I’ve already put forth my opinion about the personality cult phenomenon going on in the church on several occassions. I’ve even prophesied what I believe to be a word related to the ushering in of a time of unprecedented team ministry. Now, I’d like to talk briefly about one of the unexpected benefits of working in ministry teams: what I call “the grace transfer.”
Simply put, when I am around prophetic people, I find that grace to prophesy “rubbing off” on me, and I become more functional in prophetic ministry. When I spend a great deal of time with extremely pastoral people, all love and sobbing passion, I become more sensitive to the needs of others and in-tune with how Christ regards his people in need. Am I just that impressionable? I doubt it.
This is what I believe Paul was describing in the following passage:
11For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;
12that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine. (Romans 1:11-12)
I believe that there is provision for actual impartation of grace from one person to another. I believe the effect is further intensified when apostolic teams are formed including all of the five fold graces. Each individual becomes part of a much greater synergistic whole. This is what is meant by “every joint supplieth.”
Joints are the places where various body parts come together. Community is the context for the release of outrageous grace, much of it supplied by heaven and some of it contributed by the gifts of individuals contributing to the whole. The resulting effect should be an environment of signs, wonders, and miracles brought about by a loving God with an eye towards the combined grace of cooperating people.
