7 Steps to Catching the Anointing by Bishop Dag Heward-Mills

Introduction

The pursuit of spiritual growth often leads believers to seek the anointing of God—the divine empowerment for service and impact. In a captivating sermon, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills sheds light on Seven Steps to Catching the Anointing. 

Drawing from Peter’s profound sermons in Acts chapters 2 and 10, Bishop Heward-Mills stresses on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and provides a systematic approach to receiving the anointing. 

As he states, “Catching the anointing often involves listening to something over and over and over again.” This article delves into these seven steps, providing a roadmap for those desiring to tap into God’s power for ministry and life.

1. Knowledge of the Message

The journey to catching the anointing begins with acquiring knowledge. This involves an in-depth understanding of the scriptural foundation of the message. Bishop Heward-Mills explains, “The knowledge of the message is based on knowing the scriptures it is built upon.” Without a full grasp of the biblical text, it is impossible to carry the anointing fully. Like Peter’s sermons, which were rich with scripture, believers must immerse themselves in God’s Word to comprehend the depth of the message.

2. Understanding the Message

Knowledge alone is insufficient without understanding. Bishop Heward-Mills states, “The understanding of the message is what gives it depth and effectiveness in your life.” Understanding is about recognizing the ‘why’ behind the message. For instance, one might know the value of loyalty but fail to understand how it strengthens a ministry. Proverbs 20:28 captures this perfectly: “Loving kindness and mercy and truth preserve the king, and his throne is upheld by the people’s loyalty.”

3. Wisdom of the Message

The third step is receiving the wisdom embedded in the message, which Bishop Heward-Mills describes as “the direction that it gives you.” Wisdom provides clarity about what to do and how to implement the truths you’ve learned. He emphasizes that wisdom “comes as you listen to things over and over again,” highlighting the importance of meditating on and internalizing the teachings.

4. Counsel of the Message

Receiving counsel from the message entails extracting practical advice and tips for daily living. “The wisdom is the direction, but the counsel is like a tip you are getting today,” Bishop Heward-Mills explains. He shares examples of valuable life lessons learned from sermons, such as the advice to “beware voices of haste” and to “bend over backward to be honest.” These nuggets of counsel guide decision-making and offer practical steps for overcoming challenges.

5. Fear of the Message

An often overlooked but vital aspect is developing a reverent fear of the message. This is not fear in a negative sense but a deep respect for the consequences outlined in the teaching. “You can preach about lies, but you will not have the fear of it, of the effect of it,” the Bishop notes. The fear of the message fosters obedience and caution, helping believers align their lives with God’s truth.

6. Might of the Message

The might of the message refers to its greatness and transformative power. Bishop Heward-Mills states, “Some of you are impressed with the buildings, but there’s something far more than buildings—it’s the mightiness of the message.” Understanding the profound impact of a message inspires believers to share it boldly and live it out fully, as seen in John the Baptist’s ministry, which was marked by might and impact.

7. Spirit of the Message

Finally, catching the anointing culminates in embracing the spirit of the message. This is the intangible yet powerful essence that imbues the teachings with life. The spirit of the message flows from the preacher to the listener, imparting grace, power, and transformation. Bishop Heward-Mills highlights the importance of consistent exposure to the anointing: “As you listen over and over, you start to catch the different dimensions that make up the anointing.”

Conclusion

Catching the anointing is a dynamic process that requires effort, focus, and humility. Through knowledge, understanding, wisdom, counsel, fear, might, and spirit, believers can access the divine power that transforms lives and advances God’s kingdom. 

As Bishop Dag Heward-Mills aptly states, “Catching the anointing often involves listening to something over and over and over again.” 

For those who seek to walk in greater spiritual authority and effectiveness, these steps offer a clear and actionable path to divine empowerment. May we, like the early church, experience the power of the Holy Spirit as we press into these truths.