On a recent trip to Ghana, Pastor Benny Hinn gave a powerful podcast interview with Pastor Joshua Hayward Mills of First Love Church, in which he revealed the hidden process God uses to mold leaders into vessels of honor.
“If you want God to use you, you have to understand how it begins,” Hinn said, referencing 2 Timothy 2:20-21:
In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some to honor and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meat for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
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God’s Clay Process: How the Lord Shapes Leaders
Hinn illustrated ministry preparation through the analogy of clay being molded for a master’s use, describing nine ways God forms faithful ministers:
- Dug – God must first seek us out; we cannot find Him on our own.
- Separated – Leaders must be willing to leave worldly attachments behind.
- Washed – Impurities are removed, refining the heart.
- Soaked – The soul becomes pliable, ready for transformation.
- Smitten – Trials and correction test obedience and trust.
- Investigated for Air Bubbles – God examines hidden weaknesses.
- Centered on the Wheel – Positioned for shaping and stretching.
- Stretched and Pulled – Flexibility and surrender are tested.
- Hardened and Fired – Endurance is built for longevity in ministry.
Obedience: The Hallmark of a True Shepherd
Hinn recounted a personal story of being asked to let go of a close friendship. Despite initial resistance, his obedience opened the door for God’s timing and blessing, showing that surrender is not just required—it is rewarded.
He emphasized that a faithful pastor leads from experience. Using Psalm 23 as a guide, Hinn outlined the four characteristics of a shepherd who can genuinely feed, protect and guide:
- Surveying the Green Pastures: The pastor feeds themselves first through Scripture.
- Guiding Beside Still Waters: Restoration comes from personal experience with trials.
- Preparing a Table: Leaders must anticipate spiritual needs and prevent wandering.
- Anointing and Protecting: Spiritual vigilance ensures the flock thrives.
Prayer, Scripture and Spiritual Depth
Hinn shared his personal discipline of reading the Bible three times a year from Genesis to Revelation, explaining that deep immersion in God’s Word fuels effective ministry. He described how Scripture opens the door to spiritual understanding and ignites heartfelt prayer, often leading him to pray in tongues when his words fall short.
“True spiritual power comes not from gimmicks or gifts but from knowing the Word and letting it transform your life,” he said.
Timing and God’s Perfect Plan
Hinn reflected on his ministry in Africa, sharing how God’s timing is intentional:
“If I had been given Africa in my 30s, I would have messed it all up. God waited until I was ready.”
He reminded pastors that spiritual maturity often comes with age and experience, and that God’s delays are not denials.
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Repairing Broken Lives: The Core of Ministry
A true pastor, Hinn explained, is called to restore broken lives, using personal experience, wisdom and Scripture. He promised to reveal seven essential principles for repairing broken lives in the next part of the interview, emphasizing that ministry is not about gifts or eloquence but about fruitful, compassionate leadership.
The Call to Perseverance and Obedience
Benny Hinn’s message is a profound reminder that ministry is a journey of transformation. Trials, testing, and obedience are God’s tools to mold leaders into vessels of honor. Pastors and believers alike are called to persevere through life’s challenges, immerse themselves in Scripture and surrender fully to God’s plan, trusting that He will equip, shape and use them for His glory.
As Hinn demonstrated through his life, the path to spiritual effectiveness is not shortcuts—it is discipline, obedience and intimacy with the Word. Only then can a minister guide others with authority, compassion and divine insight.
Prepared by Charisma Media Staff.
This article is so timely. I agree with Hinn. Shepherds have a great responsibility tending the flock but first they must be ready to lead and restore. Most importantly, they must be well nourished to be spiritually fit to do all that they’re called to do.
Women’s Discipleship Network
Good article but there’s a serious error in the Scrpture quote of 2 Timothy 2:21.
The word “meet” (meaning “fit”) is misstated as “meat” (meaning food).
Yes, it’s a mere typo but reverance for the Scriptures can help prevent such errors.