5 Smooth Stones

Appendix C: Prophetic Etique tt e

Leadership Overseeing an Open Meeting.

Leadership must establish clear standards which can be followed by those wishing to bring prophetic messages in an open meeting. These standards must be determined and set by the leadership before the meeting begins. These standards must be clearly communicated to all so that no one is confused about what is expected. It is helpful to achieve a balance of release and order.

“Do not quench the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19), or you may dry up.

“ Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1 Corinthians 14:40), or you may blow up.

It is up to the leadership to decide and communicate how and when Prophetic words will be allowed. The Scripture gives guidelines for small meetings (house churches); we must set our own standards for the larger gatherings that are often held today. It is often desirable to designate a prophetic team of trusted prophetic ministers or proven prophets to speci fi cally bring prophetic words, and also to screen and judge all words brought forth. Those who are appointed are often called Gate Keeper(s). It is biblical to assign someone with prophetic insight to judge prophecy. It does not make sense to have someone with li tt le or no prophetic gifting to be set to judge and discern prophecy, regardless of their position or title. There are many members in the body and each must have their part. A word cannot truly be judged before it is given. True prophecy that fl ows from the inner spirit (inspiration i.e. In Spirit Action) usually cannot be given to a screener fi rst (as opposed to a dream, visions, revelation or word of knowledge). It must be allowed to fl ow from the spirit of the person. Usually it is necessary to know the character, reputation and heart of a person delivering a prophecy as it is their spirit that is being released to prophesy. Discernment should be exercised by the Gate Keeper in light of substance and timing of the word. All prophecy must be judged (discerned) “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others [allos-of the same kind] judge.” (1 Corinthians 14:29)

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