--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What the Church needs to-day is not more…" description: "\"What the Church needs to-day is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use men ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d50/anonymous-1_church_what-the-church-needs-to-day-is-not-more_18430.jpg" --- # What the Church needs to-day is not more machinery or… ![“What the Church needs to-day is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d50/anonymous-1_church_what-the-church-needs-to-day-is-not-more_18430.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d50/anonymous-1_church_what-the-church-needs-to-day-is-not-more_18430.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d50/anonymous-1_church_what-the-church-needs-to-day-is-not-more_18430.jpg) > “What the Church needs to-day is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men, men of prayer.” [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. True spiritual power comes from devoted individuals, not from structures or techniques; the Holy Spirit works through people who pray earnestly. **In simple terms:** Prayerful people, not tools, channel divine influence. Key Takeaway Divine impact depends on prayerful individuals. Themes spiritual leadership faith practice human agency religious authenticity community empowerment Mood reverent hopeful urgent Type sermon excerpt spiritual exhortation theological reflection When to use this quote - church leadership meetings - mission planning sessions - faith community gatherings - personal spiritual retreats Key Concepts prayer Holy Spirit leadership institutional critique Practical Applications - training programs emphasizing personal prayer - selection of leaders based on prayer life Questions to Reflect On - How can churches balance personal prayer with organizational structure? - What practices nurture men of prayer in modern contexts? A Different Perspective Some argue that organized systems and disciplined methods also play essential roles in effective ministry. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Church](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/church/) [Doe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doe/) [Flow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/flow/) [Ghost](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ghost/) [Holy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/holy/) [Holy ghost](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/holy-ghost/) [Machinery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/machinery/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Men Holy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men-holy-389439/) [Men Prayer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men-prayer-389437/) [Method](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/method/) [Needs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/needs/) [Novel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/novel/) [Organization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/organization/) [Plans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/plans/) [Prayer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prayer/) [Prayer Holy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prayer-holy-389440/) [Prayer Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prayer-men-389438/) [Use](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/use/) [Using me](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/using-me/) ## Related quotes > [“From the beginning, mankind has been divided into three parts, among men of prayer, men of toil, and men of war. Gerard, Bishop of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-paul-davis/from-the-beginning-mankind-has-been-divided-into-three-parts-among/) [John Paul Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-paul-davis/) > [Men of prayer must be men of steel, for they will be assaulted by Satan even before they attempt to assault his kingdom.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leonard-ravenhill/men-of-prayer-must-be-men-of-steel-for-they-will-be-assaulted-by/) [Leonard Ravenhill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leonard-ravenhill/) > [“Men are God’s method. The church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. What the church needs today is not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/duke-taber/men-are-god-s-method-the-church-is-looking-for-better-methods-god-is/) [Duke Taber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/duke-taber/) > [There is power in prayer. When men work, they work. but when men pray, God works.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/angus-buchan/there-is-power-in-prayer-when-men-work-they-work-but-when-men-pray/) [Angus Buchan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/angus-buchan/) > [Prayer among men is supposed a means to change the person to whom we pray; but prayer to God doth not change him, but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-stillingfleet/prayer-among-men-is-supposed-a-means-to-change-the-person-to-whom-we/) [Benjamin Stillingfleet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-stillingfleet/) > [Prayer is not what is done by us, but rather what is done by the Holy Spirit in us.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henri-nouwen/prayer-is-not-what-is-done-by-us-but-rather-what-is-done-by-the-holy/) [Henri Nouwen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henri-nouwen/) > [When you say a prayer, He (The Holy Spirit) is in every word of it, and like a Holy Fire, penetrates each word.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-of-kronstadt/when-you-say-a-prayer-he-the-holy-spirit-is-in-every-word-of-it-and/) [John of Kronstadt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-of-kronstadt/) > [“in prayer. The Holy Spirit teaches, inspires, and illumines God’s Word to us. He mediates the Word of God and assists us in responding…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul-2/in-prayer-the-holy-spirit-teaches-inspires-and-illumines-god-s-word/) [R.C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul-2/) > [O my Savior...teach me to pray; implant in me all the dispositions needful for the prayer of the Holy Spirit…Of what use is my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-grou/o-my-savior-teach-me-to-pray-implant-in-me-all-the-dispositions/) [Jean Grou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-grou/) > [Prayer and a holy life are one. They mutually act and react. Neither can survive alone. The absence of the one is the absence…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-mckendree-bounds/prayer-and-a-holy-life-are-one-they-mutually-act-and-react-neither/) [Edward McKendree Bounds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-mckendree-bounds/) > [Well look, I mean, I think that prayer and holy water, and things like that are all fine. They don't do any good, but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-hitchens/well-look-i-mean-i-think-that-prayer-and-holy-water-and-things-like/) [Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-hitchens/) > [As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julia-ward-howe/as-he-died-to-make-men-holy-let-us-live-to-make-men-free/) [Julia Ward Howe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julia-ward-howe/) > [Jesus is coming back for a church without a spot or a wrinkle. His righteous blood covers the spots and the wrinkles of those…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monica-johnson/jesus-is-coming-back-for-a-church-without-a-spot-or-a-wrinkle-his/) [Monica Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monica-johnson/) > [Things that are holy are revealed only to men who are holy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hippocrates/things-that-are-holy-are-revealed-only-to-men-who-are-holy/) [Hippocrates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hippocrates/) > [It must be observed, that the best of men, the most holy and spiritually minded, may have, nay, ought to have, their thoughts of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-owen/it-must-be-observed-that-the-best-of-men-the-most-holy-and/) [John Owen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-owen/) ## More by Anonymous > [And a tear rolled down her cheek, as she said goodbye; because she's walking away, and she's never looking back](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/and-a-tear-rolled-down-her-cheek-as-she-said-goodbye-because-she-s/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Life is full of change. That's how we learn and grow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-full-of-change-that-s-how-we-learn-and-grow/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-ll-seldom-experience-regret-for-anything-that-you-ve-done-it-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Scrabble - The game is available in Braille. That’s a nice fact. This makes me feel better about humanity for some reason. I can’t…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/scrabble-the-game-is-available-in-braille-that-s-a-nice-fact-this/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Everyone needs someone to love, and I choose you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/everyone-needs-someone-to-love-and-i-choose-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“THIS tale of my sore-troubled life I write,    To thank the God of nature, who conveyed    My soul to me, and with such care…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/this-tale-of-my-sore-troubled-life-i-write-to-thank-the-god-of-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Put on my J's and dance the whole night away Im naughty by nature like Im hip-hop hooray With my hands in the sky,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/put-on-my-j-s-and-dance-the-whole-night-away-im-naughty-by-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Me.. I have been through a lot, but I still manage to have a smile on my face. Im not worried about the past…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/me-i-have-been-through-a-lot-but-i-still-manage-to-have-a-smile-on-my/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Distance is a test of love. many will fail for those who can't withstand it, but for those who can, theres only one answer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/distance-is-a-test-of-love-many-will-fail-for-those-who-can-t/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Im sorry I ever tried...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/im-sorry-i-ever-tried/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Being betrayed by the one you love is the worst feeling in the world...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/being-betrayed-by-the-one-you-love-is-the-worst-feeling-in-the-world/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Let children support their parents or be imprisoned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-children-support-their-parents-or-be-imprisoned/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The only person I've ever purposely caused pain here is myself...By simply sharing, caring too much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-only-person-i-ve-ever-purposely-caused-pain-here-is-myself-by/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Start a business, not a startup”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/start-a-business-not-a-startup/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-truth-is-of-course-that-the-curtness-of-the-ten-commandments-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) [Explore all 162,899 Anonymous quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More Church quotes > [While the 1963 Birmingham church bombing is the most historic, there also was a series of church burnings in the 1990s. Recognition of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthea-butler/while-the-1963-birmingham-church-bombing-is-the-most-historic-there/) [Anthea Butler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthea-butler/) > [If I had my brothers I think with just a little bit of the correct marketing, I'd like to be almost exclusively in small…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-bozzio/if-i-had-my-brothers-i-think-with-just-a-little-bit-of-the-correct/) [Terry Bozzio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-bozzio/) > [Turn over the pages of history and read the damning record of the church's opposition to every advance in every field of science. . . .](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/upton-sinclair/turn-over-the-pages-of-history-and-read-the-damning-record-of-the/) [Upton Sinclair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/upton-sinclair/) > [Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/believing-with-you-that-religion-is-a-matter-which-lies-solely/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Jeff Chu's pilgrimage across America to discover his own place as a gay man in the Christian church as well as attitudes about being…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donna-freitas/jeff-chu-s-pilgrimage-across-america-to-discover-his-own-place-as-a/) [Donna Freitas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donna-freitas/) > [God is not calling us to go to church; he is calling us to be his church, the hope of the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/craig-groeschel/god-is-not-calling-us-to-go-to-church-he-is-calling-us-to-be-his/) [Craig Groeschel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/craig-groeschel/) > [The emerging church movement has come to believe that the ultimate context of the spiritual aspirations of a follower of Jesus Christ is not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-selmanovic/the-emerging-church-movement-has-come-to-believe-that-the-ultimate/) [Samir Selmanovic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-selmanovic/) > [ T\]he church is not a place. It's not a building. It's not a preaching point. It's not a spiritual service provider. It's a people… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-dever/t-he-church-is-not-a-place-it-s-not-a-building-it-s-not-a-preaching/) [Mark Dever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-dever/) > [There could be no more powerful argument against mixing religion and government than the success of independent African American churches in placing racial segregation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-jacoby/there-could-be-no-more-powerful-argument-against-mixing-religion-and/) [Susan Jacoby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-jacoby/) > [Worship is not about personality, temperament, personal limitations, church background, or comfort. It is about God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wimber/worship-is-not-about-personality-temperament-personal-limitations/) [John Wimber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wimber/) > [A beggarly people, A church and no steeple.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-b-macaulay/a-beggarly-people-a-church-and-no-steeple/) [Thomas B. Macaulay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-b-macaulay/) > [Pound St. Paul's Church into atoms, and consider any single atom; it is to be sure, good for nothing; but put all these atoms…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/pound-st-paul-s-church-into-atoms-and-consider-any-single-atom-it-is/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [The religion of art, like the religion of politics, was born from the ruins of Christianity. 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