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Ministry Gift of a Prophet

Definition:

Someone who has the ability to speak for God with revelation that encourages, convicts, admonishes and inspires those around them. This ministry is primarily for the edification of Christian believers. Prophets minister words of comfort, judge prophecy, proclaim truth about God's word and character, provide special insight into God's plans and purposes, confirm gifts and ministries, and stir up the gift of prophecy in the Body at large.

Biblical References:

• 1 Corinthians 12:28
• 1 Corinthians 14:37
• Ephesians 4: 11
• Romans 12:6
• Acts 13:1
• Acts 21:9,10

Typical Ministry Characteristics:

1. Strong ability to sense what the Holy Spirit is doing around them. Able to tune out the influence of their surroundings when the Lord is speaking. Become frustrated and restless in meetings or services that are not moving under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
2. Supernatural ability to discern true and false prophecy. Know when someone is not really speaking for God. Will confront those who commit significant spiritual error in prophesying to others. Often has thoughts or feelings in a corporate gathering that become confirmed through prophecy from others.
3. Inspirational and spontaneous approach to ministry. Does not usually become involved in those areas of the church that require strong administrative skills or organizational ability. Not often very methodical or analytical in their approach to ministry.
4. Genuine burden to see other Christians responding to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Like to admonish and encourage people to move out in their spiritual gifts. Strongly desires to see the gift of prophecy more active in corporate gatherings.
5. Not dissuaded by people's feelings. Very motivated to speak out what God is telling them regardless of what people will think or say. Willing to risk negative reactions from others in giving a prophetic message.
6. Comfortable with the supernatural. Great confidence and faith in being able to hear the voice of the Lord. Tolerate mistakes in their ministry without losing trust in that inner voice they are hearing.

General Information

The Greek word for prophet is prophetes. It means an interpreter or someone who speaks for another. A prophet in the church is a divinely appointed spokesman for the Lord. They give the body of Christ greater clarity and insight into His plans and purposes for them.

Prophets Build Up The Church

The ministry of a prophet is essential for building up the body of Christ and stirring up supernatural power in a local congregation. It is listed second in the order of ministries given by Paul in both Ephesians and 1 Corinthians. This may result from the fact that prophets often accompanied apostles in the New Testament, and assisted them in creating spiritually dynamic environments in newly planted churches (Acts 15:32,40; Eph. 2:20, 3:5). In churches today, increased prophetic ministry often precedes a major renewal and outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Prophets Differ Today From Old Testament Prophets

The role of prophets in the church today is different than the role that was given to prophets in the Old Testament. Prior to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit did not live or reside in an individual. Rather, He would overshadow certain people and give them supernatural ability to speak on God's behalf. These prophets stood in the place of the Lord guiding and directing His people. What the prophet said was to be obeyed as if God Himself was speaking. If the prophet turned out to be wrong in what he said, they put him to death.

After the resurrection of Christ, the Holy Spirit was able to directly reside in individuals. Now the Lord can speak to us directly as we draw close to Him. Prophets no longer serve as the primary source of revelation to the people of God. We can now hear from God personally. In the New Testament the prophetic role transitioned into providing encouragement, offering general guidance and confirming personal revelation. Would this kind of ministry today diminish or conflict with the writings of Scripture? Not at all. The Bible remains our final and authoritative source on what God is saying to His people. No prophetic word may contradict Scripture.

Prophets Have The Gift Of Prophecy

Not everyone who prophesies is called to the ministry of a prophet. The gift of prophecy is available to everyone as evidenced by Paul's admonishment to Christians that they should pursue this gift (1 Cor. 12:31, 14:1,5,12). But those who are called to be a prophet in the body of Christ will have an ongoing ministry in prophecy that is more extensive and consistent. Prophets can exercise this gift over an extended period of time and their revelation is often more direct and specific in nature.

Prophets Vary In Ministry

It is possible for prophets to vary in how they minister to the church. Some individuals may exhibit this ministry through inspirational teaching. Others may find themselves exhorting and encouraging individuals with specific revelation. Still others may find their ministry centered on providing words of admonishment and encouragement in a public setting. What is common among prophets is their need to spend great amounts of time before the Lord in prayer. This is because a prophet's ministry is based on their high sensitivity to the voice of the Lord. Someone should only be recognized as a prophet in the local church after their ministry has been proved to be stable, mature and above reproach. Those with this ministry gift who have unresolved personal problems, or are emotionally immature can cause major problems to a local church.