Holy Hustle? Rethinking Remuneration for Prophetic Ministry

Hey everyone, let’s talk about something that often comes up in prophetic circles: supporting those who minister prophetically. You’ve probably heard strong opinions about whether it’s right to give financially to a prophet, and sometimes those views can feel a little… inconsistent, especially when compared to how we support pastors or evangelists. Somehow, supporting your pastor and giving an offering to an evangelist doesn’t seem controversial at all (within limits), but giving to a prophet is viewed by too many as scandalous. There’s a disconnect somewhere because Eph. 4:11 lists these ministries as equal in status and each as necessary as the other to the body of Christ. In fact, prophets are mentioned 480 times in the scriptures, and pastors are only mentioned once. How is it then that pastoral ministry is mainstream but prophetic ministry is held in question? If the scriptures mean anything to us then the observation can be made that there is some kind of disconnect here that needs to be considered.  Let’s unpack some of these ideas and see what the Bible actually says, because it might not be as black and white as some make it out to be.

Just a note: This post isn’t related to any offering request from FHM. While we gratefully receive offerings and donations, we don’t sell our resources. Our ministry is to serve everyone who asks, and we freely give away thousands of dollars in courses, ebooks, and materials each month. We are deeply thankful for those who value our work and generously support us, enabling us to bless others regardless of their ability to donate. Their voluntary generosity truly reflects a heart for the Kingdom, a spirit we deeply appreciate.

Someone recently wrote about why they don’t sell personal prophecies or dream interpretations. They brought up some valid points about not treating prophecy like a vending machine and the dangers of “Internet prophets” who commercialize the gift. We totally get those concerns—nobody wants to see the prophetic become a marketplace. But let’s look a little closer at some of the reasons given and see if the scriptures paint the whole picture.

One point made was that people seeking prophetic words are often showing a dependence on prophets instead of learning to hear God themselves, referencing Ephesians 4:11 about equipping the saints. While it’s absolutely true that equipping believers is key, the desire for guidance isn’t necessarily a sign of weakness. Think about it:

1 Samuel 9:6-10 (KJV): Then the servant said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go. Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we? And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way. (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.) Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; let us go.

Here we see Saul seeking guidance from a prophet and even considering what to bring as a gift. In other verses in the Old Testament, the people were commanded “never come before the Lord empty-handed.” This shows that seeking prophetic counsel has a historical precedent in the Bible. The issue isn’t seeking, but the *kind* of seeking – is it out of laziness to connect with God yourself, or is it a sincere desire for confirmation and guidance alongside your own seeking?

Another point was that prophecy isn’t like a gumball machine where you put in a request and get an instant answer. We agree! The Holy Spirit’s gifts are God’s to give as He wills, as 1 Corinthians 12:11 tells us:

1 Corinthians 12:11 (KJV): But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

The Bible is replete with examples that demonstrate times when seeking God earnestly did lead to prophetic insight, like in Jeremiah 33:3:

Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV): Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

The key is the heart posture, not the expectation of a guaranteed transaction.

Now, the big one: the idea that selling prophecies is wrong, pointing to Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8:20-23 and Gehazi in 2 Kings 5, along with Jesus’ command in Matthew 10:8 to “freely give.” First of all, these people were not asking for ministry; they were wanted to BUY the anointing under which the ministries of Elijah and Peter operated. Context is everything. Nonetheless, trying to buy or sell the *gift itself* is condemned. Peter’s words to Simon are clear:

Acts 8:20-23 (KJV): But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

And Gehazi’s greed led to serious consequences. Jesus’ instruction to “freely give” is a foundational principle. *However*, does this completely rule out supporting someone who operates in the prophetic gift? Let’s look at other scriptures about supporting ministry:

1 Corinthians 9:11-14 (KJV):If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

Galatians 6:6 (KJV):Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

1 Timothy 5:17-18 (KJV): Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

These verses talk about supporting those who minister the Word. Pastors preach, evangelists share the good news – and prophets speak God’s heart and mind. If we believe that the prophetic is a valid and necessary ministry (as Ephesians 4:11 suggests), then shouldn’t those who dedicate their time and energy to it also be supported? The key difference is between *selling* a specific word and voluntarily supporting the overall ministry of a prophet, just as you would support a pastor or evangelist. The offering shouldn’t be a payment *for* a prophecy, but a way to enable the prophet to continue ministering.

The concern about “love offerings” feeling like a payment for prophecy is understandable. Transparency and the right heart motives on both sides are crucial. If a believer, recognizing the value of prophetic ministry, chooses to support it financially, that aligns with the principle of supporting those who labor in the Gospel. Conversely, if they demand ministry, despising the idea of giving in response, then the problem is with the recipient, not the person operating in the gift. 

The point about putting prophets on pedestals and hindering personal connection with God (John 10:27) is so important:

John 10:27 (KJV):** *My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Our primary relationship is with Jesus, and we should all be learning to hear His voice. Prophetic ministry should equip us to do that, not create dependence. The whole point of the prophetic is to demonstrate that God speaks to His people, and in that light, prophets should make an effort to teach people how to hear God just like they do, rather than treating the gift as some sort of secret others aren’t worthy to know. However, God does use various people to speak into our lives, and a prophetic word can be a powerful confirmation or direction when we’re seeking God.

Ultimately, the issue isn’t whether a prophet can receive support, but the *spirit* in which it’s given and received. Is it transactional? Is it manipulative? Or is it a genuine act of support for someone called to minister prophetically, in the same way we support other vital ministries in the church?

So, as we navigate the world of prophetic ministry, let’s keep a few things in mind. Firstly, our direct relationship with God is paramount. Secondly, the gift of prophecy isn’t for sale. But thirdly, those who faithfully minister in the prophetic, just like pastors and evangelists, are worthy of our support so they can continue to serve the body of Christ. Let’s encourage a culture of generosity towards all those who labor in the Gospel, while always maintaining discernment and a focus on hearing God’s voice for ourselves.

What do you think? How can we foster healthy support for prophetic ministry while avoiding the pitfalls of commercialization and dependency? Let’s continue the conversation!