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Index:

1. Prophecy

1.1 Prophetic formula to speak out prophecy

1.2 Prophecy can be further categorised into three levels

1.3 Four Types of Prophecy

1.4 Gift of Prophecy

2. Prophetic Character and Ministry

2.1 Meaning

2.2 Old Testament Prophets

2.3 Two Groups of Prophets

2.4 Hebrew Words for Prophets in the Old Testament

2.5 New Testament Prophets

2.6 Hebrew Word for Prophets in the New Testament

3. Qualifications of a Prophet

4. Prophetic Character

5. Prophetic Ministry

5.1 Preaching & Teaching

5.1.1 Preaching

5.1.2 Teaching

6. Prophetic Office

6.1 Why is holiness important for the Prophet and the Church?

6.2 How can we encourage a prophet?

1. Prophecy:

It is a real contact with Jesus and a privilege for the one hearing Him.
Prophetic word is always exact and clear. Prophetic words are in a frame and are the centre of attraction. They are clear, concise and sharp for people to focus on. God speaks in concise (short) sentences.
Prophecy has accurate timing. It reveals the time, person, nature of that person and the agenda (mission statement).
It is the gift of the Holy Spirit and without the power of the Spirit it cannot be uttered. At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”(Rev 19:10). We need the Holy Spirit for revealing the word of God, for the extension of His Kingdom so that lives of His people are changed. “…so he sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came upon Saul’s men and they also prophesied.”1 Samuel 19:20
Prophecy builds trust and does not offend any person. God comforts His people and put them to ease through His Words.
Prophecy is forth telling, i.e. about the future. It is for the encouragement & strengthening of people to obey the Word of God and act accordingly.
Prophetic word will be for a specific situation and for a certain period of time at the National and International Level so that people recognise when, where and what is going to happen in the future. Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of His holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” Jude 14-15,
He speaks through the prophets to direct and warn them. God uses prophets to enable His people to come closer to Him and to build a stronger Body of Christ.
True prophecy is always about Grace and Love of God.
Revelation and Application come with prophecy. Revelation is the prophecy itself, and its application is the way it is applied in a given situation.
There are some things in us that stop good prophecy from coming out. There can be a hiding spirit that hinders a prophecy, because prophets can see them in visions. Runaway spirits are the ‘not’ part inside the Church and cause troubles. Cloudy and misty spirits are the negative prophecies for they bring condemnation.
Prophecy maybe variable in its depth. The ministry of prophecy is deeper but the prophetic office is even deeper. God seeks for a person, with whom He can speak and convey His message. The gift of prophecy is important for the Church Members and tells God’s people that Jesus is there with them and that they are “Special” to Him. When people are into abuse, trials and tribulations, rejection and ware fare, they do not feel special. God sends His prophetic Words to comfort them. “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy.” 1 Corinthians 14:01-05. The word of God is sharper than a two edged sword and cuts away the works of the enemy. “For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged” Corinthians 14:31
The prophetic word under-mines the enemy, seeking to come into the life of the Church.
It reveals our destination from one point to another. It releases vision because without a vision people parish. Prophetic Word brings the past and the future to the present; only God knows the end and the beginning, because He is not bound in time. He speaks about our future and our present.
Different prophecies work in different ways. Some prophecies speak of Word of Knowledge.
Prophecy is congregational gift as well. “If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored. Therefore my brothers, be eager to prophesy and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” 1 Corinthians 14:37-39. A prophet can be an elder of a church. He is a person empowered by the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 04:11, Christ himself chooses His people. It is His sovereign choice and Sovereign Power. It is not a formal office in the Church. Not all believers prophesise, but at they can, depending upon their availability to Jesus.
We need spiritual discernment to prophesy. Word of Wisdom and Discernment of Spirits are not prophecies. The Word of Wisdom is for a particular situation and Discernment can be for a particular motive of someone; for a specific time period. But prophecy shows a bigger picture to lead the people of God forward.
Moving in prophecy means that we do not know the complete Word of God. We know only the bits. We need to spend time with God in order to receive the complete prophetic Words. Weigh the words when some one prophesies.
Prophecy prepares the way for change. Prophecy is the key area of paying the cost. We are entering the era where prophets and prophecies will be a normal thing. This is a time of prophets being multiplied. In prophecies at times God offends our heart by offending our mind, i.e. during trials and tribulations we get disturbed and disheartened, but this is His way of bringing ‘change’ in our lives. God shakes our lives altogether. Jesus prophesied in order to alter the lives of His people; for He ministered people with Spiritual sickness.
The prophecy of today is the human words because they come directly through a human vessel. We need to test and apply the Word of God. All prophecy should therefore be in harmony with the Scripture. The Word OIKIDOMOS means building. Prophecy builds up the Church and the fellowship.

1.1 Prophetic formula to speak out prophecy:

Speak out and authenticate the person
Speak out the prophecy
Identify the key words. Rejection = adultery, isolated = self-pity, loneliness = broken relationships.
Check the accuracy of the prophecy
Does it build up?
Is it new or is it old?
Does it agree with the Scripture?

1.2 Prophecy can be further categorised into three levels:

Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Prophecies at the Church Level
Ministry Level. This is the mature level that can take 20 years. During this level a prophet moves towards holiness.

1.3 Four Types of Prophecy:

Local prophecy.
National/destiny prophecy: Places, nations, destinations of people.
Messianic prophecy: About Jesus, Second Coming and end times.
Directed Prophecy: Unsorted Word given by God in our lives for a new direction. He speaks directly into our lives to reveal His gifting.

The prophecy in the Old Testament was either about warning, guidance, direction or a vision, e.g. 1 Samuel 09 and 10, guidance about Saul’s donkeys. Prophets were referred as Seers or watchmen. Holy Spirit was only poured on the prophets and not everyone. In the Old Testament the Words of Prophecy were that of rebuke and warning to God’s people as well. “He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.” & “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:23-24 & 29-31.

In the New Testament Holy Spirit is released on all those who enjoy the privilege of being heirs of the Kingdom of God. “…because those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba’, Father.” Romans 08:14-15. Apostles in the New Testament are equal to the prophets of the Old Testament. They had written the New Testament and had personal encounter with Jesus. (If we see the awesomeness of Jesus today, we cannot survive.) Prophets in the New Testament do not speak infallible words. All prophecies in the New Testament need to be judged prophetically. Examples are John who wrote the Book of Revelations and Paul who wrote the letters. The prophetic words in the New Testament are for the encouragement, strengthening, building and teaching of the people of God.

1.4 Gift of Prophecy:

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.” Romans 12:06.

He gives the gift to His people to give them His Holy Spirit and for the glory of His Name. No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “In the last days, God says I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your older men will dream dreams.” Acts 02:16-17 & Leaving the next day we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, The Holy Spirit says, “In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.” Acts 21:08-14 & “…to another miraculous powers, to another prophesy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues and to still another the interpretation of tongues.”1 Corinthians 12:10.
God can speak through anyone He wills to speak. Every one in His Kingdom can prophesy. He can give the gift of prophecy to someone for a particular time and purpose; for He is sovereign. All other gifts need to fit to the Church for the Spirit of God move within. Jesus knows our situation and never wants us to be static. We are either going forward or backward. He wants us to run so as to win the race.

2. Prophetic Character and Ministry

2.1 Meaning:

PROPHETEIA (Greek)

PRO = Forth

PHEMI = To Speak

The word ‘prophet’ occurs 300 times in the Old Testament and 125 times in the New Testament.

2.2 Old Testament Prophets:

Prophets in the Old Testament had an important Ministry. The priestly-hood in the Old Testament was no longer reliable because they were more prone to please the Kings.

“Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live...” Genesis 20:07

I spoke to the prophets, gave them many visions and told parables through them.” Hosea 12:10,

“So Moses went out and told the people what the Lord had said…” Numbers 11:24

A prophet is a ‘dulos’ (slave, servant). “On that day, declares the Lord Almighty, ‘I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel’, declares the Lord, and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.’ Haggai 02:23.
A prophet is rich (fat) in holiness and the loneliest person.
A Prophet has the ability to release the Rhema, ‘Now’ Word of God. In Old Testament, Moses wrote the Word of God, so Scripture itself is prophetic. The Words of God became Scripture. “I will raise up from them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in His mouth and he will tell them everything I command him.” Deuteronomy 18:18. He is the one to receive the message of deliverance or judgement from God. He is a spokesperson for God. The Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet.” Exodus 07:01.
A prophet is a man who represents God before man. “I spoke to the prophets, gave them many visions and told parables through them. “Hosea 12:10, “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways.” Hebrews 01:01.
He forth tells by faith under God’s Authority.
Prophetic figures are distinct, respectable and different from others. But the servant replied, “Look in this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected and everything he says comes true...” 01 Samuel 09:06
He is a seer (One who can see into the future). The seer is usually not appreciated because visions bring God’s foresight into the World. “The Amaziah said to Amos, “Get out you seer! Go back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there an do your prophesying there.” Amos 07:12
He is an interpreter. He is a person with whom, God speaks. Isaiah 43:27
He is God’s messenger. “Your first father sinned; your spokesmen rebelled against me.” Isaiah 43:14
He is a true servant of God. “‘On that day,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,’ declares the Lord…’ “Haggai 02:23.
Prophets are mature people and it takes around 20 years to become one.
A prophet should have clear motives because he has to be face-to-face with the Lord. God can speak in visions and dreams but with a prophet He speaks face-to-face. He said, ‘listen to my Words: “When a prophet of the Lord is among you, I reveal myself to Him in visions, I speak to him in dreams. But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in al my house. With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses.” Numbers 12:06-08.
A Prophet preaches the truth, unless he is a false prophet, led by the deceiver. He has a distinct calling. He hears clearly from the Lord and then shares it with people. A person can have a gift of prophecy but not a Ministry of prophecy.
Kononia speaks of closeness with brothers and sisters in the Church, where a prophet can be recognised by his gifts under a proper Authority. He needs a proper authority to affirm in a church.
A prophet is ready for God’s will, no matter what the cost is.
Prophets can be wrongly accused.
They can be misunderstood.
Prophets are people who are always ready to repent.

2.3 Two Groups of Prophets:

Non Writing Prophets: Aaron, Elijah, and Elisha.
Writing Prophets: Moses (Historical Books), Poetical Books of David

2.4 Hebrew Words for Prophets in the Old Testament:

CHEZAH: Having a vision, gazing at, looking upon something, looking into something. “The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw…” Isaiah 01:01 & “An oracle concerning Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz saw…” 13:01.
MASSA: To have a burden and thus speaking out of that burden for a certain situation. To carry away the longing, yearning in the heart.
NABA: To prophesy and speak/sing in an esthetic way; speaking by inspiration. When all those who had formerly known him saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other, “What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” 01 Samuel 10:11
NEBUWAH: To have an appreciation of written and spoken words. Saul prophesied and people did not expect that.
NATAPH: To ooze or distil gradually, come forth; words of prophecy come in bits by bits. “Do not prophesy,” their prophets say. “Do not prophesy about these things; disgrace will not overtake us.” Micah 02:06, “O Lord, when you went out from Seir, when you marched from the land of Edom, the earth shook, the heavens poured, the clouds poured down water.” Judges 05:04.

2.5 New Testament Prophets:

“It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Ephesians 04: 11-12

“For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 01:21.

New Testament Apostles took the place of the Old Testament prophets. “I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Saviour through your apostles.” 2 Peter 03:02 - because they wrote the words of the Scripture.

They revealed the Will and the Word of God to the people. “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 05:19-21. “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy,” “Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.” “If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.”1 Corinthians 14: 01, 29, 37. Revelation comes from the Greek Word APOKALUPSIS that means uncovering and revealing.

2.6 Hebrew Word for Prophets in the New Testament:

PROPETEN (PROPAHETUO): To foretell or speak under inspiration/influence. “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you…” Mathew 15:07, No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your older men will dream dreams.” Acts 02:16-17, “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gifts of prophesy.” 1 Corinthians 14:01, “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Revelation 01:03.

3. Qualifications of a Prophet:

A prophet can be an Elder in the Church. He should be a person who is recognized by the Church. His calling is usually not in the government of the Church, because he needs to keep himself free to receive the Rhema Word/Now Word from God.
He should have a positive character with God; otherwise enemy can deceive through pride. Without a Christian Character he can be left all open for the enemy. He must submit to Jesus for He is the prime example of Servant-hood. A servant is always available for his Master.
God moves in his life through signs and wonders.
He should be ready for persecution since He is the Anointed One.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit or the Body Gifts (term used for the Church; Body of Christ) should be operational in his life. But, prophets may or may not move in all the gifts. According to Romans 12:06-08, different gifts are given to the Church. Prophets bring people to complete the Body of Christ. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach, if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”
A prophet ministers both inside and outside the church and has the entire nation within his reach. They have spiritual children outside the church, for they change directions of people; bringing them to develop a relationship with God.
Prophets must submit to God’s Authority. He therefore does not take orders from the local church.
God initiates the Ministry of a prophet after a certain period of time, so that he can maintain his intimacy with God. Therefore a prophet should be well aware of his full time call.
Spiritual Indigestion is caused if a prophet only receives and does not communicate the message to the Church. He must not rob God’s Word. He needs effectiveness.
Prophets is a person who lives in obedience with Jesus. The world throws different thoughts but he should listen to his creator; for the creator knows the best for everyone.

4. Prophetic Character:

Jesus desires to work through His people, but sometimes the enemy creeps in with pride and worldly desires. Satan puts the desire in people to become the ‘Top of the Pile’. When a Leader falls, most of his followers fall as well. Acts 08:18, where Simon wanted to purchase the miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit. He wanted to be the centre of attention like the Apostles. The enemy creeps into those weak areas where people are looking at us. According to Ephesians 04:27 – “…and do not give the devil a foothold”, Satan should have no room to work in us. TOPOS in Greek speaks about,’ don’t let the enemy get into that area of life, where he can work in you.’ With our walk with Jesus opposition shows up as well. It brings circumstances that need to be overcome by the Blood of Jesus. Enemy seeks any means to bring down our testimony and to destroy the work that Jesus wants to do in us and through us. Satan wants to bring evil out of the things we do. It is like a Spiritual Warfare. When the opposing force makes a stronghold in our life, it can claim power over that area in our lives. Sometimes our lives get dry because enemy leads us to dry areas because we are not listening to Jesus. Mostly the enemy places before us sexual sins and desires. But we have to look at Jesus and show the character of Jesus from our lives. Jesus did not hide His words from the Pharisees for He wanted to show them what they were like. Jesus offended their theological background. His messages offended their thoughts and minds.

According to Acts 08:18, there are false prophets empowered by Satan against God’s Word. We need the gift of discernment to know what is true and right and recognise those areas where the enemy wants to attack. We, as the people of God, depend upon Jesus, to allow Him to move within us and through us.

Another aspect of a new leader is that other leaders can give their insight; input is us. “As iron sharpen iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17, we need other people’s views as well and keep our fellowship. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with other form of malice.” Ephesians 04:31. Christian lives deteriorate because people who hurt are Christians themselves. Enemy brings them into such positions where they develop differences and anger takes its foothold in many lives.

Part of us does not want to surrender to Jesus. It is that part where the enemy wants to build its foothold. This is the flesh part of us; sinful human nature. This is the enemy’s entrance in our lives so as to make our eyes off-Jesus. A lot of Christians loose the ability and recognition to contact Jesus because they are caught up in the world. But as we surrender to Jesus (like Mary who washed His feet), we are broken, he fills us and speaks to us in a way that we are ‘God Moved’. Now God can speak through us. He moulds us and re-shapes our potential. Just like a seed is ready to germinate and grow. But we need to allow Jesus to let it germinate and grow.

There is a potential in mankind to be a prophet but that requires a lot of his time dedicated for the Lord. We need to practise the presence of Jesus in our lives so as to have an ever-closer relationship with us. We need to remain switched on (like mobiles) for Jesus so that we are ready to catch His signals. If we are busy in life then we will remain switched off and will not be able to maintain our connection with Him.

Before Jesus comes in our lives we are living in flesh. Jesus with His Grace and Favour touches us. But there are certain things that Jesus needs to deal with us, for we are not perfect from that point where Jesus wants to take us. There could have been times when we were in flesh and still could have worked for Jesus. But our sinful nature does not let Jesus have sovereign control on us. So Jesus uses those people who are lost in wonder. He wants us to be lost in love with Him and have a love affair with Him so that He can work by His Spirit in us and through us.

But to get there we need to be broken and that is very hard. There is so much in each of us to be changed. He breaks us just like a potter breaks and re-shapes the lump of mud; because without Jesus we are nothing. We can’t save a single person without Him; we can’t perform miracles without God’s sovereign power. We should be willing to lay down whatever we can lay down for Him. That’s the kind of people Jesus wants whose ‘I Points’, (strong points) are broken. He wants ‘I’ to die. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 02:20. As the people of God we will be misunderstood as well, because human nature does not want to understand the things of the Lord. Jesus is not concerned with our past reputation and our ‘I Side’ because He wants that to die. Self-will within us diminishes because we have been bought with the precious Blood of Jesus; therefore we surrender to Jesus. We need a 100% heart with Jesus. We need to be single-minded. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 03:05-06, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:02. Jesus gives positive long-term thoughts. There has to be honesty, simplicity, and nothingness in our life-style. There is no middle position with Jesus. He is not sentimental like in Jude 08 – “In the very same way, these dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings.” There is still something within us that fights against us and stops us to surrender to Jesus. Acts 10:01-23. We have to understand and recognise that Jesus wants to bless His Church. Jesus was in the company of tax collectors and all those who were socially cast out, but Jesus loved them all. Although, we are like vapours in the wind but are special in Jesus.

Jesus is the Victor and we live in His Victory. According to John 15:05, we need more and more of Jesus in our life. We need to be broken so as to bear fruit and abide with Him. As in Philippians 02:05-11, Jesus became obedient to death on the cross. He knew that He had to be broken for us. Now we can receive His grace and power. “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.” John 03:14. As we surrender, He works in us. If we limit our willingness, then the power of God also gets limited. God is gracious to pour down His spirit without any measure. He wants to fill us to overflow us. Brokenness like Mary, is not our need, but is essential. ‘No man is stronger than the man who has been touched by God.’ We need to be touched by God. We need to wrestle with God to break us more and more; not just for us but for other people as well. He breaks us initially to offend us. “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased though the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles…” 1 Corinthians 01:21-23, God has made a life time investment is us. ”I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, unless you can eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood; you have no life in you.” John 06: 51 & 53.

5. Prophetic Ministry:

Prophetic Ministry is very deep. It requires the person to have time to listen to Jesus. Time is a difficult commodity but the person whom God wants to give this Ministry has inner leading. They express the heart of Jesus; not theirs. In the case of Jeremiah, it was a weeping heart. It expresses the deeper love. God gives His Rhema through His servant to His people. The Prophetic Ministry covers more extensive issues and can be for several churches. Moving in the Holy Spirit is basic in a Prophetic Ministry. It draws our attention to the Power & Majesty of our Lord, for He is the Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Prophetic Ministry is either full time or part time. Prophetic figures are Elders and Leaders in the church and are accountable to the church authorities (Key church Workers are people with authority. It is an awesome position because Key Church Workers are accountable to Jesus).
People working in the prophetic Ministry should be open to hear what God speaks about them through other people. Prophetic people should be honest, sincere and open in their lives so that they do not have hidden motives. They need to have agreement with one another. They should be honest in dealings even in the secular world. They need to have personal accountability with Jesus and one another. This relationship should be so close that they are able to say, “I give you the right to ask about any hidden thing in my life.” Enemy creeps in through relationship between man and a woman. Meeting of people of opposite sex should be discouraged in the Church e.g. prayer partners.
People working in different ministries in the Church should work according to their calling. If in a Prophetic Office they must work as a prophet and not a pastor. Otherwise there will be dilution in the ministries operating inside the body of the church.
It is essential to have a group of people in the Prophetic Ministry to maintain the check and balance in the team (group). There should be someone who is the administrator for that team and yet someone who examines the prophecies, i.e. the direction that Jesus wants the church to go. They need to be accountable and relate to one another. People working in the groups have different levels of commitment. All the members must be aware of the aims and targets of the group.
The new comers should be welcomed in the groups because the group members need input from all other people. These new and emerging prophets need training and courses for their growth and development. Their accountability needs to be assessed with one another. They need to encourage one another.
Prophetic people are like watchmen in the Church. They are able to discern the times and seasons of the enemy.
Prophetic people are good in communication and understanding. They are sharp, powerful and fresh because the Spirit of God works within and through them. Jesus gives His vision for the Church to His prophets and enables them to retain these words as well.

5.1 Preaching & Teaching:

Preaching and teaching are part of prophetic ministry. Mostly people operating in prophetic ministry are teachers or good preachers as their second call.

5.1.1 Preaching:

It speaks through a person’s mind to impart knowledge
It speaks to a person’s emotions
Preaching speaks to the Spirit of a Man
It shows what a man is like
It provides general guidelines, i.e. walk with Jesus
It affects a person’s life
It changes man’s relationship with Jesus and one another
It tells us how to love one another.

5.1.2 Teaching:

It speaks to the person’s mind
It imparts knowledge
It gives general guidelines
It gives a life-style.

6. Prophetic Office:

It is a distinctive, vital and an importance office in the Church. It is speaking out the Word of God upon different subjects and visions. Prophets bring the “Now” Word of Jesus. It is the working or action of God through His prophets. “And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophesy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 01:19-21, “…and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 03:15-16. The primary concern of the Prophet is with holiness and purity; without holiness he cannot see God. “Be holy because I Am Holy”. We have to listen to Him if we want to show the Character of Jesus in all its beauty and holiness, through our lives.

6.1 Why is holiness important for the Prophet and the Church?

To prepare the Bride of Christ. The prophet prepares the Bride of Christ.
A prophet has a spiritual perception about holiness. He will make it holy and pure for Jesus to come back to take His bride into His Kingdom.
He seeks to bring the Kingdom values into God’s people. He forth tells and foretells to a Group of Churches.
He motivates God’s People to allow change to enter their lives. He is empowered by God and works in Churches, cities and Nations. It is a bigger office. Prophets speak by the authority of Jesus.
God shows through His Holy Spirit that He has chosen a person for prophetic office. Super Natural gifts will operate in that office.
Everyone cannot be in that office. It needs to be developed and moved. We need to train our ears to listen to God. We need to filter our thoughts/sights so that we can recognise the enemy seeking us.
There is lesser of ‘Self’ in prophetic office. A person comes into a greater flow of Anointing when working at the National level. Aspirations turn into achievements.

6.2 How can we encourage a prophet?

Let the prophet grow. Give him 2-3 years to grow and then check him after that.
How much is He like Jesus?
Look for unity in Spirit and not uniformity.
Look for fire in a prophet. A prophet always burns sin.
Prophets are allowed to speak and not to teach.
Their experience should match with theology. If theology says, ‘live by faith’ then the experience ought to be the same.
Prophets are always rejected are wrongly accused most of the times. They are difficult people to be with. They need apostolic safety.