Editor: Al Vesper
- 1 Cor 14:29-33
- And let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. 30 But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; 33 for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
- 1 Pet 5:1-6
- Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
Introduction
To even address the issue of proper prophetic protocol to the kind of forum represented by this Prophetic-School is difficult due to the fact that we have such a wide variety of situations and levels of maturity being addressed. The members of this list range all the way from budding prophesiers to internationally recognized prophets/prophetesses. In some cases there are those who are very acquainted to prophetic revelation but are not as yet proficient at exercising the vocal gift of "prophesying". Again, the number of variations of prophetic procedures are probably a many as the number of churches represented on this list, (several hundred). There is as well, undoubtedly a large variety of approaches to the release of prophetic, consequently, rather than attempting to lay out a "procedure" to follow, we must reach to a deeper issue of the motives, attitude and character of the one who would prophesy. (With that disclaimer out of the way... let's dive in).
I. God Established Church Government
It is important to understand that God himself established government in the church.
- Rom 13:1
- Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
- Heb 13:17
- Obey your leaders, and submit to them for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.
To even bring up the topic of government brings a necessity to acknowledge there are numerous versions of government within the Body of Christ. If you're in a Presbyterian church, your government will be different than that of a Baptist Church. You may be in a home church where there is no "recognized" government. You may be in a Church that has apostolic government or one in which the pastor is the one holding the responsibility to rule. There are local and trans-local structures of government that operate differently as well. It is not our purpose here to even suggest which forms of government within the Body of Christ are better or more Biblical.
The Christian who is humble and submitted to God will, however, recognize the value of submission to spiritual authority and look for legitimate spiritual authority to relate to in a proper way. The New Testament prophet is no longer alone, standing outside of the religious order of the day speaking judgment against it - as was so often the case in the Old Testament order - but rather is part of the very foundation; in collaboration with apostles, of the thing God is trying to build; and is supposed to be on the same team with pastors, teachers, etc.. The real question we need to ask ourselves, is what are the motives and attitudes of our hearts. Do we operate out of an attitude of rebellion, independence and pride; or are we humble, teachable and willing to be correctable?
While recognizing the fact that there are various forms of government in the church, this teaching will primarily address the setting of a local church where there is a presiding pastor* who is the local government. (The asterisk is to acknowledge that currently in the Body of Christ there are many who are, in fact, one of the other of the "Eph. 4:11 5-fold" ministers but occupy the "position" in the local setting as a "pastor".)
II. Flow Within the Accepted Protocol of the Particular Church or Setting You Are In
From church to church or group there are various protocols for various reasons. Often in home meetings there will be already established relationships and much greater liberty, but some larger churches or conference settings desire all prophetic ministry to be spoken into the public address system simply so that all may hear. Some churches have an open mic for any and all "body ministry" to come forth. Some churches have a system of "clearing" words to be spoken. Again, it is important to understand that most pastors are simply attempting to exercise their responsibility to guard their flock from unknown visitors who may or may not have a word that is appropriate for those he is responsible to lead. Usually, the larger the assembly, or the newer the individual is to a group, the more caution a leader will take in releasing public prophetic ministry. Find out the protocol of your particular setting and follow it.
Most aspiring prophesiers don't really understand a pastor's sense of God-given stewardship and responsibility to protect the flock entrusted to them. They take seriously the fact that they will answer to God for what they allow into the assembly. What that creates for a pastor, is a continuous tension between passive & irresponsible latitude vs.. overt control. From situation to situation, group to group and church to church you will find protocol that represents every degree in between these two extremes in an attempt to walk in balance.
What most pastors know is that prophetic ministry is such a valuable "tool" for building the kingdom and yet it also has such potential for abuse and misuse. One of the dilemmas every pastor or leader faces is the tension between "quality control" versus an "equipping" environment. It is no wonder many well meaning, but miss-perceiving pastors are gun-shy when it comes to those who claim to speak on behalf of God as a prophet/prophetess. In some circles, trainees are jokingly referred to as Prophets-In-Training or P.I.T.'s and sometimes the blunders made by trainees are the pits. ha ha ha.. (I know, bad joke).
III. Understand Your Sphere
It is very important for each of us to discern and know our particular "sphere" of authorization. Paul knew, for instance, he was an apostle to some but not to others. He knew his sphere. There are national prophetic voices like Paul Cain, Bill Hamon, Rick Joyner, Cindy Jacobs, etc.., but there are few of that high of a profile. Then there are thousands who have great effectiveness within their smaller sphere.. but are prophets none the less.
If you study the callings and portfolios of the old testament prophets you discover some called to nations; some to one particular group such as Judah; etc.., (the extent of Jonah's prophetic ministry, for instance, was to one city). It is very common to find someone in a local church who is not recognized trans-locally but is, in fact, very much a prophet "in house". It is, in my opinion somewhat limiting for us to view that only "full time" or "trans-local" ministries would be the only ones that are prophets. That would have excluded Daniel, who was in political administration, or Amos who was a shepherd, or even David who was a king.
For instance, consider the elder in a church who is just that, a very proficient prophetic voice in that congregation's local midst but is not in "full time ministry" and has never ministered outside of his/her local church. And within that same congregation, there can also be several whom the pastor would be willing to call "in house" prophetesses in his congregation, who have no trans-local ministry nor "official position" but are very much prophetesses of the Lord!
It is important to distinguish the various levels of prophecy, which are numerous:
- The spirit of prophecy (by Who's presence just about everyone can prophesy)
- The gift of prophecy (one with this gift can activate it at any time, not just when the spirit of prophecy is moving.
- prophetic psalms (song of the bride, song of the bridegroom, etc.)
- prophetic gesture (lay on your side..etc.. would include kinds of drama, mime, etc.)
- prophetic content in things such as prophetic preaching & teaching, prophetic writing etc..
Then there is the prophet himself...
- He sometimes gives the message, other times his life is the message.
- Sometimes his portfolio would be as a seer,
- other times as a watchman & intercessor,
- others are messengers to a nation or culture,
- others are prophetic "psalmists"
- others to the church alone,
- others are builders in conjunction with apostles,
- others are spokesmen on a particular singular issue from the heart of God: abortion, family values, political reform, etc., etc., etc..
It is important to know your sphere so that you do not overstep your sphere.
IV. Sphere and Content
- A.
- Seek to edify, exhort and comfort for the edifying of the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 14:3, 12 (KJV)).
Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions people have of prophetic ministry is that it should be ministered in a judgmental, condemning or in a rebuking way. While prophets may speak of judgment, it is reserved for the mature who function in the office of the prophet and who are recognized as such in the Body of Christ.
Budding prophetic ministries can often fall into the trap of thinking they must come forth with some heavy word of direction or correction in order to some how lend credence to their position before God and men as a "heavy weight" in the spirit. The actual fact is that the scripture clearly indicates the primary purpose of prophetic ministry is edification, exhortation and comfort, i.e.. to build up, stir up and to cheer up (1 Cor. 14).
Having been exposed to many substantial internationally recognized prophetic ministries who had no one to impress and nothing to prove, I have noticed that even they have the predominate amount of their ministry centered around edification, exhortation and comfort. In fact the more mature a prophet is the more he/she is broken and reticent to bring a corrective word. It is the unbroken and immature who seem most often to run to the opportunity to correct others.
Does God ever call for some one to speak correction or direction? Of course, BUT... it is more often when some one has come to the place they have no one they're trying to impress and nothing they are trying to prove, that God can begin to use them to bring directive or corrective words to His precious Body, His Bride.
"And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." (1Cor. 13:2)
We do recognize that established prophets and their message can go quite beyond edification, exhortation & comfort. Their prophetic ministry can go beyond into correction, direction, judgment, discipline, revelation, discernment of the Body, and even creative initiative through the speaking of God originated words. <God said.. let there be light..etc.> Beyond that there is an equipping responsibility an Eph. 4:11 prophet has to stir and activate the" prophetic-ness" of those he/she is associated with.
The problem with some of the "so called" prophetic stuff that passes as prophetic in some circles is that it is nothing more than arrogant, critical, faultfinding bitterness, wrapped in the cloak of "the lone, persecuted truth-telling prophet". Loron Sandford (John & Paula's son) addressed that very issue one time, stating: "most prophets are persecuted not because of the content of their message but rather that the prophet is being a turkey" <smirk>
The problem is unless he/she is conformed to the image of Christ (vs.. some old testament prophetic type) he will miss the heart of God... Which IS expressed FULLY and COMPLETELY in Jesus "the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form." "If you've seen me you've seen the father" said Jesus. To me that means "full of grace and truth." We need to communicate God's truth but with His heart of love and grace. (Of course some would point out the case of Jesus driving out the money changers from the temple. That, to me, was Jesus the apostle in action, not Jesus the prophet) If we always filter the "information" we want to share "as from God" with the merciful and compassionate "heart" from which God would say it, we will stay safely within the bounds of proper prophetic ministry and will be used mightily of God to build what he wants built; that is a glorious Church for His return.
"So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church." 1 Cor 14:12
- B.
- Avoid giving directive words to the congregation
God does sometimes bring directive prophecy through proven prophets. Although God may give a participant a word that would change the entire direction or flow of a service, the responsibility for that decision is ultimately given to the leadership (the operating government in any given setting) by God and should be channeled through them.
The biggest difficulty arises from the fact that immature prophetic ministers can fall into the trap of attempting to control things through directive prophecy that are way beyond their sphere of authority to direct. God HIMSELF has established other offices as well as the prophetic that have responsibility to govern and direct. DON'T be offended if your word is held back. (It might even be a test from God. <grin>)
V. Remain Teachable
Be willing always to have a word judged. If the nature of the word is a personal prophecy a good policy is to have a witness with you, or to in some way record what is spoken. (cassette recorders, written out words, etc..)
- 1 Cor 14:29
- And let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment.
It makes it a lot easier for a leader to "risk" letting you speak if there is a willingness on the part of the prophesier to be correctable. (After all, we ALL have blind spots)
- 1 Cor 14:31,32
- For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.
VI. Regarding Itinerant Ministries
- Q.
- How much authority does a visiting prophetic ministry have to bring correction or direction to a local church?
- A.
- As much as he/she is invited to have. <grin>
Government and prophetic ministry are two different ministries. (This is not to say that someone may not exercise ministry in both areas at the same time). As a visiting ministry it is important to understand what sphere of authority you've been given.
Scripture tells us that anyone who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet receives a prophets reward. That is, they receive the ministry that the prophet brings. On the other hand, if they do not receive a prophet as a prophet, then you are not a prophet... TO THEM! So it is wise not to try to be. If a prophetic ministry is received by a local church leadership to minister to their group, that ministry should come as a servant with the purpose of supporting that local leadership. The proper attitude would be that of one who comes submitted to the authority in that place.
Of course if a prophet comes who also has been given trans-local governmental oversight to that group, the authority issue changes dramatically. If you have been given a recognized position of authority trans-locally, then your ministry will be different than one who is coming from outside by invitation of the local authority. Paul the apostle knew he was an apostle to some but not to others. He exercised trans-local authority in the case of the church in Corinth, but demonstrated a yielding to the government in Jerusalem when he visited the apostles there.
VII. Addendum to Pastors (By Jim Wies, Pastor Cornerstone Church, FL)
As a prophetic equipper myself, and a pastor of a very prophetically gifted congregation, I have encouraged the folks to "risk" and move out (according to the proportion of faith) and at the same time they all know it is an equipping environment. Meaning, the people know they have a responsibility to discern for themselves if the word was right on or not.
Scripture states: "But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." Heb 5:14
In my experience, one of the best means of growing in discernment and "practicing" is by being exposed to accurate and inaccurate words. The best defense against counterfeit or sub-par ministry of the prophetic is to have the genuine to compare it with. The trouble is, most of the time, a valid budding prophetic ministry will give words that are not either perfectly accurate or dramatically off (most often it is something like 80% beef and 20% "hamburger helper", i.e.. our own added commentary and opinions).
We place a high value on Body ministry (1Cor. 14:26-33) and the operation of the gifts. Therefore, our church is much "looser" than most. We also have some very strong and seasoned prophets/prophetesses in our midst so it is easy for the members to differentiate between the "right on" words and the flaky stuff (oh yes, if you allow liberty for the gifts to flow you WILL get flaky stuff) and they also have a commitment from me that if a word is too far out - such as doctrinally in error or wrongly directive I will kindly but very definitely bring correction to it.
Our people know that I grant great liberty for any exhortations, words, testimonies, etc.. in the assembly, but will not hesitate to correct a word, as well, if it is doctrinally errant or there is some other problem associated with it. (I have had to do that VERY rarely but the folks know I will if it is needed). The fact that the people know I will judge a word if need be, gives them great security and in fact, creates even more willingness for them to "risk" and step out.
We also put a value on the preservation of the word of the Lord so we try as often as possible to get it taped. Therefore it must come through a microphone. Therefore it must flow with what else is going on. Therefore the worship leaders deliberately "make room" for prophetic ministry to come forth. This of course, makes it simply a practical necessity for them to step up to a mic, and wait for an appropriate "opening". (Home groups contain a different dynamic of course, though not addressed here).
I mentioned taping, so I'll add this. We discourage "parking lot" prophecies. That is, if you have a word for someone it should done in the open assembly or at least be open to inspection: i.e. have witnesses, tape it, have it written down, or something. This goes a long way toward protecting the flock from unscrupulous manipulators who would try to control through prophesy for any personal gain.
God has given the gifts to the Church for the building up of the Church. As we allow the tools He himself provided, we will see the building built stronger and faster and will be used mightily of God to build what he wants built; that is a glorious Church for His return.
Week 2 Activation Exercise
Writing the Thoughts of God
This week's activation will have tremendous potential to enrich our devotional life as much as any in this course since we will have the opportunity to practice listening to the Lord as He speaks to each of us individually and then write these "thoughts from the Lord" down on paper. If we develop this practice in our quiet times with the Lord, we can develop a diary that could be properly called "Thoughts From The Bridegroom" since the Lord will speak intimately to each of us about many things. His words indeed bring edification, exhortation and comfort as He leads us into the inner court of intimacy with Him.
(Many of the words from the Lord will become an inspiration and encouragement as the days go by and, with consistency and application over time, this exercise will help you write your "Book of Remembrances" recounting those things the Lord has done as you grow in Him.)
People often say, "it is easier for me to hear and then speak a word for others than it is for me to hear clearly and with confidence for myself". It is true that we sometimes know so much in the natural about ourselves that we may not feel inclined to have immediate confidence in all we hear. Normal caution and wisdom in judging any word we receive is good. Scripture tells us to test our prophetic words and make sure they are always in agreement with the Word. But we also need to know and have the confidence that we have been made to hear the voice of the Chief Shepherd.
Become convinced that you can hear His voice. Consider the following scriptures: John 10:27 (NIV): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me", John 14:26 (NIV): "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you", John 16:13 (NIV): "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come".
Are you His sheep? Since you are, if you are not listening to the thoughts of the Master (or have no confidence in your hearing His voice), it is like going to a fine restaurant and looking over all the selections on the menu and then not ordering anything. If we remain in this state we will sit in the midst of the best food there is but not receive any nourishment or strength from it. Some of us are literally starving spiritually from this condition and this need not be.
Just imagine the Lord sitting in heaven and thinking of you all the time. Did you know He really does this? Scripture is full of the Lord telling us that He is thinking of us all the time. Look at Psalms 139:17 (NIV) which says, "How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!" Also consider Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) which says, "For I know the plans ("thoughts" in the KJV) I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".
If we know the Lord has a gourmet "meal" for us, why would we want to miss it? We don't have to, so let us become familiar with how to listen and recognize His voice.
WEEK 2 ACTIVATION - PURPOSE
The purpose of this exercise is to clearly demonstrate that we can hear and know the voice of the Lord with confidence and to have the opportunity to experience this for ourselves.
STEP BY STEP PROCESS:
First, take out your pen and paper and get in a comfortable position to RELAX. We are going to do an exercise that is simply to listen and then write what you hear. Since the scripture tells us to "ask and receive" (Matthew 7:7), we are going to pray and ask the Lord to speak to us. Then, we will "prime the pump" by writing a beginning phrase like, "Lord, I believe you are saying to me......".
When we begin like this and listen, paying attention to whatever comes to our spirits, the words will generally begin to come to mind. Don't try to scrutinize the words during the time of listening, just write what comes to your spirit and then judge the content later, after the Lord has finished speaking. Give Him your full attention and ignore the distractions that may be around you.
First, take a minute to get situated/prepared:
Grab paper and pencil, or your keyboard (which ever is the most comfortable for you). Choose a time when there is NOT a lot of background noise to disturb/distract you. Spend a minute or two to relax and get comfortable.
Father, I believe I have a deposit of the mind of Christ within me, through the indwelling Holy Spirit. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Father, you have said for us to come boldly to Your throne and make our requests known to You. Lord I am asking You to speak to me now and share some of the thoughts You have toward me. I am going to believe You for this and write what I hear You say to me. Lord, let what I hear be sanctified and pure and may it represent what You have chosen to say to me at this time. I thank You in advance for answering my prayer and I give You the praise and the glory for what You are doing in me now. In Jesus name I ask these things. Amen.
It is now time to get silent and listen:
Take about a minute or so and just meditate on the Lord alone. Focus on Him, see Him in your mind, know He is thinking of you right now. Know He is desiring to share with you what He is thinking.
Now..begin to write:
As we mentioned above, start with - "Lord, I believe You are saying to me".. and just begin to fill in whatever thoughts begin to come to you. Remember, do not scrutinize right now, just write and allow your pen to go until the words no longer come. Place no limitations or expectation on what you write. Just let your pen flow with what you hear.
Don't be concerned if there are short pauses where not much seems to come... just write what comes to mind and wait for more. If there is a long pause, then you can silently ask the Lord if He has anything else He wants to stay to you at this time. If so, just continue to wait and write down whatever comes to you.
Now you get to share:
Once you are finished, just let the team leader know by looking up or sending the agreed signal. When everyone is finished, we will have an opportunity to share some of the words with each other.
This will give an opportunity to see how the Lord speaks so clearly and intimately to His sheep. You may have received a word so intimate that you prefer not to share it and that is perfectly OK. Feel no need to have to do so but, for those who feel OK about doing so, it will be a faith builder to the rest of the group.
Repeat this process again if time permits and encouragement is breaking out in the group. It probably will.
APPLICATION:
Take this process into your quiet time with the Lord and watch your devotional life really come alive as your time with Him becomes a two-way conversation. So many times we only pray and do all the talking ourselves. Stop and listen to Him also for.. He has the words of life.