A: Yes, prophets are needed today just as much as they ever have
been needed during any time in history. Prophets are part of the
foundation of the New Testament Church, so as long as the Church
exists we will need prophets (Ephesians 2:20). God used prophets
throughout the Bible to declare in the earth what they heard Him say
in heaven. Prophets are God’s announcers; they announce the present
or future mind of God. Prophets are forth tellers and foretellers
that speak life as they reveal the mind of God. Many local churches
are dry or dead because they lack a prophetic voice. Church leaders
need prophetic input to keep them refreshed. Without prophets a
local church can be like a valley of dry bones. Prophets who are
humble and submitted can be a valuable asset to today’s church.
Q:
HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM A PROPHET?
A: Apostles and
prophets bring identity to other apostles and prophets. Being
recognized or identified by a proven, mature prophetic gift will let
you know who you are. The calling to this office may come through a
prophetic word and will be confirmed in the mouth of two or three
witnesses. The word “office” in the Greek is praxis, which means
habitual or repeatedly. So what you find yourself doing over and
over will help you to identify your office. A person who is called
to be a prophet will exhibit prophetic traits. For example, a
prophet may find that he or she knows things about people or events
before they are disclosed in the natural course of events. That is
the spiritual gift called a word of knowledge. Prophets may have
dreams or visions that frequently come to pass. Prophets also pray
fervently, intercede for others, get an unction or urge to prophesy,
and discern spirits. Remember, only God ordains prophets (Jeremiah
1:5). Prophets are born, not made. A person can be trained as a
prophet only if God calls them.
Q:
SHOULD PROPHETS BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE
FOR THEIR UTTERANCES?
A: Yes, every prophet
should be held accountable for the prophetic utterances he or she
releases. All prophecy should be judged according to 1 Corinthians
14:29. The prophet’s character, or fruit, should also be judged as
Matthew 7:20 says that you will know them by their fruit. Often the
focus is on the prophetic word, but I believe judging the prophet’s
lifestyle is Biblical. The lifestyle of the prophet must be in line
with Scripture. Prophets must first meet the basic Biblical
standards of Christian life, and then also be held accountable for
what is prophesied. If inaccuracies occur, then they should humbly
repent and take responsibility for what was prophesied.
Q:
WHAT ROLE DOES A PROPHET SERVE IN AN APOSTOLIC
MINISTRY?
A: In an apostolic ministry
the prophet is the perfect counterpart of the apostle. When each of
them understands their role, they can work together to maximize the
anointing in a dimension that neither could enter into individually.
God has equipped prophets to work with apostles. Every apostle needs
a prophet and every prophet needs an apostle. I often say they go
together like Batman and Robin. The prophet’s role in an apostolic
ministry is to be a watchman, intercessor, and prophetic voice, and
to support the vision of the set man and local church.
Q:
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR LOCAL CHURCHES
TO RAISE UP PROPHETIC PEOPLE?
A: Prophetic people
are mature, equipped saints that have the ability to hear the voice
of God for themselves and on behalf of others. They are awesome
intercessors and warriors who assist the set man in overcoming the
many spiritual hindrances to the ministry.
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Q:
DO WE NEED PROPHETS TODAY? IF SO, THEN WHY?
