Prophetic ministry refers to the spiritual gift and calling to boldly speak God’s truth and heart to His people. It is rooted in hearing from the Holy Spirit and sharing what He reveals for the purpose of edification, exhortation and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). Those operating in prophetic ministry exercise discernment, wisdom and sensitivity to correctly handle God’s word and avoid manipulation, control or seeking self-glory.
Biblical Examples of Prophets
Throughout Scripture, we see God raising up prophets at pivotal moments to speak on His behalf. Here are a few key examples:
– Moses: Led the Israelites out of Egypt after hearing from God through the burning bush (Exodus 3). He spoke God’s word and mediated between God and the people.
– Samuel: As a young boy, Samuel heard God’s voice calling him in the night (1 Samuel 3). He went on to anoint Saul and David as kings over Israel as God directed him.
– Elijah: Confronted evil king Ahab and the prophets of Baal with powerful signs, wonders and the word of the Lord (1 Kings 18). He called the people to repentance and revival.
– Elisha: Succeeded Elijah and performed twice as many miracles, speaking God’s heart through prophetic acts and declarations (2 Kings 2-13).
– Isaiah: Prophesied during the reigns of multiple kings of Judah, calling God’s people to repentance through warnings and visions of coming judgment and restoration (Book of Isaiah).
– Jeremiah: Known as the weeping prophet, Jeremiah pronounced God’s word before the fall of Jerusalem. He called Judah to return to the Lord (Book of Jeremiah).
– Ezekiel: Ministered to the exiles in Babylon with dramatic visions and prophetic messages urging Israel to turn from idols back to the living God (Book of Ezekiel).
– Daniel: Had prophetic dreams and visions of God’s kingdom triumphing over human kingdoms. He interpreted dreams and declared God’s wisdom to kings (Book of Daniel).
– Hosea: Lived out an object lesson of God’s love for unfaithful Israel by marrying an unfaithful spouse (Book of Hosea).
– Joel: Foresaw God’s outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all believers (Joel 2:28-29).
– Jonah: Reluctantly declared God’s word to Nineveh, leading the entire city to repentance (Book of Jonah).
This sampling of prophets throughout the Old Testament demonstrates how God spoke His heart, will and revelation to His people through Spirit-empowered individuals.
Jesus as the Ultimate Prophet
Jesus fulfilled the prophetic ministry most completely, communicating the very words and heart of God in human form (John 1:1, 14). As the Son of God, Jesus perfectly conveyed the Father’s message through His teaching, miracles, encounters, parables and demonstrations of God’s character and ways.
Hebrews 1:1-2 explains that “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.” Jesus is the pinnacle of prophetic ministry.
Prophets in the Early Church
The New Testament records a number of prophets in the early church who utilized their gift to guide, instruct and exhort:
– Agabus: Accurately predicted a severe famine (Acts 11:28) and later warned Paul of coming persecution (Acts 21:10-11).
– Judas and Silas: Exhorted and strengthened the church in Antioch with many words (Acts 15:32).
– The four daughters of Philip: Were known for their gift of prophecy (Acts 21:9).
– Various prophets in Antioch, Corinth and Ephesus: Edified local churches through prophetic gifts (Acts 13:1, 1 Corinthians 14, Revelation 2:20).
The young church valued prophetic gifts for their ability to reveal God’s heart in specific situations, prepare for future events and strengthen the faith of believers.
Characteristics of New Testament Prophecy
In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul provides helpful instruction on how prophetic gifts should operate in the church:
– Prophecy should be exercised in love, for the strengthening of the church (1 Corinthians 14:1-5).
– Prophecy can take the form of revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or teaching (1 Corinthians 14:6).
– Prophecy should be clear and intelligible, not confusing (1 Corinthians 14:7-9).
– Prophecy should be weighed and tested against Scripture to discern if it is consistent with God’s word (1 Corinthians 14:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21).
– Prophecy should be orderly, limited and subject to self-control (1 Corinthians 14:29-33).
– Prophecy should affirm and submit to authority in the church (1 Corinthians 14:32-33).
– Prophecy should not exclude women but allow them to operate under authority (1 Corinthians 11:5).
Paul’s teaching reveals healthy parameters for how the gift of prophecy serves and strengthens the body of Christ while avoiding confusion, disorder and misuse.
4 Purposes of Prophetic Ministry
1. Reveal: Prophecy makes known God’s thoughts, plans and truths to instruct, encourage and comfort believers (1 Corinthians 14:3, 25).
2. Warn: Prophets sensitively reveal coming danger, the consequences of sin or needed course corrections (Acts 11:28, 21:10-11).
3. Edify: Prophetic words build up Christ’s church through exhortation, strengthening faith and bringing clarity (1 Corinthians 14:3-4).
4. Equip: Prophecy activates gifts, dispels fear and equips believers for works of service (1 Timothy 1:18, 4:14).
These overarching purposes keep prophetic ministry focused on serving the church and advancing God’s kingdom.
5 Pitfalls to Avoid
Because of the powerful nature of prophetic ministry, there are certain pitfalls to avoid:
1. False prophecy: Prophecies that contain false doctrine or prove false clearly do not originate from the Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 18:20-22).
2. Manipulation: Prophets should not seek to control others, dominate meetings or dictate direction through prophecy.
3. Vain imaginings: Made up words not from the Spirit or influenced by selfish agendas have no part in true prophetic ministry (Jeremiah 23:16, Ezekiel 13:2).
4. Seeking self-glory: Prophets must crucify pride and self-promotion, keeping their focus on glorifying Jesus alone (1 Corinthians 14:12).
5. Lack of accountability: Independent prophets who refuse to submit their words to leaders’ discernment can easily fall into deception or error.
Humility, integrity, wisdom and accountability are vital safeguards for prophetic ministers.
5 Keys for Operating in Prophetic Ministry
For those called specifically to prophetic ministry or believers exercising prophetic gifts, here are 5 important keys:
1. Cultivate intimacy with God: Passionately pursue knowing God’s voice and heart through time in His word, prayer and stillness (Jeremiah 23:16-18).
2. Build spiritual discernment: Mature the gifts of discerning of spirits and prophecy through practice and accountability (1 Corinthians 14:29).
3. Listen before speaking: Wait for the Spirit’s prompting and timing before delivering a word (Proverbs 18:13).
4. Deliver with care: Minister prophecy in humility and gentleness, aware of the weight of carrying God’s word.
5. Submit to authority: Remain under the authority and headship appointed over you by God for protection and alignment.
Walking in these principles allows prophetic ministers to fully leverage their gifting for Kingdom impact.
3 Controversies
There are differing views on prophetic ministry which lead to disagreements or confusion at times:
1. Cessationism vs. Continuationism: Cessationists believe the gift of prophecy ceased with the closing of the New Testament canon. Continuationists argue prophecy continues today but must align with Scripture.
2. Personal vs. Church prophecy: Some limit prophecy today to personal words of encouragement and guidance. Others believe prophets still speak directly to churches and nations.
3. Infallibility of modern prophecy: While some view contemporary prophecy as equal to Scripture, most Charismatics hold that modern prophecy remains fallible and must be tested against the Bible.
Sincere Christ-followers stand on both sides of these issues. Discussions around them should be had with humility, grace and thorough biblical support.
Prophecy vs. Personality-Driven Ministry
Because prophetic ministers powerfully represent God’s voice, they must crucify insecurity, need for approval and pride in who people perceive them to be. Their focus stays fixed on accurately conveying what God reveals for the glory of Christ alone.
True prophets walk in humility, integrity and surrender to the Spirit that set them apart from gifted communicators operating in mere personality and natural charisma. Their ministry flows from intimacy with Jesus, not skill or showmanship.
6 Roles within the Fivefold Ministry
The fivefold ministry gifts described in Ephesians 4:11 include the prophet along with four other equipping roles:
1. Apostle: Sent by God to start new works, oversee the church and implement vision.
2. Prophet: Hear and communicate God’s timely word to instruct, encourage and warn.
3. Evangelist: Clearly proclaim the gospel message and call for response.
4. Pastor: Shepherd and care for the needs of a local church body.
5. Teacher: Provide sound biblical instruction and revelation.
These five roles work together to fully equip Jesus’ church to fulfill its Kingdom assignment.
Prophets Partnering with Leadership
For smooth functioning, prophets should walk in humility, respecting and deferring to church leadership. Rather than dictating direction, prophets use their gifting to provide wisdom, confirmation and foresight to the established leadership team.
Prophets who resist or undercut spiritual authority operate outside of biblical order. Submitted prophets bring tremendous blessing to church leaders as they steward their gifting under proper covering.
6 Blessings of Prophetic Ministry
When stewarded well, prophetic ministry powerfully blesses the church in these ways:
1. Brings encouragement: Prophetic words comfort, exhort and inspire believers in their faith journey.
2. Boosts faith: Hearing from God builds faith and expectancy of His work and movement.
3. Fuels unity: Prophetic words often highlight and reinforce the church’s unique identity, calling and vision from God.
4. Deepens intimacy: Prophetic language gives believers insight into God’s heart, nature and ways.
5. Guides decisions: Prophetic direction helps leaders make decisions according to God’s wisdom.
6. Imparts vision: Prophets often receive vision from God for ministry growth, advancement and new works.
Modern Examples of Prophetic Ministers
Here are a few notable Christian prophets from recent history:
– Kathryn Kuhlman: Powerful faith healer and miracle minister who operated in extraordinary prophetic gifts.
– Smith Wigglesworth: Blunt Yorkshire plumber turned global evangelist who consistently prophesied accurate words of knowledge.
– Jack Coe: Bold healing revivalist of the 1950s who stirred faith for the miraculous through public prophecies.
– Jeremiah Johnson: Authors books to prepare the church for coming shaking, revival and societal change.
– Shawn Bolz: Pastors a church in Los Angeles and ministers personal prophecies to encourage believers.
– Graham Cooke: Equips believers to grow in intimacy with God and exercise simple prophetic gifts.
– Michelle McClain-Walters: Founder of Joni Lamb Ministries who prophesies direction and warning to the church.
Why Prophecy Remains Relevant
Some question the ongoing relevance of prophecy and prophetic ministry for today’s church. But Scripture is clear that prophetic gifts continue operating until Jesus returns (1 Corinthians 13:8-10).
The Spirit has not ceased speaking through prophets because the church still desperately needs guidance, direction, strengthening and preparation that comes through prophecy. Prophetic ministry brings vital hearing from heaven and moves believers to align with God’s heart and Kingdom plans.
More than ever, maturing prophets must come forth to selflessly serve Christ’s church and model speaking the truth in love through the enablement of the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
Prophetic ministry occupies an important biblical role by revealing God’s timely word, wisdom and revelation to instruct, comfort and equip. This powerful gifting must be stewarded with humility and in submission to authority. Wise prophets focus solely on strengthening Christ’s church and pointing people to Him.
Though variations of practice and opinion exist, Biblical parameters remain vital for keeping prophetic ministry rooted in intimacy with Jesus and centered on serving others, rather than seeking self-promotion. While controversy remains around its function today, Scripture makes clear prophecy continues being a relevant gift Jesus uses to build His church until His return.