THE ROLE OF AN ALTAR MINISTER

• Facilitate the Holy Spirit's ministry to a person.

• Follow established NC Altar Team ministry protocol. (While individuals may have their own ministry styles or techniques, when serving on the NC Altar Team we commit to following the same shared protocol. This helps us minister in unity, maintain consistency, and serve together effectively as one team.)

• Listen, listen; love, love. (Love is the motivation for all ministry.)

• Your role is not to function as a counselor or to rebuke or correct people during ministry.

QUALITIES OF AN ALTAR MINISTER

• Keeps relationship with God first and foremost

• Carries a servant's heart of humility

• Walks in holiness, forgiveness, and love

• Remains teachable and flexible

• Exhibits the fruit of the Spirit

• Is full of the Holy Spirit

MINISTRY PRACTICES

PRAYING IN PAIRS

• When possible, altar ministers should serve and pray in pairs. During Sunday morning services, male/female ministry teams are encouraged when available.

• Altar ministers should always exercise wisdom, healthy boundaries, and accountability while ministering to individuals, especially when praying for someone of the opposite sex.

GREETING AND MINISTERING TO A PERSON

• Have good breath.

• Smile.

• Introduce yourself.

• Help the person feel at ease.

• Ask the person's name (if unknown).

• Repeat the person's name to help remember it.

• Ask how you can pray for the person.

• Stay attentive to the person and to the leading of the Holy Spirit while ministering.

BEING LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

• People often come forward in response to a specific altar call, such as salvation, healing, freedom, encouragement, or another area of need. While it is important to minister in alignment with the reason they have come forward, remain sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes a person seeks prayer for one thing, while the Holy Spirit desires to encourage, strengthen, heal, reveal truth, or minister more deeply in another area of the person’s life.

• Consider: What is the Holy Spirit doing? How does He want to reveal Himself? Is repentance part of this prayer time? Are there wounds, lies, or spiritual influences that need to be addressed?

• Be sensitive, humble, and Spirit-led, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide the prayer time while continuing to honor and care well for the person receiving ministry.

PHYSICAL CONTACT DURING MINISTRY

• If appropriate, altar ministers should ask permission before making physical contact while praying. For example: “Do you mind if I place my hand on your shoulder as we pray?”

• On a Sunday morning at New Covenant, placing a hand on a person’s shoulder with permission should be the primary and most common form of physical contact during ministry time.

• If an altar minister feels led by the Holy Spirit to anoint someone with oil, permission should always be obtained before applying oil to a person’s head, hands, or any other area.

• When praying for physical healing, if the affected area is non-sensitive (such as an arm, shoulder, foot, or eyes), the altar minister may gently place a hand near or on that area after receiving permission. For sensitive areas of the body, the individual should place his or her own hand on the affected area, and the altar minister may ask permission to place a hand on top of the person’s hand while praying. When praying for healing in a sensitive area, it may be more appropriate for a same-sex altar minister to provide any necessary physical contact during ministry.

• All physical contact during ministry should be appropriate, respectful, minimal, and guided by wisdom, honor, and healthy boundaries.

• Avoid rubbing or massaging.

• Never push or pull on anyone.

• After ministry takes place, a hug may sometimes be appropriate. Use wisdom and be mindful of personal boundaries and comfort levels. When ministering to someone you do not know well or who is new to the church, always ask permission before initiating a hug or other physical contact. Use side hugs with the opposite sex.

MAINTAINING CONFIDENTIALITY

• Altar ministers have a responsibility to keep matters confidential.

• Confidential information should not be discussed with team members unnecessarily.

• Information shared during ministry should be treated with care, discretion, and confidentiality.

Limits of Confidentiality

• There are certain situations that require immediate pastoral involvement and may require reporting or intervention.

• If someone discloses abuse, neglect, self-harm, suicidal intent, threats of harm to self or others, or any situation involving the safety of a child or vulnerable person, immediately involve an NC pastor. Do not promise confidentiality in situations that may require pastoral involvement, reporting, or intervention.

  • • Example response: “Thank you for trusting me with that. Because I care about your safety and well-being, I need to involve one of our pastors so we can help you appropriately. We will handle this carefully and involve only those who need to be involved.”

• If a person discloses involvement in criminal activity, immediately involve an NC pastor in the ministry time. Allow church leadership to determine any appropriate pastoral, legal, safety, or reporting considerations.

  • • Example response: “Thank you for sharing that with me. I would like to invite one of our pastors to join us so that we can care for you well and help you take the appropriate next steps.”

• Altar ministers should not investigate, gather extensive details, or attempt to handle these situations on their own. Their responsibility is to involve a pastor immediately and allow church leadership to provide appropriate care, guidance, reporting, and next steps.

ALTAR MINISTRY PROTOCOL

LOVE IS THE MOTIVATION

• Love is the motivation for all ministry.

• "And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing" (1 Corinthians 13:2).

• Always minister from a place of compassion, humility, and genuine care for the person in front of you.

BE ATTENTIVE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

• Before immediately speaking or praying at length, you may consider taking a few moments to quietly pray in the Spirit under your breath and listen for the leading of the Holy Spirit. This helps you become sensitive to what the Lord may be saying, revealing, or wanting to do in that moment as you minister to the person.

• Do not spend the entire prayer time with your eyes closed. While there may be moments when you briefly close your eyes to listen to the Holy Spirit or focus in prayer, remain attentive to the person in front of you and to what is happening around you.

• Keeping your eyes open allows you to recognize a person’s comfort level, emotional responses, physical needs, or if additional help is needed during ministry. It also allows the Holy Spirit to draw your attention to something that may be significant for ministry. He may highlight a facial expression, posture, article of clothing, physical feature, or other detail that can lead to a word of encouragement, a prophetic impression, increased discernment, or a specific direction for prayer. Always submit such impressions to the Lord and share them with humility and love.

MINISTER WITH WISDOM AND CARE

• The role of the altar minister is to pray, encourage, and minister—not to rebuke, correct, or counsel.

• Share and/or pray Scripture.

• Share a quick personal testimony when appropriate.

• If advice is given, keep it minimal and Spirit-led. (Again, this is a prayer time—not a counseling session.)

• Always point people toward Jesus and Scripture, and encourage personal discernment and pastoral counsel.

PROPHETIC MINISTRY GUIDELINES

• Prophetic ministry should encourage, strengthen, and comfort rather than control or manipulate (see 1 Corinthians 14:3).

• Avoid giving highly directive prophetic words regarding relationships, relocation, marriage, finances, or major life decisions. (Avoid prophesying about marriage, money, and moves.)

• Be careful not to speak in a way that pressures people or removes their responsibility to seek the Lord personally.

• Minister with humility. Avoid presenting personal impressions as infallible words from God. When sharing what you believe the Holy Spirit may be revealing, use language such as, “I sense…” or “I feel like the Lord may be saying…” rather than “Thus saith the Lord.” This allows the person receiving ministry to prayerfully discern what is being shared and acknowledges that we all hear and perceive in part.

• All ministry impressions, words, or promptings should be tested and remain consistent with Scripture and the character of Jesus.

HELPING PEOPLE RECEIVE TRUTH

• If a person makes a statement that reveals a lie they are believing about themselves, you may gently ask them to close their eyes while you ask the Lord out loud, “Jesus, what is the truth?”

• Give the person a few moments to listen and process.

• If they do not sense the Lord saying anything, it may be appropriate to ask, “Is there anyone you need to forgive?” (Sometimes unforgiveness, wounds, or past experiences can make it difficult for a person to receive truth clearly.)

• Once a person walks through forgiveness, ask the Lord again, “Jesus, what is the truth?”

FORGIVENESS PRAYERS

[FORGIVING ANOTHER PERSON]

• Lord Jesus, I forgive _________________ for _________________.

• I forgive him, and I bless him.

• I ask You to forgive him and to bless him.

• I ask You to forgive me for any bitter root of judgement that I have held against him for this. I don’t want to hold on to it any longer. I lay it at Your feet, and I ask you to take it. In Jesus’ name, amen!

[FORGIVING YOURSELF]

• Lord Jesus, forgive me for __________________. I receive Your forgiveness, and because You have forgiven me, I choose to forgive myself.

• I ask You to forgive me for any bitter root of judgement that I have held against myself for this. I don’t want to hold on to it any longer. I lay it at Your feet, and I ask you to take it. In Jesus’ name, amen!

BLESS, FILL, AND CELEBRATE

• Bless the person in the name of the Lord.

• Pray Scripture, agreeing with God's Word and His promises.

• As you pray general blessings, listen for specific words, themes, or prayers of blessing that the Holy Spirit may bring to mind. Ask the Lord how He desires to encourage, strengthen, comfort, or minister to the person, and pray accordingly.

• When praying for freedom, healing, or deliverance, do not simply focus on what needs to leave. Also pray for the person to be filled with God’s presence, love, peace, truth, joy, and the work of the Holy Spirit. As areas of bondage, fear, pain, or oppression are addressed, ask the Lord to fill every place with His life and goodness.

• As you conclude, thank God for what He has done and celebrate His goodness, faithfulness, and love. End the prayer with faith and gratitude, trusting the Lord to continue His work in the person’s life.

SAVED COMPLETELY

• SOZO (Greek pronunciation: sode'-zo) means “to save, heal, deliver, protect, and make whole.”

• In the New Testament, this word is used to describe not only salvation from sin, but also healing, restoration, deliverance, and wholeness through Jesus Christ.

• We have the incredible opportunity to minister to people who need salvation, healing, freedom, and restoration—trusting the Holy Spirit to bring the wholeness that is found in Jesus.

UNDERSTANDING SALVATION

OUR NEED FOR A SAVIOR

• God created us for relationship with Him. He loves us, desires fellowship with us, and created us to know Him.

• However, sin has separated humanity from God. Every person has sinned and fallen short of God’s standard.

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

• The consequence of sin is spiritual death and separation from God.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

• No amount of good works, religious activity, or personal effort can remove our sin or restore our relationship with God.

• When ministering to someone seeking salvation, help them understand that salvation begins with recognizing our need for a Savior and our inability to save ourselves.

THE GOSPEL

• Because of our need, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ. The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ—His life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and Lordship. At the center of the gospel is the truth that Jesus died for our sins and rose again so that we might be forgiven, reconciled to God, and receive eternal life through faith in Him.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

• Jesus lived the sinless life that we could not live, took our sin upon Himself at the cross, and made it possible for us to be made right with God.

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

• Salvation is not earned through our own good works. It is the free gift of God received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

• The result of salvation is reconciliation with God and peace with Him through Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Romans 5:1)

WHAT IS REPENTANCE?

• Repentance is more than feeling sorry for sin. Biblical repentance involves a change of mind that results in a change of direction. It is turning from sin and self-rule and turning toward Jesus Christ.

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,” (Acts 3:19)

“Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.'” (Mark 1:14-15)

• When ministering to someone seeking salvation, help them understand that repentance is not merely admitting wrongdoing. It is surrendering to Jesus as Lord and choosing to follow Him.

FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST

• Salvation is received by placing one's trust in Jesus Christ alone.

“So they said, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.'” (Acts 16:31)

• Faith is not simply believing facts about Jesus. Saving faith involves trusting Him as Savior and surrendering your life to His Lordship.

CONFESSING JESUS IS LORD

• The New Testament teaches that salvation involves openly identifying with Jesus and confessing Him as Lord.

“that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)

• The goal is not simply to repeat a prayer, but to make a sincere decision to follow Jesus.

SALVATION IS THE BEGINNING

• Salvation is not the finish line; it is the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Jesus and a lifelong journey of discipleship.

“Then He said to them all, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.'” (Luke 9:23)

• Encourage new believers that following Jesus involves being baptized, learning His ways, walking with Him daily, growing in His Word, and becoming part of His Church family.

LEADING SOMEONE TO JESUS

LISTEN TO THEIR STORY

• Take a few moments to understand where the person is spiritually.

• Ask simple questions such as:

  • • What brought you forward today?

    • Tell me about your relationship with Jesus.

    • Have you previously given your life to Christ?

    • What do you believe God is doing in your life right now?

• Listen carefully and allow the Holy Spirit to give wisdom and discernment.

• NOTE: When appropriate, altar ministers may invite individuals to the Prayer Room for greater privacy and a quieter environment for conversation and ministry.

SHARE THE GOSPEL

• Explain the gospel simply and clearly.

• Help the person understand:

  • • God loves them.

    • Sin separates us from God.

    • Jesus died for our sins and rose again.

    • Salvation is a free gift of God and is not earned.

    • Following Jesus begins with repentance and believing on Him as Lord and Savior.

• Avoid rushing into a prayer before ensuring the person understands the gospel.

INVITE THEM TO RESPOND

• Ask direct but simple questions:

  • • Are you ready to turn from your old life and follow Jesus?

    • Would you like to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior today?

• Give them time to respond. If the person is undecided, trust the Holy Spirit to continue working in their heart. Our role is to lovingly present the gospel and invite a response, not pressure someone into making a decision.

LEAD THEM IN PRAYER

• There is no perfect salvation prayer.

• Encourage the person to express repentance, faith, and surrender to Jesus using their own words whenever possible.

• If needed, help guide them through a simple prayer.

[SAMPLE PRAYER] Lord Jesus, I recognize that I am a sinner and that I need You. I have lived my own way, and I ask You to forgive me for my sin. I believe that You died for my sins, were buried, and rose again. I believe that You are the Son of God and that You alone can save me. Today I turn from my old life and place my faith in You. I receive Your gift of forgiveness and salvation. I surrender my life to You. I confess You as my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Help me to follow You, obey You, and grow in my relationship with You. Thank You for loving me and forgiving me. Thank You for making me a new creation. In Jesus’ name, amen.

PRAY FOR THEM

• After they receive Christ:

  • • Thank God for saving them.

    • Pray for the Holy Spirit’s work in their life.

    • Pray for freedom, healing, peace, and growth in Christ.

    • Celebrate what God has done.

BLESS THEM

• New believer gift bags are located on top of the cabinet in the hallway just outside the Prayer Room.

• Every person who receives Christ should be offered a gift bag before leaving.

• If a person does not have a Bible or would like one, Bibles are available on the bottom shelf of the small table in the Prayer Room.

ENCOURAGE NEXT STEPS

• Explain that salvation is the beginning.

• As you're led by the Holy Spirit, encourage simple next steps:

  • • Water baptism

    • Connect Group

    • Community with other believers

• Record the person’s name and cell phone number for follow-up and connection using the simple procedure below.

SALVATION FOLLOW-UP

COMPLETE A SALVATION RECORD

• After ministering to the individual, complete a Salvation Record using one of the NFC cards located along the edge of the stage on top of the small square speakers. For your convenience, there is also an NFC card on the small table in the Prayer Room. Simply tap your phone on the card and complete the online form.

• After submitting the form, you will receive a text message containing the person’s name and cell phone number.

• NOTE: If the person you prayed with is a minor, the text message will be sent to the NC Children’s Pastor or NC Youth Pastor.

FOLLOW-UP

• The altar minister is simply asked to make one follow-up contact by text message and/or phone call during the week following the person's salvation decision. The purpose is to encourage them, celebrate their decision, and help point them toward their next steps in following Jesus.

HEALING AND THE ATONEMENT

• Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provided salvation for humanity and made reconciliation with God possible. Scripture also connects Christ’s redemptive work to healing and restoration.

“Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:4-5)

“that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses.”” (Matthew 8:17)

“who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)

• These passages reveal that healing is connected to the redemptive work of Christ and provide a biblical basis for praying for the sick.

• At New Covenant, we believe it is appropriate and biblical to pray for healing because of Christ’s finished work on the cross. We believe Jesus’ redemptive work provides a biblical foundation for praying for the sick with faith and expectancy.

GOD’S PROVISION FOR HEALING

• Scripture reveals God as Healer and demonstrates His desire to bring restoration and wholeness to His people.

“I am the Lord who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26b)

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,” (Psalm 103:2-3)

• Because of God’s character and Christ’s redemptive work, we believe it is appropriate and biblical to pray for healing today.

HEALING IN THE MINISTRY OF JESUS

• Healing was a regular part of Jesus’ earthly ministry. He healed the sick, ministered to the hurting, demonstrated the Kingdom of God, and revealed the heart of the Father.

“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.” (Matthew 4:23)

“how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38)

• When we pray for the sick, we are following the example of Jesus.

HEALING IN THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH

• Jesus commissioned His followers to minister to the sick and demonstrate the Kingdom of God.

“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)

“And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” (Luke 10:9)

• Following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, healing remained a normal part of the Church’s ministry.

“Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”” (Acts 3:6)

“And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.” (Acts 5:14-16)

“Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul,” (Acts 19:11)

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14)

• Healing ministry was not limited to Jesus or the original disciples. Throughout the New Testament, believers continued to pray for the sick and minister in the name of Jesus.

OUR APPROACH TO HEALING MINISTRY

• We believe God still heals today and that all believers can participate in praying for the sick.

“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)

• We pray with faith and expectancy because God is able to heal.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

• We minister with compassion, humility, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit.

• We do not place our confidence in a method, a formula, or our own ability. Our confidence is in Jesus Christ.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

• Our responsibility is to pray faithfully, love people well, and trust God with the outcome.

UNDERSTANDING WHOLE-PERSON MINISTRY

• Human beings are created by God as spirit, soul, and body, and these parts of our being are interconnected.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

• When a person is born again, he is instantly made a new creation in Christ and redeemed from the curse of sin and death.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

• The believer's spirit is immediately made alive and reconciled to God. However, the soul and body may still bear the effects of the Fall, past wounds, learned behaviors, sinful patterns, trauma, unhealthy beliefs, sickness, disease, oppression, and other areas that require healing and restoration.

• When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He brought him to life instantly. Yet Lazarus still emerged wrapped in grave clothes.

“And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, 'Loose him, and let him go.'” (John 11:44)

• In a similar way, when a person is born again, new life comes immediately through Jesus Christ. Yet there may still be areas of the soul and body that require healing, freedom, restoration, discipleship, and transformation. Significantly, after raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus told those around him, “Loose him, and let him go.” Jesus gave Lazarus life, but others helped remove the grave clothes that still restricted him.

• As believers renew their minds with God's Word, repent where necessary, reject lies, embrace truth, exercise faith, and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit within the context of biblical community, the old “grave clothes” are progressively removed, allowing greater freedom to live the life Christ has provided.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

• Because spirit, soul, and body are interconnected, physical conditions may at times be connected to emotional wounds, unforgiveness, lies, fear, grief, trauma, spiritual oppression, or other issues that need ministry. For this reason, altar ministers should seek to minister to the whole person while remaining sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 2)

• In Luke 13, Jesus ministered to a woman who had been bound by a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years. As a result, she was bent over and unable to fully straighten herself. Her healing involved not only physical restoration but also freedom from spiritual oppression.

“But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, 'Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.'” (Luke 13:12)

• At times, the Holy Spirit may reveal that a physical condition is connected to spiritual oppression, emotional wounds, unforgiveness, lies, trauma, or other issues that need ministry. In these moments, the Holy Spirit often leads us beyond the outward symptoms to minister to underlying areas that need healing, freedom, truth, or restoration.

• However, not every sickness, disease, or physical condition is the result of an unclean spirit, personal sin, emotional wounds, trauma, or another specific root cause. We live in a fallen world where sickness, disease, injury, and physical weakness exist as a result of the Fall.

• Altar ministers should remain dependent upon the Holy Spirit, listen for His direction, and focus on loving the person well while ministering to them. The Holy Spirit may reveal a specific root issue that needs ministry, but one should never be assumed.

• Jesus revealed the Father's heart wherever He went by healing the sick, setting people free, and restoring what was broken. As altar ministers, we have the privilege of partnering with the Holy Spirit as He brings healing, freedom, restoration, and encouragement to people. Like those who stood around Lazarus, we are often invited to help loose people and let them go so they can walk more fully in the freedom Christ has provided.

PREPARING TO MINISTER

• Before ministering to others, be sure to take the necessary time to prepare your own heart before the Lord.

• Love is the motivation for all ministry. We do not minister out of pressure, performance, or a desire to produce results. We minister because God loves people and desires to reveal His goodness to them.

• Quiet your heart before the Lord. Invite the Holy Spirit to lead the ministry time and ask for wisdom, discernment, compassion, and sensitivity to His voice.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

• Remember that Jesus is the healer, deliverer, and restorer. We are simply partnering with the Holy Spirit and ministering in the authority of Jesus' name.

• Remain dependent upon the Holy Spirit throughout the entire ministry time.

FIVE-STEP HEALING MINISTRY MODEL

• The Five-Step Healing Ministry Model is a practical tool that helps our altar team minister to people in a loving, organized, and Spirit-led manner. It is not a formula and should never replace dependence upon the Holy Spirit.

• The goal is not to complete five steps. The goal is to love people well and cooperate with what the Holy Spirit is doing.

STEP 1: INTERVIEW

• Begin by listening.

• Ask the person how you can pray for them and allow them to briefly explain their need.

Examples:

• What would you like prayer for?

• How long have you had this condition?

• Do you know what caused it?

• Have you seen a doctor for this condition?

• Were there any significant events in your life around the time this condition began?

• Is there anyone you need to forgive? (This may be asked during the interview or later in the ministry time as the Holy Spirit leads.)

• As you listen, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment.

• The purpose of the interview is not to gather extensive information or counsel the individual. Rather, it helps the altar minister understand the need while listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit.

• At times, emotional wounds, trauma, grief, fear, rejection, or unforgiveness can contribute to physical symptoms. While this should never be assumed, the Holy Spirit may reveal areas that need ministry in addition to physical healing.

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;” (James 1:19)

STEP 2: DISCERN HOW TO MINISTER

• As you listen, ask the Holy Spirit how He would like you to minister.

• At times, the ministry focus may be physical healing. At other times the Holy Spirit may highlight forgiveness, repentance, emotional healing, freedom from spiritual oppression, encouragement, or a truth that needs to be embraced.

• Generally speaking, healing ministry often involves two biblical approaches:

Petition

• Petition prayer asks God to move, heal, restore, reveal truth, bring freedom, or minister to the person.

Examples:

• Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask You to heal this back.

• Father, in the name of Jesus, release Your healing power in this body right now.

Command

• Commands speak directly to parts of the body, physical conditions, or specific unclean spirits in the authority of Jesus’ name.

Examples:

• In the name of Jesus, I command all pain to leave Jane's wrist.

• In Jesus' name, I command every afflicting spirit to leave Bill's body. You must go now in Jesus' name. 

• In the book of Acts, we frequently see believers ministering through commands and declarations in the name of Jesus.

“Then Peter said, 'Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.'” (Acts 3:6)

• Both petitions and commands are biblical. Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

STEP 3: PRAY

• Invite and welcome the Holy Spirit's presence.

• A simple prayer such as “Come, Holy Spirit” is often an appropriate place to begin.

• Encourage the person receiving prayer to adopt a posture of receiving from the Lord. They do not need to strive, perform, or make something happen. Encourage them simply to receive what the Lord desires to do.

• Pray simply, clearly, and with faith.

• Avoid lengthy sermons, teaching, or excessive explanation.

• Minister in the authority of Jesus' name.

“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)

• Pray Scripture when appropriate.

• Bless the person in the name of the Lord.

• If the Holy Spirit highlights forgiveness, gently lead the person through forgiving another person, forgiving themselves, or releasing unforgiveness they may be holding toward God. (God has done nothing wrong, but a person may still need to surrender disappointment, anger, confusion, or offense they have carried toward Him.)

• If a person desires forgiveness from God, help lead them in an appropriate prayer.

• If spiritual oppression is discerned, minister in the authority of Jesus' name and command unclean spirits to leave.

• Keep prayers and declarations short, clear, and faith-filled.

• Allow time for the Holy Spirit to work.

• Listen as much as you speak.

STEP 4: RE-INTERVIEW

• After praying, ask the person what they are experiencing.

Examples:

• What are you noticing now?

• Has anything changed?

• Has the pain increased, decreased, or moved?

• Do you notice any improvement?

• If appropriate, encourage the person to gently test the affected area.

• Celebrate every improvement and thank God for what He is doing.

• Do not pressure people to report healing or improvement that has not occurred.

• If a person is under medical care, encourage them to continue following the advice of their physician and to seek appropriate medical confirmation before making any changes to medications, treatments, or medical decisions.

STEP 5: PRAY AND ENCOURAGE

• If improvement has occurred, continue praying and thanking God for what He is doing.

• If there has been no noticeable change, do not become discouraged and do not blame the person.

• You may:

  • • Pray again.

    • Ask the Holy Spirit for additional direction.

    • Address forgiveness if appropriate.

    • Share Scripture.

    • Offer encouragement.

    • Invite additional ministry.

• Continue loving the person well regardless of the outcome.

• Our responsibility is not to produce a result. Our responsibility is to love people well, pray faithfully, minister in the name of Jesus, and trust God with the outcome.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Do not pressure people to respond in a certain way.

• Do not tell people to stop taking medication or discontinue medical treatment.

• Do not blame the person if healing does not occur.

• Minister with compassion, humility, faith, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit.

• Love well.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

WHAT IS A WORD OF KNOWLEDGE?

• A word of knowledge is a supernatural revelation of information from the Holy Spirit.

“For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,” (1 Corinthians 12:8)

• A word of knowledge reveals information about the past or present. Generally speaking, revelation concerning future direction, application, or action is more closely associated with a word of wisdom or with prophecy.

• The word of knowledge is one of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit given to reveal God’s heart, build faith, and help facilitate ministry.

WHY DOES GOD GIVE WORDS OF KNOWLEDGE?

• God often uses words of knowledge to:

  • • Demonstrate His love

    • Reveal His presence

    • Build faith

    • Encourage people

    • Confirm what He is already doing

    • Facilitate healing, freedom, and restoration

• When a person realizes that God knows them personally and is aware of their situation, their faith is often strengthened and their heart becomes more open to receive from Him.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

JESUS AND THE SAMARITAN WOMAN

• Jesus supernaturally revealed details about the woman’s life that He could not have known naturally.

“for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.” (John 4:18)

NATHANAEL

• Before meeting Nathanael, Jesus revealed information about him that amazed him and strengthened his faith.

“Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” (John 1:48)

ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA

• Peter received supernatural knowledge concerning the deception that had taken place.

“But Peter said, 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?'” (Acts 5:3)

HOW WORDS OF KNOWLEDGE MAY COME

• The Holy Spirit may communicate in various ways.

THINKING/IMPRESSIONS

• A sudden thought, phrase, name, condition, piece of information, strong sense, awareness, or inner knowing may come unexpectedly.

SEEING

• The Holy Spirit may communicate through a mental image, picture, word, vision, or other visual impression.

FEELING

• At times, a minister may experience a physical sensation, discomfort, pain, pressure, or awareness that corresponds to an area where God desires to minister.

SPEAKING

• As you minister, unexpected words, details, or insights may come to mind and be spoken that relate to a specific condition or situation.

DREAMS

• The Holy Spirit may reveal information through a dream.

• Not every thought, picture, impression, or sensation is necessarily from the Holy Spirit. All impressions should be tested and shared with humility.

GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT WORKING TOGETHER

• The gifts of the Holy Spirit often work together.

• A word of knowledge may reveal a condition that God desires to heal. As faith is strengthened and hearts become more open to receive from God, gifts of healings or the working of miracles may then begin to operate.

• At other times, a word of knowledge may facilitate encouragement, prophetic ministry, deliverance, repentance, forgiveness, inner healing, or another work of the Holy Spirit.

• The goal is never the gift itself. The goal is to cooperate with what the Holy Spirit is doing in a person’s life.

SHARING A WORD OF KNOWLEDGE

• Words of knowledge should be shared with humility.

• Helpful language includes:

  • • “I sense…”

    • “I feel like the Lord may be highlighting…”

    • “I believe the Holy Spirit may be showing…”

    • “Does this mean anything to you?”

• Avoid presenting impressions as infallible revelations.

• Avoid phrases such as:

  • • “Thus says the Lord.”

    • “God told me.”

    • “The Lord said.”

• Remember:

“For we know in part and we prophesy in part.” (1 Corinthians 13:9)

WHEN A WORD OF KNOWLEDGE IS CONFIRMED

• If the person confirms the word:

  • • Continue ministering.

    • Pray with faith.

    • Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

    • Allow the word to guide further ministry if appropriate.

WHEN A WORD OF KNOWLEDGE IS NOT CONFIRMED

• If the person does not confirm the word:

  • • Do not argue.

    • Do not pressure.

    • Do not attempt to convince them.

    • Simply set it aside and continue ministering.

• We hear in part and see in part. Humility protects both the minister and the person receiving ministry.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Words of knowledge are tools, not goals.

• A person can be healed without a word of knowledge.

• A word of knowledge does not make a minister more spiritual.

• Love is the goal.

“Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” (1 Corinthians 14:1)

• At New Covenant, we welcome and value words of knowledge while remaining submitted to Scripture, humility, love, and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of every spiritual gift is to reveal the love of Jesus, strengthen faith, build up the Body of Christ, and serve people well.

BE LED BY THE SPIRIT

• Every person who comes for prayer is unique. While certain conditions may present common patterns, altar ministers should avoid relying on formulas or assumptions. Our goal is to listen to the Holy Spirit, love people well, and minister according to His leading.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)

• Whether ministering to physical injuries, chronic illness, emotional wounds, or other needs, our confidence is not in a method or technique. Our confidence is in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

PHYSICAL INJURIES AND CONDITIONS

• Many people seek prayer for injuries involving muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, bones, nerves, or other physical conditions.

• When ministering to physical injuries and conditions:

  • • Invite the Holy Spirit to come.

    • Pray with faith and expectancy.

    • Use simple prayers and declarations.

    • When appropriate, encourage the person to gently test the affected area.

    • Refer to Step 3: Pray in the Five-Step Healing Ministry Model for further details.

• Healing may come instantly or progressively. Re-interviewing and testing can help both the minister and the person receiving prayer recognize what God is doing.

“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)

• Celebrate every improvement. Any reduction in pain, increase in mobility, or improvement in symptoms may indicate that God is at work.

CONDITIONS INVOLVING PAIN

• Pain is often one of the easiest ways to measure improvement during ministry.

• When appropriate, ask the person to describe their pain level before prayer and again after prayer.

• Questions such as these may be helpful:

  • • What is your pain level right now?

    • Has the pain changed?

    • Has the pain moved?

    • Is the pain stronger or weaker?

    • Can you test it?

• As improvement occurs, continue ministering and thanking God for what He is doing.

CHRONIC CONDITIONS

• Some people come for prayer carrying conditions they have lived with for months, years, or even decades.

• Do not assume that a chronic condition is more difficult for God to heal.

• Remain patient, compassionate, and faith-filled.

EMOTIONAL WOUNDS AND INNER HEALING

• At times, the Holy Spirit may reveal that emotional wounds, grief, trauma, rejection, shame, fear, disappointment, unforgiveness, or other issues need ministry.

• When this occurs, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Healing may involve forgiveness, repentance, receiving truth, inner healing, encouragement, or simply allowing the person to encounter the Father’s love.

“He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

• If a person makes a statement that reveals a lie they are believing about themselves, simply ask, “Jesus, what's the truth?”

• At times, physical healing and inner healing may occur together. In some situations, the Holy Spirit may choose to address deeper wounds of the heart while also bringing physical restoration.

CONTINUING TO WALK IN FAITH

• Not every healing occurs instantly. Scripture records occasions where healing occurred progressively.

• One example is the healing of the ten lepers.

“So it was that as they went, they were cleansed.” (Luke 17:14)

• The lepers were healed as they responded in faith to Jesus’ instruction. Their healing was not necessarily evident the moment Jesus spoke. As they went, they were cleansed.

• If no immediate change is experienced, encourage the person not to become discouraged. Our confidence is not in what we see during a prayer time but in Jesus Christ. Encourage people to continue walking with the Lord, trusting Him and remaining open to His ongoing work in their lives.

• Encourage them to:

  • • Continue thanking God for His goodness and faithfulness.

    • Continue thanking God for what He is doing.

    • Continue standing on God’s Word.

    • Remain connected to biblical community.

    • Share any testimony of healing or improvement.

• Whatever the outcome, encourage people to stay close to Jesus and continue trusting Him.

“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9)

• We celebrate every improvement. A reduction in pain, increased mobility, greater strength, improved function, renewed peace, or any other evidence of God’s work is worthy of thanksgiving.

ENDING THE MINISTRY TIME

• Before concluding a ministry time:

  • • Ask if there is anything else for which they would like prayer.

    • Bless them in the name of Jesus.

    • Encourage them in their faith.

    • Remind them that God loves them and is with them.

    • Bless, fill, and celebrate.

• Always seek to leave people encouraged, strengthened, and pointed toward Jesus.

• We believe healing was purchased through the finished work of Jesus Christ and that God still heals today. At the same time, not every healing occurs immediately.

• When healing does not seem to occur readily, the Holy Spirit may reveal areas that need additional ministry, healing, freedom, repentance, forgiveness, discipleship, or truth.

• We should never assume that a person is sick because they have sinned, lack faith, have an unclean spirit, or have done something wrong. Likewise, we should not assume that every sickness, disease, or condition has a hidden cause that must be identified before healing can occur.

• We should never pressure a person to identify a hindrance or imply that healing is being withheld because they have failed in some way.

• Sometimes the Holy Spirit may reveal an issue that is contributing to a person’s condition or struggle. At other times, no specific hindrance may be revealed.

• Our responsibility is not to diagnose people or search for problems. Our responsibility is to remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit, love people well, and minister according to His leading. If He highlights an area that needs ministry, we follow His leading. If He does not, we continue to pray with faith, trust God with the outcome, and expect Him to continue His work in the person’s life.

UNFORGIVENESS

• At times, the Holy Spirit may reveal unforgiveness as an area requiring ministry.

• Jesus repeatedly emphasized the importance of forgiveness.

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14)

• Forgiveness is not excusing sinful behavior, pretending something did not happen, or denying the reality of pain.

• Forgiveness is choosing to release a person into God’s hands and surrendering bitterness, resentment, revenge, and offense to the Lord.

• The Holy Spirit may lead a person to forgive:

  • • Another person

    • Himself/herself

• Additionally, sometimes a person may carry disappointment, anger, confusion, hurt, or offense toward God because of painful experiences, unanswered prayers, loss, or circumstances they do not understand.

• God has done nothing wrong and does not need forgiveness. However, a person may need to surrender these feelings, release any accusations or judgments they have held against God, and choose to trust His goodness, faithfulness, and love.

• At times, freedom and healing may accompany forgiveness. However, forgiveness should never be treated as a formula for healing or as an assumption that every sickness is rooted in unforgiveness.

BITTERNESS AND OFFENSE

• Unforgiveness often gives way to deeper heart issues such as bitterness, offense, resentment, and anger.

“looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;” (Hebrews 12:15)

• Bitterness and offense can affect a person’s spiritual, emotional, relational, and even physical well-being. These issues often develop over time when hurts remain unresolved.

• When the Holy Spirit highlights bitterness or offense, altar ministers should gently help the person surrender these burdens to the Lord and receive His healing, freedom, and peace.

• Our goal is not simply to change behavior but to help people experience freedom of heart through the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

NEED FOR INNER HEALING

• At times, the Holy Spirit may reveal wounds of the heart that need ministry.

• These wounds may result from:

  • • Trauma

    • Rejection

    • Grief

    • Fear

    • Shame

    • Abuse

    • Loss

    • Disappointment

“He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

• Sometimes physical symptoms and emotional wounds exist together. At other times, they may be completely unrelated. We should never assume a connection. However, the Holy Spirit may reveal areas where inner healing is needed.

• When this occurs, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Healing may involve forgiveness, repentance, receiving truth, breaking agreement with lies, receiving God’s love, or allowing Jesus to bring healing to painful memories and experiences.

• The goal is not to relive past hurts but to invite Jesus into those places and allow Him to bring healing, freedom, truth, and restoration.

FEAR

• Fear can become a significant obstacle in a person’s life.

• Fear may be connected to:

  • • A medical diagnosis

    • A traumatic experience

    • Future uncertainty

    • Previous disappointments

    • Anxiety about receiving prayer

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

• Fear can affect a person’s spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. It can also make it difficult to receive peace, hope, or encouragement.

• The answer to fear is not condemnation but the love, presence, truth, and peace of God.

• As altar ministers, we seek to help people encounter God’s love and place their confidence in Him.

FALSE BELIEFS AND UNBELIEF

• At times, people carry beliefs that hinder their ability to receive from God.

• Examples may include:

  • • God does not heal today.

    • God heals others but not me.

    • God is punishing me.

    • My situation is impossible.

    • Nothing will ever change.

• Faith grows as people encounter God’s Word and His presence.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

• As altar ministers, we seek to point people toward God’s truth rather than argue with them about their beliefs.

• The Holy Spirit often brings freedom by exposing lies and replacing them with truth.

OCCULT INVOLVEMENT

• Past or present involvement in occult practices may contribute to spiritual oppression and may require additional ministry.

• Examples may include involvement in:

  • • Witchcraft

    • Divination

    • Fortune telling

    • Spiritism

    • New Age practices

    • Other activities that seek spiritual power, guidance, or revelation apart from God

“When they say to you, ‘Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,’ should not a people seek their God?” (Isaiah 8:19)

• When appropriate, the Holy Spirit may lead a person to repent of occult involvement and renounce those practices.

• If additional ministry is needed, involve an NC pastor.

GENERATIONAL INFLUENCES

• As discussed in Chapter 6, when a person is born again, he becomes a new creation in Christ and is redeemed through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

• While the believer’s spirit is made alive in Christ, the soul and body may still bear the effects of family patterns, learned behaviors, unhealthy beliefs, wounds, fears, addictions, and other influences that require healing, freedom, and transformation.

• At times, the Holy Spirit may reveal these generational influences and their impact on a person’s life. As He does, He may lead the person into healing, freedom, repentance, forgiveness, renewing of the mind, discipleship, or other ministry.

• The goal is not to become preoccupied with generational influences. The goal is to walk in the freedom Christ has already provided and allow the Holy Spirit to bring healing and restoration wherever it is needed.

EMBRACING FREEDOM

• At times, the Holy Spirit may reveal fears, insecurities, unhealthy identities, or other obstacles that make it difficult for a person to fully embrace the freedom God is offering.

• Jesus once asked a man who had been disabled for many years:

“Do you want to be made well?” (John 5:6)

• Jesus was not condemning the man. Rather, He was inviting him to respond to the freedom and restoration that God desired to bring.

• In some situations, a person may fear change, fear disappointment, struggle with hopelessness, or have become accustomed to living with a condition for many years. These responses are understandable and should be met with compassion, not judgment.

• As altar ministers, our role is not to pressure people but to help them encounter the love, hope, truth, and freedom found in Jesus Christ.

• When the Holy Spirit highlights these areas, gently encourage the person to place their trust in the Lord and embrace the freedom He is offering.

FINAL REMINDERS

• Possible hindrances to healing should never become our primary focus. Our focus is Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.

• We are not looking for reasons why people are not healed. We are looking for ways to cooperate with what the Holy Spirit is doing.

• We should never allow a discussion of possible hindrances to overshadow the goodness of God, the finished work of Jesus Christ, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

• Never assume a hindrance exists simply because healing has not occurred.

• Never blame the person.

• Never pressure someone to identify a problem.

• Never suggest that a person is sick because of a specific sin, lack of faith, or spiritual failure.

• Listen to the Holy Spirit.

• Pray with faith and expectancy.

• Love people well.

• Trust God with the outcome.

• At times, the Holy Spirit may reveal areas that need forgiveness, healing, repentance, freedom, truth, or discipleship. At other times, no specific issue may be revealed. In either case, our responsibility remains the same: to faithfully minister in the name of Jesus and love people well.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)