The prophetic ministry has been a subject of controversy for centuries. Some denominations have dismissed the prophetic ministry as demonic while some have accepted it, albeit with much caution.
The purpose of the prophetic ministry
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Ephesians chapter 4, verses 11-12)
The fivefold ministry was given to the body of Christ for the perfection and edification of the saints. The major purpose of the prophetic ministry is to give direction to the church. The prophetic ministry is in a sense, the eyes and ears of the church.
The eagle is often used to represent the prophetic ministry. Just like the eagle soars by the wind and sees far, the prophet is designed to soar by the wind of the Spirit to see and hear from a higher perspective. The role of the prophet is to see, hear and speak as the Lord commands.
“But the Lord said unto me, say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.” (Jeremiah chapter 1, verse 7)
Why some have rejected the prophetic ministry
In many denominations, prophets are a dying or non-existent breed. This is due to a number of reasons:
1. Past hurts: Many have been hurt by encounters with false prophets. The presence of false prophets should not be surprising to us as Satan himself can appear as an angel of light. But the presence of false prophets shows there are true prophets. We must therefore pray for discernment to discern the false from the true.
2. The religious spirit: The religious spirit is that which keeps people in routine rather than the flow of God’s spirit. Many would quickly shut the flow of the prophetic because, “we don’t do that in our church.” This attitude has led to many churches maintaining strict routine instead of moving with the Spirit of God.
3. Insecurity among leaders: Many leaders reject the manifestation of the prophetic in their ministries because of insecurity. Some cannot stand others manifesting a gift that they do not have. This attitude has led to many prophetic people burying their gifts as they do not want to incur the wrath of their leaders. People often criticize what they do not understand, so it takes humility to accept the manifestation of the prophetic.
Modern day prophets
God is restoring the prophetic among many denominations. Every church needs the prophetic as the body is not complete without her. Every office must work together as one. The prophet needs the apostle and the apostle needs the prophet. We will only overcome when we appreciate and honor every gift that God has given to the body.
There is a company of prophets that God is raising. Just like Samuel, none of their words will fall to the ground. Some will be young and some will be old. But all will have one thing in common - they have seen the Lord of Glory. Just like Elijah, they will say, “as the Lord God lives before whom I stand…”
Release the eagles
This is not a time to keep the eagles in the chicken coop. As the end draws near, we will need soldiers in the air. Leaders must allow the free flow of the prophetic for the Lord will do nothing unless he first reveals it to his prophets.
Many are sitting in churches all over the world with various levels of the prophetic locked in them. Some have not been trained while others have been told that seeing visions and hearing voices is demonic.
No more eagles in the chicken coop! The body cannot function without eyes and ears. There is a cry from Mount Zion for the eagles to arise. Rise above fear, doubt and religion. Your time has come.
Rume Kpadamrophe is a graduate student at the University of South Carolina. Before leaving Nigeria, he mentored several youths in prophetic, intercession, and evangelism. He is a revivalist, a writer, a researcher, and an enthusiastic lover of revival history. He desires to see revival ignited and sustained in the nations of the earth. He currently serves as the president of The Carolina Church, a campus ministry at the University of South Carolina.Rume’s email is rumekpadamrophe@yahoo.com.