A Pastor’s Guide to Prophetic People

Every seasoned pastor knows the feeling: you’re scanning the congregation, and you see them. They are the ones who seem to feel the “weight” of the service before the first note is played. They are often the first to sense a shift in the spiritual atmosphere, yet they are sometimes the most misunderstood members of the body.

If you’ve spent years in ministry, you know that prophetic voices are not just “extra features” of a church—they are vital sensory organs of the Body of Christ. However, without a clear path for identification and cultivation, these gifts can either wither from neglect or cause friction due to a lack of maturity.

Here is a roadmap for the modern pastor to steward the prophetic gift within their local church.

Phase 1: Identifying the Gift

Prophetic individuals aren’t always the ones clamoring for a microphone. In fact, the most authentic prophetic gifts often manifest in quieter, more consistent ways. Look for these four “markers” in your sheepfold:

• The Intercessory Burden: They don’t just pray for a list; they “carry” things. They are often drawn to the “secret place” for long periods of private prayer.

• A High Value for Holiness: These individuals usually have a very low tolerance for compromise or “business as usual.” While this can sometimes come across as critical, it often stems from a deep love for God’s presence.

• Atmospheric Sensitivity: They are the “spiritual barometers” of the room. They notice when the peace of God is present and when a spirit of heaviness has entered the building.

• A History of Accuracy: Look for those whose insights—even if shared timidly in a hallway—have proven to be consistently timely and true over the long haul.

Phase 2: Building the “Safety Net”

The prophetic gift is like a muscle; it requires a “gym” where it can be exercised safely. As a pastor, your job is to provide the boundaries that allow the gift to grow without breaking things.

1. Create a Feedback Loop

Encourage your prophetic people to bring “words” or impressions to you or a trusted elder first. This creates a “safe-to-fail” environment. If the word is off, you can coach them privately; if it’s on, you can release it strategically.

2. Prioritize Fruit Over Fire

A person can have a “hot” word but a “cold” heart. Always prioritize the development of their character over the sharpening of their gift. A prophet with a wounding spirit can do immense damage, so cultivate their heart as much as their ear.

3. Language Coaching

Teach your people to move away from the high-pressure “Thus saith the Lord” (which leaves no room for the church to “weigh” the word). Instead, encourage phrases like:

• “I feel the Lord might be saying…”

• “I have an impression that…”

• “Does this resonate with what you are walking through?”

Phase 3: Integration, Not Isolation

The biggest mistake a leader can make is putting all the prophetic people into a “prophetic silo.” When prophets only hang out with other prophets, they can become eccentric and detached from the daily needs of the flock.

The Pastor-Prophet Synergy

Think of it this way: The Pastor provides the fence (protection, boundaries, and care for the sheep), while the Prophet looks at the horizon (vision, future trends, and spiritual alerts). You need both for a healthy, growing church.

When a prophetic person feels seen, valued, and—most importantly—corrected in love, they stop being a “problem to manage” and become one of the greatest assets on your leadership team.