Distinguishing the Prophetic Ministry

The prophet must be his own disciple, or he will make none. Enthusiasm is contagious: belief creates belief.

George Henry Lewes

²¹ because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

2 Peter 1:21 NRSV

Think back to the image of a swimming pool with different sections and different levels of depth. In the middle section, the water gets deeper than when you began stepping into the pool (i.e. pool steps). In the prophetic realm, there is a time for individuals to move forward and gradually deeper into the expression of God’s heart. Others with the gift of prophecy will move deeper with greater desire, more in-depth training and experience, while some will not. There’s nothing wrong either way. It’s all according to the grace God has given each individual.

The continuous practice of the gift of prophecy can push us in the direction of ministry rather than occasionally using the gift. The pastoral leadership can usually use a prophetic person to hear from the Lord. Moreover, these leaders also consider those with the gift of prophecy to be valuable.

The prophetic ministry operates on a local church level, the same way a kid’s church ministry and ushering ministry operates.

Most of the time, leaders can recognize this gift. They will then nurture and commission these prophets for regular ministry in the local church. These prophets primarily operate in the sphere of the local church first. The prophetic ministry operates on a local church level, the same way a kid’s church ministry and ushering ministry operates.

The prophetic ministry is also empowered by a strong anointing that rests upon an individual at all times. In this level, it is already a given that the prophet is committed to his gift and is called to serve. Commitment is evidenced by a lifestyle that is devoted to being set apart for the prophetic. Integrity defines this lifestyle. Moreover, calling is also preparatory for those who will later function in the Office of the Prophet.

The prophetic ministry grows from the gift of prophecy — from one level to another. This ministry means getting into deeper waters in terms of one’s faith in the Lord. More than advancing in one’s gift, it’s about a deeper relationship with God. A prophet in this ministry can believe for more specific revelations from God, instead of a general type of prophetic word.

In this ministry, prophets experience a more frequent and more intense use of the prophetic gifts. Moreover, it also includes prophesying to a wider range of people, situations, and activities. Aside from simply prophesying, the prophet is called to address a variety of issues within the local church, just like how Moses was with his elders.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Gather for me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them, and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them take their stand there with you. And I will come down and talk with you there. And I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them, and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not bear it yourself alone. (Numbers 11:16-17)

Check out:  THE PROPHETIC MINISTRY AND THE LOCAL CHURCH

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