Guidelines for "Prophetic-School" activations

Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions people have of prophetic ministry is that it should be ministered in a judgmental, condemning or in a rebuking way. While prophets may speak of judgment, it is reserved for the mature who function in the office of the prophet and who are recognized as such in the Body of Christ.

From church to church or group there are various protocols for various reasons. Often in home meetings there will be already established relationships and much greater liberty, but some larger churches desire all prophetic ministry to be spoken into the public address system simply so that all may hear. Some churches have an open mike for any and all "body ministry" to come forth. Some churches have a system of "clearing" words to be spoken. It is important to understand that most pastors are simply attempting to exercise their responsibility to guard their flock from unknown visitors who may or may not have a word that is appropriate for those he is responsible to lead. Usually, the larger the assembly, or the newer the individual is to a group, the more caution a leader will take in releasing public prophetic ministry. Find out the protocol of your particular setting and follow it.

Although God may give a participant a word that would change the entire direction or flow of a service, the responsibility for that decision is ultimately given to the leadership by God and should be channeled through them. DON'T be offended if your word in held back.

Be willing always to have a word judged. If the nature of the word is a personal prophecy a good policy is to have a witness with you, or to in some way record what is spoken. (cassette recorders, written out words, etc.)

• Does it stand up to scriptural principles and truths
• Does in bear witness to your spirit. (though not necessarily your mind or emotions)
• Does in produce the fruit of righteousness, peace and joy within your heart, (vs. anxiety, confusion or fear)

All the promises of God are conditional including prophetic promises, whether stated or not. Conditional upon factors such as faith, obedience, timing, etc.

• Mingle the word with faith (all of the provisions, grace and promises of God are received by faith)
• War with the word: "pray it in" - i.e. petition, spiritual warfare, etc,
• Understand prophetic "timing" - the Kingdom of God arrived as a baby in Bethlehem, it was 30 years before anybody other that about a dozen people even knew it.
• Understand prophetic "terminology" pay close attention to what was actually said and what those terms mean in scripture.
• Understand prophetic "dis-jointedness". Within one sentence may be several differing parts and times of fulfillment.