Extremes in the Prophetic Movement:

How to identify and define the prophetic movement. In the realm of the prophetic movement as a general subset of the Charismatic Movement in Christianity as a whole, a wide spectrum of beliefs, practices, and interpretations exists. Some embrace extreme manifestations of the prophetic, while others approach it with caution and discernment or foolishly dismiss it out of hand. As charismatic Christians seeking to navigate this complex terrain, it is crucial to find a balanced perspective that honors the supernatural gifts of the Spirit while also exercising wisdom and humility in their use. Out of my own experience and generational involvement by my family in these things, I want to point out the nuances of extremes in the prophetic movement and offer guidance and reflection for those who desire to walk in alignment with God’s will and purpose. 

One extreme within the prophetic movement is the tendency to sensationalize and exaggerate prophetic experiences. Some individuals may claim to have frequent visions, dreams, or encounters with angels or other supernatural beings or frequently “go to heaven” and back, relating their thrilling observations, often at the expense of biblical accuracy and sound doctrine. While God certainly speaks to His people in various ways, including through visions, visitations, and dreams, it is important to test all these things against the truth of Scripture and to submit them to the discernment of mature and wise spiritual leaders. At the same time, we must be judicious with denunciations that begin with “God never speaks contrary to His word,” which is, of course, true. Still, that statement should be tempered by the reality that no one, not even the most learned scholar, has all the understanding of God’s word that we need. Thus, a prophetic word might seem contrary to scripture at times when, in fact, it’s just a contradiction of our own limited doctrinal understanding. Be flexible when you can and firm when necessary. 

Many Christians shy away from the prophetic altogether out of fear of deception or manipulation. Don’t forget that when Jesus ascended on high, He didn’t just give us pastors (Eph. 4:11,12); he also gave us prophets and other ministries. We need them all. Those who think otherwise tend to view all prophetic words with suspicion, dismissing them as mere human imagination or superstition. However, this perspective can hinder believers from hearing and discerning the voice of God in their lives and from receiving the encouragement, direction, and correction that the prophetic can bring. Remember Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice…” There is nothing exotic about hearing the Spirit’s voice. Just live out of your sheep nature, and His voice will become commonplace in your life. Hearing God’s voice should be the norm and not the exception, even among new believers. Furthermore, as He speaks to us inwardly, He also speaks to us through this ministry of the prophet. Be open and be flexible. 

We want to acknowledge the prophetic while recognizing and not neglecting the need for accountability, biblical grounding, and spiritual discernment. As we seek to grow in our understanding and practice of the prophetic, let us do so with humility, prayer, and a deep hunger for intimacy with God.  One way to cultivate this balance is to prioritize a relationship with God above all else. When we are grounded in a deep and intimate connection with Him, we are better equipped to discern His voice and His will for our lives. We learn to identify counterfeits by handling the authentic in this esoteric realm of communication with God in various ways, including the prophetic movement. Spending time in prayer, worship, and studying His Word are essential practices for staying rooted in His truth and overcoming the temptation to either sensationalize or dismiss prophetic experiences.

Seeking accountability and mentorship from mature spiritual leaders can provide valuable guidance and perspective in navigating the prophetic realm. Surrounding ourselves with a community of believers who can offer insight, correction, and encouragement can help us stay on track and avoid the pitfalls of both extremes. Prophetic things must be judged, as Paul often taught, and in order to be judged, they must come out into the open air of scrutiny by the larger body of Christ at a granular level, both personal and local to you. 

One of the most useful capacities in the life of a believer regarding the prophetic realm is the practice of discernment. Discernment is the ability to distinguish between what is truly from God and what may be of human origin or even the enemy’s deception. It requires a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, a knowledge of Scripture, and a willingness to test and weigh prophetic words carefully. Discernment is not just about identifying false prophecies; it is also about recognizing the timing, tone, and spirit behind a prophetic word. Sometimes, a word may be true, but it may not be the right time for it to be spoken or acted upon. Other times, a word may be delivered in a harsh or condemning manner, which is not in line with the character of God. Discernment allows us to sift through the noise and distractions to hear the voice of God clearly and accurately.

Furthermore, discernment helps us to differentiate between the gift of prophecy and the office of a prophet. The gift of prophecy is available to all believers and is meant for encouragement, edification, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). The office of a prophet, on the other hand, carries a greater level of authority and responsibility and is recognized by the Church leadership (or at least it should be). If your church isn’t open to the prophetic office and gifts, then that’s a problem. Discernment (not rejection) is crucial in recognizing and honoring the different levels of prophetic gifting and calling within the Body of Christ, and we need them on a personal level and among the broader purposes of God among us as well. 

Pros and Cons in the Prophetic

Pros:

1. Spiritual growth: Valuing the prophetic movement can lead to personal spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.

2. Community: Being part of a charismatic Christian community that values the prophetic movement can provide a sense of belonging and support.

3. Guidance: Believing in the prophetic movement can provide guidance and direction in life decisions through the messages and insights received from prophets.

4. Miracles and signs: Embracing the prophetic movement can open one up to experiencing miracles, signs, and wonders in one’s life.

5. Encouragement and edification: Prophetic words can bring encouragement, edification, and comfort to believers in their faith journey.

Cons:

1. Misinterpretation: There is a risk of misinterpreting or misusing prophetic ministry and messages, leading to confusion or harm.

2. False prophets: The charismatic movement can attract false prophets who may give misleading or harmful messages.

3. Division: Valuing the prophetic movement can sometimes lead to division within the church or community if not handled with wisdom and discernment.

4. Overemphasis on emotions: There is a danger of focusing too much on emotional experiences and prophetic words rather than on sound biblical teaching and discernment.

5. Dependency: Relying too heavily on prophetic messages for guidance can lead to a lack of personal responsibility and discernment in decision-making.

How Do We Proceed?

– Embrace the supernatural gifts of the Spirit with caution and discernment

– Seek a balanced perspective in the prophetic movement

– Honor the supernatural gifts while exercising wisdom and humility

Conclusion