Send us Fan Mail “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:11-12 The fivefold ministry remains alive and well in the modern Church. However, much confusion persists regarding the precise role of the prophet in the New Testament body. God established this office as an enduring function; nowhere in Scripture do we see it removed. Therefore, it is vital for believers to understand the prophet’s unique operation, especially regarding how the prophet collaborates with the Pastor—the God-assigned leader of the local congregation. While the spiritual head of a prophetic ministry is an Apostle (appointed by God, not man), the prophet serves as God’s chosen messenger and mouthpiece. It is only when a church embraces the full fivefold ministry that the saints are truly perfected, the work of the ministry flourishes, and the body of Christ is fully edified. The Foundation of Prophetic Character: Love Prophets have been used throughout history to relay divine messages, yet the ministry often receives a “bad rap” due to individuals operating out of order. To understand how a prophet should function, we must look to the specific guidelines of 1 Corinthians 13. 13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. Scripture explicitly states that though a person may possess the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries, if they lack charity (love), they are nothing. Love is the non-negotiable foundation of the office. Furthermore, while charity never fails, 1 Corinthians 8-12 reminds us that spiritual gifts are temporary. At the return of Christ, when we experience complete, face-to-face knowledge of God in eternity, the need for prophetic guidance will pass. Until that day, true prophets do not rejoice when their fellow travelers on the “Highway of Holiness” stumble; rather, they find their joy exclusively in the triumph of truth. Because we currently see through a dim glass, prophets must strictly discard any childish inclinations toward self-importance or self-exaltation. For instance, a prophet must not react like an undisciplined child when a delivered word is met with skepticism or is rejected. A prophetic word is often entirely new to the recipient, who retains the right to either receive or reject it. Time ultimately proves all revelation. Since a true prophet does not seek personal glory, the unbelief of others is irrelevant. The prophet’s sole mandate is obedience to God’s command to speak. As Romans 3:3 asks: “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?” The Weight and Cost of the Mantle There is no room for vanity in this office. A prophet must maintain a close relationship to God, constantly evaluating their own life against divine standards. The trials assigned to a prophet are often deeply painful. Consider Hosea, who was commanded to marry a woman of the streets as a living symbol of God’s relationship with an unfaithful Israel. He endured public humiliation and was required to personally buy his wife back from brokenness. Even his children bore the prophetic weight, given names meaning “God Scatters,” “No Mercy,” and “Not My People.” Similarly, the book of Jeremiah reveals the immense hostility a prophet may face, detailing narrow escapes from multiple assassination plots. Often, a prophet is instructed to say and do things that run counter to popular opinion. Yet, when God commands it, the prophet must speak—confident that the eternal reward will far outweigh the earthly cost. Discerning the Office from the Gift It is crucial to distinguish between those who possess prophetic expressions and those who occupy the office of a prophet. Individuals may carry titles such as prophesier, seer, psalmist, or dreamer; while they may be operating prophetically, they do not necessarily bear the prophet’s mantle. The Prophesier: 1 Corinthians 14 encourages all saints to desire to prophesy for edification, exhortation, and comfort. However, exercising this gift does not make a believer a prophet.The Seer: The seer perceives things hidden from the natural eye. While this is an ancient term associated with the prophetic, not all prophets operate primarily as seers.The Psalmist: A psalmist—such as King David (who Acts 2:30 explicitly identifies as a prophet)—utilizes rhyme, song, and music to release revelation. Yet not every musical psalmist holds the office of a prophet.The Dreamer: The dreamer receives spiritual insight through dreams. However, dreams can be heavily influenced by personal emotions and psychology, making them the least reliable among subjective indicators.What these distinct operations often lack is the enforcement power and spiritual authority inherent in the prophet’s mantle. The office of a prophet is far more than delivering an individual word, speaking in a congregation, or addressing nations. Once fully prepared by God, a prophet is granted significant authority in the spiritual realm, backed by angelic assistance to confirm the spoken word. Like every branch of the fivefold ministry, it is a strictly God-ordained position. Demeanor, Timing, and Divine Order A prophet’s lifestyle requires total dedication to God through fasting, studying Scripture, and maintaining constant communication with Him. This demands complete obedience to God’s will, even when it is not fully understood. Furthermore, a true prophet receives supernatural backing to confirm their words. This role cannot be achieved through personal desire or effort; it is an innate calling. Ultimately, a prophet’s very life often foreshadows the future. They are not merely messengers, but trailblazers who lead, challenge, and transform the history of God’s people. Prophets receive information and directions from God through dreams, visions, and a distinct spiritual “knowing.” They must know His voice intimately, distinguishing it not only from counter-spirits but from their own internal thoughts. Unlike moments when God gives a believer a spontaneous word to prophesy—such as during a church service—He often reveals messages to His prophets well in advance. A prophet may hold onto that word for a season, understanding that obedience requires not only speaking what God commands, but speaking it exactly when He ordains. Ultimately, prophets, like all believers, must be diligent to make their calling and election sure. Only God can call, anoint, and establish a prophet in the divine position assigned to them before birth. A true prophet ensures they are genuinely sent by God, rather than someone who merely “went” out of misguided zeal; the eternal implications are simply too great. As 2 Peter 1:10 (KJV) admonishes: “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.”
