Ministering the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Ministering the Baptism in the Holy Spirit Guiding Principles

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Value the person.

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Be sensitive to the Spirit, the person, and your environment.

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Don’t be weird.

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As an Altar Minister, please be aware that... ๏ We do not believe that the gift of tongues is required as the initial evidence of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. ๏ We do believe that the gift of tongues is available to every believer as a prayer language. ๏ We do believe that speaking in tongues involves a choice to open up the mouth and speak. ๏ We should never pressure, force, or manipulate someone in any way. If the gift of tongues happens, allow it to happen but the Spirit, there is no need to ask them to begin to speak in tongues while receiving ministry at the altar.

When Someone Asks to Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

1. Confirm that they have been born again.

2. Explain Luke 11:13 and the simplicity of asking and receiving by faith.

If you sense they are struggling with fear, go further into Luke 11.

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Luke 11:11-13 “What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Encourage them by talking about God’s faithfulness and goodness; according to his word, he will give us exactly what we ask for; we don’t need to be afraid that we’ll receive something not from God; have them pray and affirm their trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness to keep his promises.

Rev City Church

| 700 Wakarusa Dr | Lawrence, KS 66049 | 785.841.5685 | revcity.com

Ministering the Baptism in the Holy Spirit •

Explain to them that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not a “cookie-cutter” experience. It’s not the same for every person. God wants to give them exactly the experience they need for this moment of their lives. Some people feel the weight of God’s presence upon them, others feel a release of peace, love, or joy. Others experience a release of one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. For some this experience seems quite dramatic. For others it is not dramatic at all. The main point is to surrender to God with trust knowing that He is a good Father who will give you exactly what you need.

4. Have them ask the Father for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit; have them pray in their own words from their heart if possible, or you can have them repeat after you (in English) if needed.

5. Explain that you are going to pray for them and that they should simply wait and receive what God will do.

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Pray for them as God directs. ๏ You MAY: •

Pray with your eyes open!

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Lay hands on them gently, supporting the weight of your own hands/ arms.

๏ When laying on of hands, please ask permission and give explanation. ๏ YOU MAY NOT: •

Push them on their forehead or in any other way.

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Shake them in any way.

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Manipulate in any way.

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Prompt them to speak in tongues by asking them to repeat any thing after you.

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Pray or speak loudly or draw attention in any way.

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Do anything incongruent with the Guiding Principles listed above.

Rev City Church

| 700 Wakarusa Dr | Lawrence, KS 66049 | 785.841.5685 | revcity.com

Ministering the Baptism in the Holy Spirit Key: Avoid lengthy and prolonged ministry, ask them to pray and receive by faith. At conclusion of ministry and prayer, partner with them in giving thanks to the Lord for the gift of His Holy Spirit.

Rev City Church

| 700 Wakarusa Dr | Lawrence, KS 66049 | 785.841.5685 | revcity.com