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

The Use of Prophecy in Church Today

4. Small Groups or Cells

Many churches these days are finding great benefit in home groups within the church family that meet on a regular basis. The format is usu ally simple: fellowship, worship, Bible study, testimonies, prayer and refreshments. In this setting the operation of spiritual gifts is both a bless ing and a challenge, especially prophecy. It is not unusual in a gathering of saints who believe in the gifts of the Spirit to have prophetic percep tion, especially during worship or prayer times. I suggest the church family be instructed that the principal purpose for such gatherings is not for prophecy (evangelism is a better objective), but that they remain open to any special manifestation of the Spirit. This requires a vigilant leader in each cell. In this setting any contributions need not be given in a grandiose, "thus-saith-the-Lord" style, but in a humble, relational manner that reflects God's love for His people. The leader must assume closure for whatever is done. More about this at the end of the chapter. Pastor Jack Hayford gives an interesting description of the function of the gifts of the Spirit in their services: "We expect gifts to flow through all members of the body (1 Corinthians 12); and we maintain order (1 Cor inthians 14). Taking these as axiomatic, how do we proceed?" His answer shows that even in a large church it is possible to have beneficial spiritual manifestations: Two guidelines serve our congregation well in this regard. First, since "the spirit of the prophet is subject to the prophet" (1 Cor. 14:32), we do not believe a gift must of necessity "burst forth" uncontrol lably. The individual who feels that the Holy Spirit has prompted him or her to prophesy, speak in a tongue, interpret or exercise some other gift is expected to indicate this to one of those leading the service. There are several times and ways to do this. During worship times, greet ing times, ministry times or prayer times, the individual may go to one of the pastors or elders and say what he thinks God is giving him at the moment. Alternatively, an individual could lift his hand and, when recog nized, say what he is receiving that he believes to be for the assembly. Then-and this is the second guideline-it is up to those leading the serv ice to decide what to do. They are not compelled to admit the proposed gift then and there, or even at all. If it does not seem the timing is right, they may ask the individual to wait, or even to share it at another service. At times sincere people have beautiful insights that are so "electric" to their own soul, since God is dealing with them, that they are sure they should • 344 5. The Church on the Way (Van Nuys, California)