Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. —Ephesians 4:15-16
Under the new covenant we don't usually see prophets who live by themselves in the wilderness. The prophetic ministry is a vital part of the greater body of Christ. Prophetic ministers are validated by their involvement in and with the local church, not by their separateness. The church becomes evangelistic through its evangelists, caring through its pastors, serving through its deacons, and prophetic through its prophets. Prophetic ministers serve within the church to help it fulfill its function, enabling it to be the prophetic voice in the earth. But just because we have called and ordained evangelists, pastors, and deacons, that doesn't mean every believer cannot share the gospel, care for others, and serve the church and the world. In the same way, the prophetic word can be manifested through any believer, not just those called by God as prophets.
{ PRAYER STARTER }
Lord, I thank You for permitting me to be a part of Your body and to fellowship with the local church where You have placed me. Show me Your will for me in that place.
Prophetic ministers are validated by their
involvement in and with the local church,
not by their separateness.
