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

The Use of Prophecy in Church Today

its should be consulted by the elders, but the final decision rests with the elders. Consider, too, this question: Who will enforce the frequency of tongues, interpretation and prophecies? Certainly not the people, but the elders. If the "others" are visiting or resident prophets or local people who prophesy, it would seem highly inappropriate-and, by New Testament standards, unthinkable-that they could or would make an important spiritual decision without the elders' participation. Certainly the elders would have the final say, but wise leaders listen to the insights of prophetic ministries. There are seven groupings of people who will hear and judge a prophecy given in a local church, but ultimately the acceptance or rejection must come in an authoritative statement from a suitable spokesperson. Each of these seven groups must have at least a general idea of the acceptabil ity of what is said: 1. The person who prophesies. This person must trust in God and be open to evaluation, yet be assured that the body of Christians in a local church will be receptive of him or her personally, while at the same time carefully analytical of the prophetic utterance. He or she needs to know if the message is accepted or rejected or needs adjust ment or correction. 2. The others present who prophesy. Although in 1 Corinthians 14:29 prophets is the usual translation, this is better understood as "func tional language, similar to the use of 'interpreter' in v. 28, and means, as in v. 3, 'the one who is prophesying."' 18 This is a group that under stands the complexities of prophecy, the frailty of people so used and the seriousness of misrepresenting God's message. They have all had their own prophecies judged by the same church system. 3. The pastor ofthe church. This person is called to lead, feed and care for the flock. His or her insights and reactions to a prophecy are of paramount importance. The people of the church are basically fol lowers and respond like sheep to a given situation. Sheep can be panicked by the bark of a small, insecure dog, while the shepherd to them epitomizes confidence, assurance, reliability. The people are led and fed regularly by the shepherd's voice. Certainly when judging a prophecy or other manifestation, it is highly appropriate for his or her voice to be heard. • 338 3. Who Acts as Spokesman for the Congregation?