What Christians usually mean
To impart means to share or give. Christians often use impartation to describe a time when God brings fresh encouragement, strength, wisdom, or spiritual gifting as believers pray together. The word is commonly used today, though the Bible does not set out a special ceremony called impartation.
Paul told the Roman Christians that he longed to see them so they might be strengthened spiritually. His aim was not to make them dependent on him, but to see their faith firmly established. Spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit, who gives different gifts to different people according to his own will (Romans 1:11; 1 Corinthians 12:11).
For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
Prayer and laying on of hands
The New Testament does connect laying on of hands with prayer and important moments of ministry. In Samaria, Peter and John prayed for believers who had received God’s word. They then laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:15-17).
Paul also reminded Timothy not to neglect the gift connected with the elders laying hands on him, and to stir up the gift associated with Paul’s own laying on of hands (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6). These passages show a church that prayed, recognised calling, and trusted God to equip his people.
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
Not a spiritual technique
These moments were never presented as a formula. God is not controlled by a particular person, gesture, or atmosphere. Christians can pray expectantly for one another, but no leader owns the Holy Spirit’s gifts or can guarantee that someone will have a certain experience.
Acts 8 offers a sobering example. Simon saw what happened when the apostles laid hands on people and tried to buy that ability. Peter confronted him sharply because he treated God’s gift as though it could be purchased (Acts 8:18-20). God’s grace is freely given, not bought, marketed, or used to make someone seem important.
But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Impartation and salvation
No one can pass salvation to another person through touch, family ties, or a religious service. Other Christians can pray with you and point you towards Jesus, which can be a real gift. But each person is called to receive Christ and trust him personally.
John describes becoming one of God’s children as a birth that comes from God, not from human descent or human effort (John 1:12-13). Paul likewise says salvation is God’s gift, received by grace through faith rather than earned by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). So if someone speaks of impartation, it is wise to keep the centre clear: every good gift comes from God, and salvation rests in Jesus Christ.