Your Sons & Daughters Shall Prophesy - Prophetic Gifts Today In The New Testament Church

The Use of Prophecy in Church Today

the congregation. The 'others' may well be the rest of the congre gation, including the other 'prophets.' This interpretation is also possible from the text, provides more consistency with Paul's over all argument, and allows for a wider dimension of the Spirit's activ ity in the whole congregation." 1 3 4. The resident leadership-that is, the senior pastor and eldership. 1 4 Each possibility has a certain logic. Consider also that Paul was not trying to make a definitive rule for every situation. If so he could have been much clearer. The fourth choice, carried through appropriately, ultimately proves, in my view, to be the most workable, practical and scriptural approach. It allows for the input of the others, yet does not destroy the inspiration and integrity of the meeting. The long-term results are much greater. Five basic considerations, concluded from my pastoral experience, cause me to prefer this fourth position. The local church must assume responsibility for any prophecy given in the areas of its jurisdiction. If no clarifying comment is made publicly, the silence implies tacit approval. Unchecked prophecies will eventually tar nish the reputation of a church. If prophecy to an individual is deemed accurate, the pastoral leader ship of the church is responsible to help that person find implementation. Fulfillment of prophecy often depends on the faith of the person or per sons involved to follow through in confidence (1 Timothy 1:18), and this confidence is greatly strengthened by the loving concern of the church body. Everyone involved should be able to rely on a prophetic word approved by the church, and work together for its realization. Prophecy is not the sole responsibility of the recipient. Such an approach would let the visiting prophet off the hook as far as accuracy, follow-up and any obligation about fulfillment. Some people are incapable of the faith or determination to see a prophecy through to culmination, so they need the support of the church leadership and family. Visiting prophets must work closely with church leadership, not feel ing they are a law unto themselves. They, too, must assume responsibil ity (along with the leadership) for all that transpires. It is not enough that a prophet tells you what God wants for your future and then departs. I have known cases in which church members were told that they or their sick loved ones would not die-and then they did. This is heartless, irre- • 336 1. Who Is Responsible for What Has Been Said?