When the Dove Flies Away: What Removes God’s Anointing from Our Ministry

I recently read RT Kendall’s book The Anointing, and there was one image that won’t let go of me. He talks about the Holy Spirit like a dove—gentle, sensitive, easily grieved. And when He is grieved… He leaves. Not because He doesn’t love us, but because His presence cannot abide where sin is tolerated or pride is entertained.

That image wrecked me.

Because if I’m honest, there have been moments in ministry when I’ve operated more in talent than in anointing. When I’ve leaned more on what I could do than who God is. When I’ve mistaken applause for approval and giftedness for godliness.

And I’m convinced now—more than ever—that it’s possible to run an effective ministry while grieving the very Spirit who empowers it.

The Warning of Saul

King Saul is the cautionary tale for all of us in leadership. Chosen. Anointed. Used by God. And yet… dismissed. Not because he didn’t lead people or win battles. Not because he didn’t have moments of greatness. But because he chose himself over obedience. He feared man more than he feared God. He grasped for control when waiting on God required humility. And the anointing lifted.

The Spirit left Saul… and he didn’t even realize it. That’s the part that scares me most.

What Removes the Anointing?

This isn’t an exhaustive list—but these are a few things that grieve the Spirit and slowly, subtly, cause the dove to fly:

1. Pride: When we begin to believe we are the reason for the ministry’s success, we’re on dangerous ground. Pride is the sin that got Satan thrown from heaven—and it’s still the enemy’s favorite way to sabotage a leader. God opposes the proud. Not ignores. Opposes.
2. Unrepentant Sin: Private compromises eventually have public consequences. If we’re tolerating sin in secret, we are trading away the anointing for something far cheaper.
3. Fear of Man: When our decisions are driven by pleasing people rather than obeying God, we can find ourselves out of step with the Spirit. The applause of people is a terrible substitute for the presence of God.
4. Neglect of the Secret Place: You can’t carry public anointing without private surrender. Ministry without intimacy becomes performance.
5. Bitterness and Unforgiveness: Holding onto wounds—even ones that feel justified—can poison the well of the Spirit’s flow in your life. The anointing can’t rest on a heart hardened by offense.

But Here’s the Hope…

Even though the dove is easily grieved, He is also eager to return. God doesn’t give up on us. He didn’t reject David when he sinned. Why? Because David was quick to repent. He grieved his sin more than he grieved being caught. He longed not just for forgiveness—but for restoration.

“Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51:11 CSB)

That’s the heart cry of someone who understands how precious the anointing really is.

A Fresh Wind is Available

If you’ve been leading from empty, striving instead of abiding, managing instead of ministering—it’s not too late. Lay down your pride. Confess your sin. Step back into the secret place. Choose obedience over image. Let God break your heart again. The anointing isn’t earned—but it is stewarded.

And when the dove returns… everything changes.

Reflection Questions for Youth Pastors:

Seriously, if you’ve made it this far in the blog this topic has peaked your interest. I want to help you process it and seek the Lord for His anointing over your life and ministry. Here are 5 “yes or no” questions to help you discover if you are ministering in dependence on the Spirit or your own pride.

1. Am I more dependent on my skill or on the Spirit in my daily ministry?
2. Is there any area of unrepentant sin in my life that I’ve justified or ignored?
3. Have I exchanged intimacy with God for productivity for God?
4. What fear or insecurity is driving my decisions more than obedience?
5. Do I long for the presence of God more than the platform of ministry?

Let’s Talk About It

If this post struck something in you—if you feel the weight of leading while weary or the ache of ministry without anointing—I want to invite you to take a next step. You don’t have to figure it out alone. I’ve been there, and I’d love to help you walk toward renewal and deeper surrender.

Visit the Coaching Page and sign up for a time to talk. No pressure. First session is free. Just a conversation to help you take your next step toward leading from a place of anointing, not just ability.

Because your calling matters. And the presence of God on your life is worth everything.

Here’s an Amazon link to RT Kendall’s book. The Anointing: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.