Many will say to me on that day, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?" Then I will tell them plainly, "I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" —Matthew 7:22-23
One of the tough parts of effective prophetic ministry is keeping personal opinions out of the way. On the other hand, teachers have a platform on which to declare many of their own thoughts. Prophetic people often chafe against this restraint on them that is not upon teachers. It is so important that prophetic ministers are part of a local church team that includes gifted teachers. If they are not in a team, then they are often tempted to assume too much responsibility and thereby venture outside their calling. When prophetic people and evangelists become separate from the local church, they are often tempted to establish doctrine, just as a gifted teacher with a large following sometimes does. Some of the unbalanced doctrine so widespread in the body of Christ has come from such people who have a large following through television and radio. They teach the multitudes who have gathered because of the supernatural gifts of the Spirit that operate through them. However, if they don't have a teaching gift that has been cultivated through proper training in the Scriptures, they are sure to teach unbalanced doctrine to their followers.
{ PRAYER STARTER }
Father, keep me from a public ministry of any kind until I have allowed Your Spirit to give me the training I need in Your Word through a local community of believers and teachers whom You have placed in authority over me. Provide a covering of authority for me so that I may never wander into error.
Prophetic ministers need to be
wary of many possible pitfalls.
