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equip and build up the Body.

      Why the Distinctions of the Gift of Prophecy?

      When leaders begin to distinguish between the spirit of prophecy, gift of prophecy, and office of prophet in someone, this would usually relate to the “sphere of influence” (measure of impact) that is discernible when they are used. It’s not a measure of maturity or godly character; it’s an awareness of how God appears to anoint the ministry of one person over another.

      This fact that God sees difference in anointing and influence in His servants was clearly explained in Numbers 12:1-8, when Miriam and Aaron challenged Moses’ anointing as a prophet. God clearly distinguished the anointing on Moses as a prophet as different from Miriam and Aaron in such strong terms that He severely punished them for their insubordination.

      The differences of prophetic anointing on people being highlighted matter little to anyone not involved in prophetic ministry development. But when leaders are discerning God’s grace on people for ministry, it can be helpful to have a simple template to measure.

      The New Testament calls anyone who prophesied with some regularity a prophet (Agabus, Judas, Silas). Even in 1 Corinthians 14, prophetic people were noted as “prophets” (“…the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets”, v. 32). Paul’s use of prophet could have been a general reference to those who are being used prophetically. Instead of saying, “person used in prophecy” it would be easier to just say “prophet” to denote someone speaking from the Holy Spirit.

      Therefore, we must be careful to communicate that these distinctions in the gift sphere are not about classifying the talent, performance, or significance of anyone. They are to help us clarify the nature, scope, and level of the grace gift being demonstrated in a person. This allows leaders to better track the development, maturity, and equipping of the believer, which is their scriptural mandate.

      We are all in danger of selfish ambition and pride, but the greater danger to all prophetic people is unbelief. When a grace gift is identified in someone, there is a greater sense of responsibility and faith for that gift to grow in them. When they realize there may be a more frequent use in the gift of prophecy, there is an increased sensitivity and readiness to respond.

      The labeling shouldn’t be used to separate or exclude, but rather to build faith in those being used. Leaders can encourage people more specifically, “Hey John, every time there is that spirit of prophecy present during worship, I see you so willing to serve. Thank you for your obedience to the Spirit’s prompting. Great word this morning.” Or, “Hey Lisa, I really appreciate the growth I’m seeing in how God is using you in prophecy toward other women. The Holy Spirit has placed a rich gift in you; keep seeking the Lord for more.”

      In neither case was the focus on the label, but rather the faithfulness of God and their subsequent obedience. However, in a subtle way, the label speaks to the context and sphere of influence they are operating in. That is a wonderfully confirming, faith building, and validating encouragement to the prophetic heart.

      Prophetic Ministry Authority is for Serving, not Subjecting

      There is one more important distinction to be made in understanding the proper perspective on the gifts. No office, gifting, or position in the church is binding on anyone who does not choose to submit to it. A prophet may be recognized in one church, but that is not binding on anyone else to see him that way. The determination of someone as a “prophet” isn’t authoritative in the sense that he can now dictate what others are to do. He is only being recognized for what God’s grace provides through him in service to the Church.

      None of the offices are designed to be dictatorial. They have authority as imputed by Christ as servants to the Church, and that is the extent of their calling. They have responsibility and limited authority related to what Jesus has apportioned to each for their ministry to operate effectively, but each believer is ultimately responsible to and under the authority of Jesus Christ.

      A prophet cannot tell someone what to do, but only share what they believe God is saying in the moment. It’s up to the believer to decide if that agrees with what they are sensing in their own hearts to do. If we choose to submit to the authority of the office out of obedience to the Holy Spirit who is guiding us, that is up to us.

      The choice to submit to God-appointed earthly authority in the church is completely on the believer. The Holy Spirit will guide us to join a church, submit to the appointed authority there, and serve as He leads us for the purpose of demonstrating the grace of the gospel and rule of Jesus Christ upon our hearts. We are bound to Jesus, not men.

      So any prophetic gift, or word, is never binding on anyone, unless the person chooses to accept what it says, in faith, to apply what God has revealed. No prophet has any control over anyone for any reason. They are the messengers of Jesus only and are not to think they can manipulate or lord anything over anyone in the use of their gift. Any effort of the prophet to exercise undue authority should be avoided. They are called to be servants, not to make others subservient.

      Leadership considerations for evaluating where someone stands in their sphere* of prophetic ministry:

      Spirit of Prophecy

      Personal Fruit we believe God will develop

      •Christians with a measure of faith to be used

      Ministry Fruit we believe God will bring forth

      •Builds up the Church with the following (1 Cor. 14:26):

      - Encouragement from God speaking extemporaneously

      - Comfort from God with a picture, interpretation, application

      - Exhortation from Scripture, poetry, wisdom, or spiritual song

      - Word of knowledge, word of wisdom, and an exhortation

      - Tongue and/or interpretation of tongue

      - Communicates gift in a clear and compassionate manner

      - Draws attention to God, His glory, and His purpose

      Spirit of Prophecy Sphere of Ministry

      •They are used periodically in the prophetic during meetings.

      Gift of Prophecy/Prophet

      Personal Fruit we believe God will develop

      •Proven character, Christian, and member of the local church

      •Pattern of growing maturity in Christ in life and family

      •Faithful in the broader mission of the Church, not just gift

      •Demonstrates a growing love for God’s Church

      •Garners respect of others without significant reservations

      •Doctrinally sound on the gospel and the ongoing empowerment (infilling/baptism) of the Holy Spirit

      •Observable humility and submission to authority

      •Eager to receive constructive feedback

      Ministry Fruit we believe God will bring forth

      •Same as listed in Spirit of Prophecy

      Additional Ministry Fruit of a Gift of Prophecy/Prophet

      •Faith, accuracy, and depth consistent with a significant gift

      •Ministers accurately in local/extra-local Church context

      •Ministry consistently evidences the fruit of the Spirit

      •Willing to work in team ministry as administrated by others

      •Mature in handling predictive, corrective, or directive words

      Gift of Prophecy Sphere of Ministry

      •Discernible/distinguishable anointing for the gift

      •Accurate at personal, corporate,

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