Nonprophet ministry?

A clear distinctive of the early Charismatic Movement was its deep regard and hunger for the Word of God.  Indeed, it was a chief hallmark of the movement.  To be sure, the gifts of the Spirit, and the phenomenon of glossolalia were  pronounced and particularly essential elements of the movement, but it was a renewed love for God’s word, and its study which swiftly became one its most notable features.

Sermons were centered in scripture, indeed, they were brimming with scripture and always challenging us to dig more deeply into scripture.  We gathered throughout the week for bible studies in our churches and in our homes, and often listened, throughout the week, to recorded teaching on cassette tapes. Even Christian radio, during that same period, was largely a teaching platform though music was played between teaching programs. 

Over time, though, that deep hunger for God’s word began to ebb.  Slowly our services became structured around shorter sermons, more song, and lengthier “personal ministry time”.  Of course personal ministry is important, but it seemed less and less tethered to God’s word, centering itself more and more in personal words of prophecy, and prayer as a sort of therapy, rather than as a definite moment in which God’s promises and power were embraced in an intentional act of faith (similarly, our music became more centered in self, more emotive, and impressionistic).  Indeed, whole services became devoted to “the prophetic”.  It was as if “the prophetic” had become the focus of our gathering, and the locus of our hope.  

It was as if “the prophetic” had become the focus of our gathering, and the locus of our hope.  

What began as an innocent and earnest desire to create a space in which God might speak through the prophetic gifts, unwittingly evolved into an insidious supplanting of the simple teaching of scripture.  A subtle, but definite shift occurred in which the written word of God began to share its preeminence with “a prophetic word from God”.  That is, the prophetic word became as desirable and sought after as the written Word. This change in focus and appetite had telling effects. It inadvertently encouraged an alarming trend toward biblical illiteracy, exposing so many to the vulnerability of being “… tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming“. That is, in my estimation, when the the Charismatic Movement entered into decline.

People now began to collect together to receive a “prophetic word’, rather than to hear the God’s written word.  Christians actually began to quote prophetic words as if they were on par with the written Word.  It was no longer uncommon to hear someone ask “What are the prophets saying?”

It was no longer uncommon to hear someone ask “What are the prophets saying?”

Today, “Prophets” so called, abound. Yet, judged by the accuracy and clarity of their prophetic utterances, it doesn’t seem unfair to conclude that many are often doing little more than merely sharing opinion, conjecture, or enlisting support for their cause. At other times, it appears that they are offering such generic words of warning and/or encouragement that they might apply to virtually anyone, anywhere, at any time; that they are merely appealing to the yearnings and fears of their listeners while, nonetheless, insisting that their remarks are prophetic.

Yet, if we hold these self proclaimed prophets to the standard required by scripture, their often murkily ambiguous “prophetic words” and their frequently failed “prophecies” would swiftly deny them the status of a prophet.

Let me be clear, I do believe that God still speaks to us through the prophetic gift. But that gift is always tethered to, and in harmony with the written word of God. It never, never, supplements, contradicts, or supplants God’s Written word. It does not require some special gift to discern its meaning. It is not so ambiguous as to leave in doubt its meaning or purpose. It both welcomes and endures scrutiny.


It addresses itself to God’s purposes, not to our idle curiosity about things to come, or to our yearning for the esoteric. It is given for “strengthening, encouraging, and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3). It can also enjoy an evangelistic dynamic which leads unbelievers to faith, repentance and true worship (1 Corinthians 14:24-25). It is desirable, yet its validity and accuracy is to be carefully assessed by the Church (1 Corinthians 14:29-32,39).

Concerning prophecy’s importance, though unique capacity for error, Paul wrote simply that we should “… not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21)

How do we judge prophecy? This is not an exhaustive explanation, however, any “prophetic word” must unfailingly be measured against the metric of God’s word.  That measure, if it is to be reliably and robustly applied, requires that God’s word, in its full counsel, becomes deeply embedded in our hearts, else we are left only with what we “sense” to be accurate; a more dangerous and unreliable metric could hardly be found. Again, concerning the unique threats which exist among Christians who neglect god’s command to allow “… the word of Christ [to] richly dwell within you” (Colossians 3:16), Paul offer’s this warning and encouragement.

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.  (2 Timothy 3:13-17)

The faith which “comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” edifies and empowers, ultimately effecting change through God’s grace and power. 

Let me be clear, I do believe that God still speaks to us through the prophetic gift. But that gift is always tethered to, and in harmony with the written word of God.

Meanwhile, ersatz “prophetic words” can only spawn a sort of ginned up enthusiasm, an unfounded optimism which encourages a draining false hope which ultimately disappoints and endangers, exposing well meaning but ill informed Christians to the schemes of unscrupulous men and deceivers.  

By studying God’s word and allowing it to so occupy our thoughts, opinions, and judgements we discover that it:

• Sensitizes us to God’s voice allowing us to discriminate between it and its imitators.
• Provides a basis for sound judgement
• Fosters a worldview compatible with God’s thoughts and ways
• Edifies and imparts life, washing away corruption and ignorance
• It provides a construct within which we can accurately perceive reality, and recognize the words and efforts of deceivers 

Yes, by all means let us embrace the wonderful gift of prophecy, and acknowledge and receive from the legitimate New Testament office of the prophet, but let us also pray for a renewed and deepened hunger for the study and meditation of God’s word, so that we may say with the psalmist “More to be desired are they [God’s word] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb” (Psalm 19:10).