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

Suggestions for Public Services

the apostolic function of the church. A marriage seminar strengthens the pastoral function of the church. Evangelism and outreach keep before us the need to reach people for Christ. I am suggesting services geared to emphasize the prophetic dimension. This approach keeps prophecy alive in a church.

What Is It?

A "prophetic presbytery meeting" or prophetic conference is a specially called series of services in a local church that focuses on prophetic reve lation for both the individual and collective members of that church. The word presbytery, as used in this way, refers to invited ministers-usually three prophets or those with prophetic ministries-who come and bring prophetic guidance to the whole church, as well as minister by the laying on of hands and prophecy over certain prepared candidates. 2 This is an effective way to obey the admonition of Paul to Timothy: "Do not neg lect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery" (1 Tim othy 4:14). I have participated in several hundred of these prophetic gatherings in churches in the U.S. and abroad. My observation is that this approach has a revolutionary effect on local church life. People are dramatically and dynamically awakened to God's great concern for each person and the part each one plays in His program. Usually fasting, prayer and inten sified worship bring a more acute awareness of God and a renewed con sciousness of church purpose. A great spirit of camaraderie and dedica tion takes place in the church family. 3 Here is a brief description of my understanding of a prophetic presby tery, followed by scriptural illustrations from both Old and New Testa ments to substantiate the importance of such prophetic activity. A prophetic presbytery meeting generally lasts from three days to a week. (With people's tight schedules these days, a church will reap better results by marketing and scheduling any important aspect of its program, including the prophetic.) Sometimes people gather only in the evenings, but frequently the services include morning or afternoon gatherings, too. The schedule depends on the number of people to receive ministry, as well as the work requirements of the congregation. Ideally the prophetic conference is a pleasant blend of both structure and spontaneity. Properly organized, such a meeting provides a beautiful 357. How Does It Work?