Leeuwestein
Mentor, Coach, and Advisor in Spiritual Leadership
Receive Revelation Firsthand (Exodus 33:11)
Moses spoke with God face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. His servant Joshua remained in the tent, seeking God’s presence. Instead of relying solely on secondhand revelation from others, God calls us to come into His presence ourselves and hear directly from Him. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice” (John 10:27). A ministry built on a personal walk with God carries His authority and freshness.
It is certainly valuable to spend a season learning from others, but do so with the understanding that God has called you to receive and share revelation yourself. Learn not only from their teachings but also from their walk and lifestyle—how they arrived at that revelation—and apply what you recognize and can integrate into your own life.
Let Your Character Be Shaped (1 Samuel 17:39-40)
David refused to wear Saul’s armor, choosing instead to fight with the weapons he had mastered in the solitude of the fields. Many attempt to wear someone else’s armor, but true authority comes from the process in which God shapes our character. Just as an eagle leaves its nest and learns to ride the wind currents, we must learn to trust the Spirit and allow ourselves to be shaped by the processes God brings into our lives.
Every ministry comes with an unavoidable cost. The Holy Spirit wants to mold you, teach you to die to yourself, and transform your heart to reflect Jesus, so that you build His Kingdom rather than pursuing your own agenda. This process can take many years and is only complete when God says it is.
Move in the Power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)
Jesus promised that His disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. A ministry without the Spirit’s anointing is merely human effort. The eagle soars effortlessly on the wind currents, while the parrot must work hard to keep flapping its wings. When we are led by the Holy Spirit and His power is at work in us, our ministry will not merely echo others but become a powerful expression of God’s Kingdom.
Ministering in someone else’s anointing is not difficult—many do it eagerly. But who is the anointed one who has served and simultaneously seen their own oil rise through worship, service, prayer, and fasting?
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:19-20:
“But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”
The true power of God, dunamis, cannot be faked. It is either present in some measure or not at all. A parrot will pretend power is there and mimic what they see, but an eagle soars, learns, and grows in the grace of God. An eagle carries anointing and power.
But Didn’t Paul Say We Should Imitate Leaders?
Yes, he did. Paul encourages us to follow his example, but only to the extent that he himself follows Christ: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Paul was a pioneer and a relentless pursuer of God, receiving revelation through deep intimacy with Him. His life was the result of years of preparation, marked by both power and suffering, as well as servanthood. He did not seek fame or a platform but the salvation of his people, living out of a deep love for Jesus.
God does not call us to be parrots, but eagles who operate with discernment, wisdom, and power in their unique calling. Learn from others, but above all, seek Him for yourself, allow your character to be shaped, and move in the power of the Holy Spirit. Then, you will not merely repeat what others say but become a source of life and renewal in the ministry God has entrusted to you.
Sven Leeuwestein
Mentor, Coach, and Advisor in Spiritual Leadership