Recognizing Spiritual Types In Ministry Development

Recognizing Spiritual Types In Ministry Development

I have had the privilege of training many sons and daughters, and preparing them for ministry. This task was not always easy, but I began to understand the importance of knowing the type of personality and the kind of spirit in the person that I am training. In studying the word of God, I began to realize that this was true about certain spirits and personality types. Some are more difficult to train than others, and some are a waste of time and energy. You must realize you will not be able to train and develop everyone that comes into your ministry. You must know who God has placed in your life and ministry for training and development, and who the enemy has brought to agitate and disrupt the purpose of God. It may be hard to imagine, but some people are placed strategically by the enemy to destroy and hinder your life and ministry. There are some people that simply do not fit with your personality type. They're not evil people, nor do they have any evil intentions, they simply do not fit into the things that you are trying to accomplish. Having a clear understanding of this will save you many heartaches and disappointments. My purpose is to help pastors, and others in the fivefold ministry to avoid the pitfalls involved in developing ministries and to know the joy of developing the right people. I have listed some of the men of God, whose lives and personalities I have studied. By no means is this a complete and exhaustive list. It will aid you in understanding and recognizing some of the spirits and personalities you are dealing with. There are also women in the Bible who exhibit certain personality traits, as wells as good and bad spirits. Perhaps at another time we will explore them in more detail. In your training and development, pray and ask God what type of spirit and personality you're dealing with and you will have a deeper understanding of what you are up against.

The Spirit of Absalom

An Absalom spirit many times goes undetected, because this is a family member or someone whom you have grown up with in your church or ministry. They will seem to be a normal part of your group, and many times, no one would even suspect them of being calculating, manipulating, and vengeful. Absalom with cold cruelty, plotted the death of his brother in order to accomplish a twofold purpose. One was to take revenge for his sister, and the other is part of his strategy to take the throne for himself. He was not willing to wait until the death of his father, he wanted the throne now.

Absalom probably allowed the seeds of rebellion to grow in him when his father took no action against Amnon . I can imagine him thinking, I can do a better job in bringing justice than my father can. So he began his two-year plot to take revenge upon his half-brother Amnon. When he met his brother he would neither speak good or evil to him. Amnon became pretty comfortable after a while, his father did not correct him, nor did there seem to be any retaliation from his other half-brother. This is easy to see because he was invited over to Absalom's to celebrate the shearing of his sheep. Amnon begin to drink very heavily with no regard to his safety, (I would think one of the reasons for his heavy drinking was to try to drown out the guilt and the shame he was carrying.) It was pretty easy for the servants of Absalom to kill him, he was not even aware of what was happening around him.

The spirit of Absalom is very manipulative, working in the background and seemingly unnoticed. Yet this spirit has a specific agenda to fulfill. After running away he returned to Jerusalem, but his father would not speak with him or see him for two years. He manipulated his way back into the presence of his father. He had a specific plan of taking the kingdom for himself. Now with his brother out of the way he began to execute his plan.

2 Samuel 15:1 “And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.”

2 Samuel 15:2 “And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy to come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.”

You would think after being accepted back into the kingdom he would be more cautious and thankful. But he did just the opposite, he prepared chariots and horses and 50 men to run before him to announce his coming. This action actually shows his true spirit, which was all pride and arrogance, which should have been noticed by his father. He was acting as if he was already king. He rose early every morning, and would stand at the gate and welcome every person who had a disagreement that would need to be settled by the king. He would pretend to be so caring and concerned about their issues. He would make it seem that the king was too busy and unconcerned about their problems. He would tell them that your cause or suit is just and if I was the judge I would rule in your favor. And every man that came near him he would do obeisance, then take their hand, and take hold of them and kiss them. This is so powerful, you may not understand it in the day and time we live in. But what he was doing was deceptive in acting as if he was really concerned and as if he was doing a service for the people. His charade worked very well for the Scripture saith, "Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel." He stole the hearts by lying, deceiving, conniving, and playing the role of a hypocrite.

Now the plan had manifested and was ready to be completely executed. He goes to his father King David, and plays the role of a hypocrite only this time adding a spiritual flavor to it. He asks his father to let him go to Hebron and pay his vow. But his real intention was to be crowned king at Hebron, and overthrow his father's kingdom.

There is a lot to be said concerning the spirit of Absalom. This is a spirit that is operating in the church today. It is a hard spirit to detect, because who would expect their own son to betray them. Yet operating in their hearts is a spirit of rebellion, manipulation, and plotting against the person who is in authority.

Those who are in leadership when this spirit is detected, it needs to be dealt with immediately and directly. David made a foolish mistake of letting it continue until it was out-of-control. He ended up running from his own son. You must expose this person’s secret agenda and make them realize that the spirit of rebellion is operating in them.

The Spirit of Judas

Every pastor and ministry will have a Judas to deal with. There's no way around it, even Jesus Christ understood the necessity of having a Judas in his ministry. As strange as it might sound, you cannot go to the next level without a Judas. Many reasons are given for Judas betrayal of Jesus, but Jesus knew from the very beginning what Judas would do. It is important to know who your Judas is.

Also notice, Judas betrays Jesus to the religious leaders. These religious leaders were in direct opposition of Jesus ministry, and tried every way possible to put a stop to his ministry. How happy they must have been to find Judas, at last they had a way of stopping Jesus ministry. It will be the same for you, very seldom are people on the outside of the church wishing to destroy a ministry, but it may be the other religious leaders who disagree with you for one reason or the other. They would happily receive someone who is on the inside of your ministry, someone you trust as a friend. This man knew Jesus place of prayer, how he operated, and his daily functions. When it comes to betraying you they will do it in a very religious way, just as Judas did with a kiss. Judas will lift you up to your next place, but it may seem like your death to them. In reality, the death of Jesus was the door to the greatest miracle of all, his resurrection. Judas will bring you to your place of resurrection, which will be the greatest miracle to take place in your ministry.

For 3 1/2 years Judas worked right beside Jesus, he healed the sick, he preached the gospel of the kingdom. His heart was not in doing the work of God, but in his own selfish motives of taking money out of the treasury for himself. No man can have two masters, for he would love one and hate the other. Judas, his master was money, and Satan used this avenue to get Judas to betray Jesus Christ. I also believe that Judas was trying to force Jesus to bring forth the Kingdom of God. They were looking for the Messiah to break the rule and the reign of the Roman Empire.

The Spirit of Samson

Samson represents someone who is highly gifted and talented. He or she can accomplish many great things, but never get control of their sexual life. This thing is especially true with men more than women, but I also have seen women dealing with the same issues. I would never forget one brother who was an excellent teacher of the word of God. He had in-depth knowledge and the ability to make the word of God easily applicable to one's life. Yet he had just one problem, there always seemed to be a woman that would bring him down. There were times I brought him into my office to correct his behavior, he would do well for a year or so and fall back into the same behavior. Samson had the strength to tear a lion with his bare hands, yet was unable to make an appropriate decision for his mate. His parents told him there were many daughters of his own people. He chose to marry someone that was not familiar, nor understood his God, and his people. This is a very familiar trait with people who have a spirit of Samson, they seem to specialize in picking the wrong person to marry. It is very important that you listen to your parents when choosing a mate (especially if they are people who have a relationship with God). They're not only praying for God to bring you the right mate, but they understand your personality and who will best fit you as a mate for a lifetime relationship.

Samson also had a problem with his temper, the moment something did not go his way he would easily fly off the handle. When he married his first wife, he married someone that was forbidden for him to marry according to Old Testament writings. During the wedding ceremony he put forth a riddle for his companions to solve.

"And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson's wife, "Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father's house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? Is it not so? And Samson's wife wept before him, and said, Thou dost but hate me, and lovest me not: thou hast put forth a riddle unto the children of my people, and hast not told it me. And he said unto her, Behold, I have not told it my father nor my mother, and shall I tell it thee? And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore upon him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people." (Jdg 14:15-17)

The definition for the Hebrew word "Entice" (pâthâh) is: to be simple, entice, deceive, persuade. She simply enticed, deceived (by weeping) until she got the answer of the riddle from her husband. She was willing to betray her husband at any cost. Samson became angry and left her. Sometime later he returned to his wife, only to find out that she had been married to another man. Once again he is angry and takes revenge for what they had done to him. This same cycle ran throughout his entire life. He would meet the wrong person, he would become angry, and act inappropriately because of his anger. The Spirit of God still came upon Samson and he would do great exploits for a time, until he fell back into the same trap. In the city of Gaza once again controlled by his passion, by fleshly desires he was enticed by a prostitute. He sleeps with her only to rise up at midnight and take the iron doors off their hinges and carry them away. The Samson syndrome is very much alive and well in our churches today, great victory one day, and absolute surrender to the enemy the next day because of a woman. Samson story is not complete without having a Delilah. Delilah is the enemy’s final plan to destroy all of his gifts and talents and render them useless for the Kingdom of God. If you're working with someone who has a Samson spirit you must help him get in control of those fleshly desires. Otherwise you will have a very long, tiring and disappointing journey.

The Spirit of David

In my many years of ministry I very seldom come across someone with the spirit of David, they are few and far between. If you're blessed with someone with this spirit train them well. They will be a blessing and assistance to you with all of their ability and strength. They are trustworthy, reliable, and have a heart for the presence of God. Usually, but not always they are musicians, praise and or worship leaders. When given a task they follow through. They always behave themselves wisely, and they are very respectful to leadership. The biggest mistake made by leaders who mentor one who has this kind of spirit is trying to hold onto them for the rest of their lives. Understand that once they become mature, they will rise up to do great things for the cause of God. Ask God to let you know when it is time to let them go. By the way, if you were ever to get into trouble, and seemed to be surrounded by the enemy, they would come to your rescue, without you having to call for them.

The Spirit of Joshua and Caleb

If there ever was a must-have type of people to train and develop it would be those with the spirit of Joshua and Caleb. Their greatest quality is their leadership ability, but they would rather follow. They are always very supportive, and are willing to follow you where ever you go. Just as they undergirded Moses by lifting his hands and arms when he was tired, they will undergird you and assist you to fulfill your assignment. They seemed to know what to do and how to do it, sometimes without even being told. They have no selfish agenda, they're only concern is carrying out what God has given you. They will follow you just as Joshua did Moses, in your every footstep. They will cover you, and guard the anointing that is placed upon your life. I hope every pastor and ministry leader would have a Joshua and Caleb to aid them.

The Spirit of Enoch

One of the things I saw about Enoch was he had a balanced lifestyle. It is quite evident that he had a very intimate relationship with God. Yet he continued to have children as he walked with God. It's a shame that so many of us do not have a balanced lifestyle. Sometimes people are so heavenly minded, they are no earthly good. Enoch had an intimate relationship with his wife, with his children, and with his God. It is quite obvious he had to have some type of employment or occupation in order to take care of his family. All the areas of his life were in well-balanced proportions. The Hebrew word for Enoch's name is “chanach”, which signifies to instruct, to initiate, to dedicate. The definition of his name gives us an insight into his character. He was a man that was dedicated to his family, to his children and to his God. The word instruct also shows us his character. He communicated the knowledge of God, to his family, and the community that he lived in. He was known as a godly and a righteous man who walked with God, and he was able to educate others in how to do so. After a detailed look at the meaning of the word instruct, you will find someone who is well informed and able to guide others into what he had learned. And of course, the word, initiate means to be introduced to by first doing it and then to teach the fundamentals to others of what you have received. Enoch did not have a passive relationship with God, but one that was very active in his family and others that were around him. He purposed to get others to walk with God as he did. The level of his walk is something that we all should desire, and strive to emulate. The Hebrew word for walk is “yithhallech”, it means he set himself to walk. When one sets himself, he deliberately prepares himself to do what's necessary in order to have a walk with God. I am quite sure during the times Enoch lived there were things that could or would distract him from walking with God. He purposed in his heart to set himself and prepare himself to walk with God. In our day and times, we find many distractions and elements that could lead us away from having an intimate relationship with God. Let us learn from Enoch, that we may set ourselves with purpose and determination to walk with God. If God puts a person with a spirit of Enoch in your church or ministry you can be assured that he or she will be a great example of a godly lifestyle, a person of good understanding, and willing to teach others.

Here are some of the other things I have found helpful in training and developing people for ministry and other areas for success in life.

Understanding the person you are working with.

I have found it very helpful to have a background history of the people that I'm training for ministry. Knowing every detail is not necessary, but certain things are an indication of trouble if not dealt with. I'll never forget a particular brother whose name I will not use of course. He would do extremely well in his training, but unexpectedly would just disappear. After the second time I sat him down to talk with him about his actions. I found out that he was physically abused as a child, and was suffering with low self-esteem. He would simply go into a state of depression and disconnect from everyone around him. After helping him with the tools he needed to be healed and delivered, he became a very successful worker in the ministry. Usually people who suffer from child abuse deal with low-self esteem, they may need extra help in that area. It is also helpful to encourage them not to marry a person who is domineering.

Sometimes you have people dealing with secret sins in their lives. These can be things such as pornography, and other hidden secrets. I remember a young man who was training for ministry who could preach very well, and was a good motivator for others. But I knew there was something in his life that needed to be dealt with. After setting him down and I began to deal quite frankly with him and I found out that he was a cross-dresser. After so many years of being in ministry and counseling very seldom does anything surprise me. What was disappointing to me was he was unwilling to surrender this area of his life to God. He simply left the area, and moved to an area where no one knew of his secret.

There are other times people become successful in ministry, but their past life is well remembered by everyone else in the community. The young man I am thinking of was fully and completely delivered from the life of homosexuality. The community that he lives in could only see his past life. There were also problems with some of the members in the church, this became quite evident when one day he was sitting by a teenage son of one of the church members. They abruptly moved the boy away from him and placed him in another area. I knew that he was completely delivered and set free by the power of God. The problem was people still remembered his past. I called a pastor friend of mine, and sent him to a ministry halfway across the country where no one knew him. He found a beautiful young lady who understood his past and the grace of God that had delivered him. He is now pastoring and has a very large congregation. (He has a very successful ministry of helping many men and women to be delivered from homosexuality)

Hopefully my point is well taken. A little background information can go a long way in helping to develop the person for the work of God.

Background check

Who would have ever thought that we would live in a day and time that background checks would be necessary. I was working with a ministry in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We had a large number of ministers to join the ministry. At that time I was responsible for training and developing the ministers and their ministry. My experience with other ministries led me to start doing background checks. A minister came to us who seemed to be highly skillful. There was something in my spirit that just didn't feel quite right. I followed protocol, and asked him to fill out the necessary papers. As I began to call the churches that he came from I was receiving one bad report after another. When I confronted him with the information that I had gathered he became very enraged, and asked why I would have the audacity to check with the churches that he came from. Surely, if I was spiritual I would be able to detect that he was a man of God. Within a week he had left us to go somewhere else. Background checks can save you many headaches and unnecessary trouble. Another organization I was working with was about to install a pastor when his background check came back I noticed on the police report that he had been charged with child molesting. Thinking this had to be a mistake I made the necessary calls, they were very interested in this person and made the necessary arrangements to pick him up that day.

Commitment Level

It is a waste of time to train someone who is not fully committed to the call of God. Talent and ability mean very little if you're not committed in all areas of your life. When I find people who are not willing to make a full commitment, I would simply ask them to let me know when they're able to commit to God and to the developing of their own abilities. Needless time is wasted on excuses and those who are unwilling to take responsibility. This is a waste of your time and theirs.

Education

I believe education has a proper place in helping people go to the next level. If they are not willing to invest in themselves why should I be willing to invest in them. I push for everyone I train to have the minimum of two years of college training, a community college, a University, or online training shows me a personal willingness to invest in themselves.

Hopefully this short study was helpful. In my opinion it is important to understand every person you are training and developing. We who are leaders must continue to grow and develop ourselves. Never use people for our selfish needs and desires. We should never grow jealous or envious of anyone that God has placed in our path. Nor do we wish to develop a Saul mentality. Saul should have been a father to David, but instead he found himself being jealous of someone he could have had the opportunity to train and to build the kingdom of God. It is when we think that we are irreplaceable, that we began to destroy our spiritual sons and daughters. I pray that God would give you a Caleb, and a Joshua to carry on the work that God has placed in your hand.

Copyright © 2009 Ronald Flowers Ministries. All rights reserved.