The Doctrine of Impartation

Impartation is practiced as a biblical doctrine among many Pentecostals and Charismatics. The doctrine is controversial, however, due in part to the lack of uniformity regarding its meaning, significance, and practice throughout the Pentecostal-Charismatic movement. Although impartation is practiced, its biblical and theological basis has not been given adequate attention by Pentecostal-Charismatic scholars.

The Greek word for impart is metadidomi, which means to 'give over, to give a share'. Consequently, some Pentecostals and Charismatics incorrectly view metadidomi to mean the ability to transfer one's own anointing and/or spiritual gift/gifts to another person or persons.

The findings of this study reveal that although impartation is a valid biblical doctrine, there is no evidence to support the view that believers can seek impartations from the dead, initiate healings and blessings at will, or volitionally impart their spiritual gifts and anointings to other persons. Rather, the study shows that all gifts are spiritual in origin and are available for impartation, that God imparts his gifts and blessings sovereignly, and that he may alternatively use human intermediary assistance to impart through the laying on of hands, spoken words, and acts of service.

The study constructs a biblical and theological understanding of the doctrine of impartation and provides a biblical model of impartation that can be considered for adoption and implementation by Pentecostalism.

Billy Darrell Bewley (PhD, South African Theological Seminary; DMin Columbia Theological Seminary) is an independent scholar and an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN).