The Mantle of Ministry

The clothing worn by the clergy in a church represents the respect, honor and blessing of anointing placed on the individual wearing it. It is seen by many as a calling from God to be the one standing in the gap, guiding and encouraging others toward God and His outstretched hand. Author Joyce Wooden expounds more on the significance of this calling in her new book, The Mantle of Ministry, Embracing the Call. Delving into studying the ministries of Elijah and Elisha, Joyce seeks to educate readers on understanding that an anointing from God is not found in the garments worn by clergy, but in the hearts and faiths of those called by God. Joyce explores the stories and ministries of Elijah and Elisha, defining the mantle as a godly robe that respected clergy wore to be closer to God and to perform miracles on His behalf. She discussed how Elijah performed fifteen miracles and Elisha performed thirty (after Elijah's departure), and how in their day of ministry, emphasis was given to every piece of garment worn by the higher clergy members. However, her book is not just on comprehending the measure of God's anointing on the mantle and clothing worn by the clergy, but drawing the connection that the anointing was more in the person than the clothing. As her studies of Elijah and Elisha reveal, the departure of Elijah on chariots of fire into the sky and the cloth falling from the sky into Elisha's hands meant that it was the heart God wants most from those He anoints. Her hope is that this book inspires men and women to answer the call God has placed on their lives for ministry. Those called were given the gifts from God to bring glory to Him, while leading His children back to His loving presence.