Preparing for Prophetic Ministry

The ministry of prophecy given with the laying on of hands is an important part of the development of every church leader. This is a Biblical concept and was used often in the appointment of leaders to various roles and ministries in the early church (See Acts 13:1-3. 1 Tim. 1:18-19; 4:14). These notes outline some important areas of teaching that will help you in preparing for this time of prophetic ministry in your life. Please read through them prayerfully. The Prophetic Ministry A prophet is someone through whom God speaks His heart, mind and will. The Old Testament concept of a prophet is one called (by God) to speak for God. God spoke to and through prophets. A prophet was not independent. They spoke God's message, not their own. Prophets were referred to as: God's mouthpiece (Jer.1:9), God's messenger, God's representative or God's interpreter. Their primary function was to speak the heart and mind of God to their contemporaries, not just to predict the future. They were to be judged by their fruit, their godliness, their obedience to the commands of God, the accuracy of their prophetic word and whether their word was fulfilled or not. In the New Testament, the prophetic ministry continues as an important part of Gods plan. All believers can prophesy at times under the anointing of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:17; 19:6). Some within the church have the gift of prophecy that enables them to move in prophetic ministry on a regular basis (1 Cor.12:10). A few are called to be prophets, a ministry given by Jesus to equip the saints for the work of the ministry so the church may grow (Eph. 4:11-16. 1 Cor.12:29). The Prophetic Process How does a prophet receive a message from God? God reveals His mind, heart and will through different methods of communication. These include visions, dreams, an audible voice, riddles ("dark sayings"), angelic messengers or the word of the Lord (See Num. 12:1-10). All revelation comes by the Spirit and involves "hearing" or "seeing" things from God. A prophetic ministry must first hear or see what God is saying or doing. How does a prophet proclaim a message from God? A prophetic message is usually spoken (through prophecy or preaching) but may be written down, demonstrated or illustrated. The message declares God's heart and mind to His people. The peoples response determines the consequences. The Purpose of the Prophetic Ministry God has given the prophetic ministry for the benefit of believers and the ongoing ministry of the church. Here are a number of things that the prophetic ministry can do:

Preparing for Prophetic Ministry Church

Notes by Mark Conner, Senior Minister, CityLife

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Edification (1 Cor.14:3). The prophetic ministry can build up, edify and promote the spiritual growth or progress of believers. It strengthens their spiritual life. See Rom. 14:19; 15:2. 1 Cor.14:3, 5, 12, 26. 2Cor.10:8; 12:19; 13:10. Eph. 4:12, 16, 29.

Preparing for Prophetic Ministry Church

Notes by Mark Conner, Senior Minister, CityLife

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Exhortation (1 Cor.14:3). The prophetic ministry can bring personal encouragement to believers from the Lord. It can stir up, admonish and exhort in order to bring about growth and progress in the believer. See Rom. 12:8; 15:4, 5. 2Cor.1:3-5. 2Thess.2:16. 1 Tim. 4:13. Heb. 6:18; 12:5; 13:22.

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Comfort (1 Cor.14:3, 31). The prophetic ministry can bring comfort and consolation to a believer. God ministers his love, compassion and tenderness to those who are in need. See also Jn.11:19, 31. 1Thess.2:11; 5:14.

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Learning (1 Cor.14:31). The prophetic ministry can bring knowledge, instruction and teaching to a believer to help them in their spiritual life and ministry. It is a discipling ministry used by the Lord to instruct. See also Mt. 11:29. 2 Tim. 3:14.

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Equipping (Eph. 4:11-12). The prophetic ministry can equip believers for ministry. This concept has the idea of: fitting and preparing fully for effective service; adjusting into proper order and arrangement; to prepare for a purpose. See also Mt. 4:21 (mending nets), Gal. 6:1 (restore).

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Impartation (Rom. 1:11) The prophetic ministry ca n impart spiritual gifts to the believer. A gift is: a gift of grace; a favour which one receives without any merit of his own; Gods enablement by the operation of the Holy Spirit; extraordinary power and ability. See also 1 Tim. 4:14. 1 Cor.12:4, 9, 28, 31. 2 Tim. 1:6. 1 Pet. 4:10.

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Vision (Acts 2:17). The prophetic ministry can bring a revelation of God and His purposes. It can give direction and purpose through understanding and knowing the plans of God. It comes to stir, challenge, create faith and a sense of urgency about the things of God. It arouses us from complacency and apathy and motivates us to action and fervency. See also Amos 3:7-8. Eph. 1:17-18. Prov.29:18 "no vision (revelation, prophetic insight, knowledge of God) causes people to perish (dwell carelessly, be apathetic, lack motivation)." Prophecy communicates Gods intentions (Acts 21:10; 11:27. Rev. 22:6. 1 Chron.28:12, 19. Acts 11:28; 21:10-11).

Responding to the Prophetic Ministry

Preparing for Prophetic Ministry Church

Notes by Mark Conner, Senior Minister, CityLife

It is important that we respond properly to the prophetic word. Paul was intent on seeing the church have a proper attitude and a mature response to prophetic ministry. Two extremes must be avoided - unbelief or rejection of prophetic ministry and blind acceptance of prophecy without proper testing. The Bible says, 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. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. (1Th 5:19-24. NIV) Hear are some important steps in responding to the prophetic word correctly. 1. Hearing. We must be sure of exactly what was said. This involves listening carefully to ensure full understanding of the message (See Rev. 2:7). To help you do this, we provide a recording of each prophetic word. Please listen through the tape and write out fully what was said. Often we have selective memory and can miss the overall intention or message of the word given. Testing Every prophetic word is to be tested or judged. The prophetic ministry must be accountable. Is this a word from God? Is it in line with the Scriptures. Is there the witness of the spirit? Does it create faith or fear? Was it fulfilled? See 1Thess.5:21-22. 1 Cor.14:29. "Prove" is the Greek word dokimazo which means to discern, examine, test, scrutinise (to see whether a thing is genuine or not) as in metals. "Judge" means to test, decide and distinguish. It should be noted that we have chosen proven prophetic ministries and we have great confidence in their prophetic ministry. Nevertheless, ALL prophecy must be judged. Wrong "prophetic words", not tested, can cause incredible damage to people's lives! We ask each person, once they have written out the prophecy, to come and speak with one of the Ministry Staff to discuss and pray over the prophetic word. 3. Receiving The prophetic word must be received with faith. We need to say in our spirit, "Yes, Lord" and "I receive Your word." We must "hold fast" the word of the Lord (1Thess.5:21). Unless we mix the word with faith, it will not benefit our lives. The Old Testament nation of Israel received many words from God through Moses but the words "did not profit them" (was of no use, help, advantage, assistance or effect) because of their unbelief (Heb. 4:2). Marys response to the message through Gods angel was, "Be it unto me according to Your word" (Lk.1:38). Have an expectant and responsive heart to Gods word to you. 4. Understanding
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Preparing for Prophetic Ministry Church

We must ask the Lord for wisdom and understanding so we may interpret correctly the word given. The word may be an accurate message from God, but if it is misunderstood or interpreted wrongly, it will not benefit the believer. Sometimes the message may be more understood over time. Paul (in 1 Cor.13:9) says we prophesy in part (fragments or incomplete knowledge). He prays for the Ephesian believers that the "eyes of your understanding be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of His calling" (Eph. 1:18). We need the Spirits illumination in our mind bringing clarity. Understanding can be gained through prayer, meditation and Godly counsel. Until the message is interpretation and understood correctly, proper application (practical steps) cant be taken. Look at the prophetic word for indication ministry calling (gifts), personal encouragement, warning or specific exhortations to be applied.

Preparing for Prophetic Ministry Church

Notes by Mark Conner, Senior Minister, CityLife

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Obedience The prophetic word must be obeyed. Prophecy does not automatically come to pass in our lives. Prophecy reveals Gods intentions for our life. However, we are responsible to obey and apply Gods word, otherwise it may not come to pass. Most prophecy is conditional or dependent on our response. Don't neglect (through laziness or wrong priorities) the word. Give it careful attention (Heb. 2:1-4). "Take heed" means to turn your mind and attention to it. Be diligent in following up what God has said to you (1 Tim. 4:14-16). James says to be "doers, not just hearers, deceiving yourselves" (Jas. 1:22). God responds to us. What we are to Him, He will be to us (Jer.18:7-10).

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Spiritual Warfare The devil wants to do everything he can to steal, kill and destroy our lives. He wants to ruin our potential and hinder us from knowing then fulfilling Gods purpose for our lives (Jn.10:10). We must aggressively battle against him and pray for Gods word to be fulfilled over our lives. Paul told Timothy to wage a good warfare over the prophecies given to him (1 Tim. 1:18-19). We are in a spiritual war! We are to fight the good fight of faith. This implies that there will be opposition, struggle, delay and testing. Be inspired and aided by the prophetic word (1 Tim. 6:12. 2 Tim. 4:7. 1 Cor.9:26). In Gods time he will bring His will to pass in your life (Ecc.3:11). Never give up!

Knowing God's Will For Your Life There are three important things for you to know in regard to Gods will for your life: 1. God has a plan and purpose for you and each person!

2. We all have a desire and need to have a reason to live, a destiny, a purpose. 3. God wants to reveal His call and plan to us, and will do so.

Prophetic ministry is only one way to have Gods will confirmed in your life. God communicates to us in many ways, but all through the Spirit. 1. Prayer. God wants to speak to you in your personal time with Him. Take time to listen (tune in) to His voice. What are the desires of your heart and the gifts He has given you? The Scriptures. The Bible contains God's will for you and the principles and keys to success and fulfilment. These are outlined and illustrated for your instruction. It tells you to love, serve, work hard, witness, fellowship, worship, pray and many other things. It warns you against lust, love of riches, anger, hatred,
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Preparing for Prophetic Ministry Church

unforgiveness and many other things too. Read it and obey it. It is Gods word and will for you.

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The Preaching and Teaching of God's Word. Every time someone preaches or teaches Gods word, they are to speak as the "oracles of God" (1 Pt. 4:11) and we are to receive the message as the "words of God" (1Thess.2:13). God speaks to us through other ministries. When we listen and respond with a correct attitude, God is pleased and we grow spiritually. God-Ordained Authority. The authorities in your life are ministers (servants) of God (See Rom. 13). They are God's delegated representatives. These include: Parents (Col. 3:20. Eph. 6:1. Prov.6:20; 15:5). Teachers or employers (Col. 3:22-25, 1 Tim. 6:1-2. 1 Pt. 2:18). Police, government and law officers (Rom. 13:1-7. 1 Pt. 2:13-17). Church leaders (Heb. 13:17. 1Thess.5:12-14. 1 Tim. 5:17. 1 Pt. 5:13).

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We are to obey and honour them as Gods representatives. They are God's tool to work in our lives (character, wisdom, protection and covering, guidance and direction). If asked to do something wrong we should appeal for an alternative. If this is not possible, we should obey God rather than men while maintaining an attitude of respect (See Dan. 1:6. Acts 5:28-29). God will often speak to you and guide you through the authorities over your life. 5. Prophecy God also speaks to us and shows us His will through prophetic ministry. Usually this is to be a confirmation of what God has already spoken to us or is doing in our lives. Occasionally, new revelation may be given. God can speak to us through a personal prophecy, through a prophecy given to the whole church or even through a prophetic word given to someone else. 6. The Supernatural God may also speak through prophetic dreams, visions or angels.

God is speaking to you all the time and wants you to know and do His will. Often we don't hear God's voice because we don't recognise the different ways He communicates to us. Learn to know (see, perceive, be aware of) God's voice by His Spirit within you through the various means of communication He uses. Read 1 Cor.2. Hindrances to hearing from God 1. Disobedience or sin (Ps. 66:18. Dt.28:23). 2. Not obeying the last word spoken to you by God through neglect (Mk. 4:24).
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Distractions - other things taking our time, energy and attention. Quenching the Spirit (1Thess.5:19). This dulls our hearing. Closed ears not wanting to hear (Jer.6:10, 35:15. Mt. 13:14-15).

Be committed to the purposes of God in your life. Give diligent attention to your calling! Respond with preparation accompanied by patient endurance for God's timing. Without this, no dream, vision or call will be achieved. However, with a responsive and obedient heart, we will see Gods will done in our life and hear Him say, Well done, good and faithful servant! For Further Study: The following materials are highly recommended and are available in the CityLife Bookshop at reasonable prices: The Church in the New Testament (by Kevin Conner - see chapter on Prophets) Developing your Prophetic Gift (by Graham Cooke)

Preparing for Prophetic Ministry Church

Notes by Mark Conner, Senior Minister, CityLife