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

Who Judges the Prophecies?

4. The elders or others on the leadership team. The "others" could refer to the elders of the local church. 19 They, along with the senior pastor, are the shepherds and guardians of the flock, with the pas tor acting as spokesperson.Paul's admonition to the elders of Eph esus captures this responsibility, especially as related to prophecy: "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd [the complete care, Jay Adams] the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.Therefore be on the alert ..." (Acts 20:28-31). The early churches were locally sovereign bodies, related by apostolic spirit, doctrine and practice but without the harsh, inflex ible oversight of an institutional church system.Those churches were elder-led, elder-fed, elder-cared for.It was not possible for apos tles and prophets always to be present with their more seasoned, highly polished ministries, so elders were the final word.Even if a visiting apostle was present, the local elders were in charge and reserved the last word of authority and decision. 5. The church membership present. Trained and guided by the elders, members tend to think and react as their shepherds do.Although each member has his or her own subjective reaction to a prophetic utterance, the inclination is to follow the instruction of the spiri tual leaders. 6. The rest ofthe people present (visitors, unlearned, uninitiated). Non members were often present in the services, even as in our day. Some were Christians visiting or just getting established in the church. Some were non-Christians, uninitiated in the things of God.Some were newly learning Christ and participated in the "Amen!" response to ideas proposed.These people would be impressed by spiritual manifestations, but as non-members bore no responsibil ity for such things. 7. Those not present in the service who heard about it from others. It would not be unusual for a church member to share some experi ence that had happened in the service, retelling a prophetic message to friends, relatives, neighbors, friends or fellow workers.At this level the message is reaching far afield, so it is essential that the prophecy be approved and endorsed by the local church. An important point to consider: Whenever something happens in a church service, especially prophecy, everyone has an opinion of what just 339.