Laying On Of Hands: Commissioning Ministers

We have been looking at one of the foundations of the faith which is the laying on of hands. The last use of laying on of hands was for the commissioning of ministers. We first have to acknowledge that laying on of hands doesn’t make ministers, but the laying on of hands was a public acknowledgement of what God had already done.

Apostles
Acts 13:1-3 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

In this passage we see some key principles. First of all, the group sought the Lord with prayer and fasting. As they did so, they received guidance from the Holy Spirit. Secondly the Holy Spirit spoke to them about setting Saul and Barnabus apart for the work. The tense indicates that the calling preceded the setting apart. God had already been calling these two for quite a while. We know this because Paul was called to this ministry from the first day of his conversion.

So the commissioning wasn't their bright idea, it was the idea of the Lord. The laying of hands was done to acknowledge what God was already doing. Then and only then do they then receive the laying on of hands to consecrate or set them apart for this ministry.

Notice that the act represented the open, public acknowledgement that God had chosen and called them to this special task.


Deacons and Elders
Acts 6:1-6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

Here we have the story of seven men who were appointed to an administrative office in the church. They were not specifically called deacons. But we see that the ministry was to help with administration of resources in the church. Similar to what we would call deacons today. Notice that though these men were chosen by the congregation, they were confirmed by the Apostles through the laying on of hands.

Deacons means servants. And the laying of hands upon them served three purposes:

1. Public acknowledgement that they accepted these men as fit for the office
2. Public commissioning for the specific task
3. Transmission of grace needed for the task.

We beleive that in the above cases, the laying on of hands was not just a formality. It wasn't laying empty heands on empty heads. No, there was an impartation of anointing that occurred. Evidence of this is given in the fact that at least two of the deacons went on to have powerful evangelistic ministries. (Stephen and Philip)

Elders likewise are to be commissioning by the laying on of hands of the apostles:

Titus 1:5-6 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

1 Tim 5:17-22 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages." 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

Laying on of hands was also part of the process in the commissioning of elders. Timothy receives the warning of not laying hands hastily in the context of a passage on elders.
Timothy is warned not to lay hands on hastily. Some have interpreted this warning in such a way as to make people afraid of touching sick or demonized people. I personally don’t believe demons can jump on you if you are walking with God.

Luke 13:10-13 On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." 13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.
NIV

You do not have to be afraid of touching demonized or sick people if you are walking with God. Now if you are not walking with God, all bets are off. The enemy can only go where he has been given a foothold.

But obviously, something where a spiritual dynamic of laying on of hands takes place should be handled wisely. You need to be careful whom you let lay hands on you.
Don’t receive ministry from one you do not trust, especially if you are not walking with God. That’s why I don’t encourage that we just turn around and lay hands on each other in a public meeting. But we leave laying on of hands to the proven leaders in the front of the church.

Individually, if you are a spirit filled believer, you should feel free to lay hands on the sick to see people healed.

Laying on of hands is one of the foundational doctrines of the faith. As we receive and transmit the anointing of the Spirit, we will be strengthened, empowered and see others healed as well!

Blessings!