You Don’t Need a Prophet – You Have the Bible and Your Pastor

Do We Really Need Prophets Today? A Biblical Perspective:

Some Christians believe that we don’t need prophets today because we have the Bible and your pastor, which, in their view, is more than sufficient. Those same people must not read the Bible because the scriptures themselves mention prophets 491 times and pastors only 9 times. One subscriber to the Daily Prophetic Word published by Father’s Heart Ministry told their pastor about the Daily Word and received a rebuke: “I’m your pastor; you don’t need a prophet – if God wants to say something to you, I will be the one to do it…” Really?

Another objection is that “the Bible is enough.” If that is true, then why did Jesus in Ephesians 4:11-12 impart to the church, upon His ascension, the ministries of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher? The fact is, when Jesus ascended to the throne, He didn’t give us a book; he gave us anointed men and women to guide, lead, and encourage us in our walk with God. Now listen to what I’m saying and what I’m not saying: I have utter respect for the reverence for the supremacy and infallibility of Scripture, and the strength of “Sola Scriptura.” 2 Tim. 3:17 tells us that the scripture THOROUGHLY furnishes us that which we need to live for Jesus – but bear in mind that that INCLUDES anointed ministries that the Bible emphasizes throughout the New and Old Testament. To reject the prophetic (or the other God-ordained ministries) negates the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit and the design of the Church.

The Bible is a timeless and authoritative source of truth, but it is not a static document. It is a living and active Word that speaks to us today. The Holy Spirit, who inspired the Scriptures, continues to work in our lives, guiding us into all truth (John 16:13). Prophets are one of the ways that God speaks to His people today.

Prophets are not merely predictors of the future, but also forthtellers of God’s heart and mind. They speak God’s Word to the present situation, challenging us to live in obedience to His will. They also encourage and comfort us, reminding us of God’s love and faithfulness.

Prophets are an essential part of the five-fold ministry that God has given to the Church (Ephesians 4:11-13). Along with apostles, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, prophets are equipped to equip the people of God for works of service. They help us to grow in our faith and knowledge of Christ, and to live lives that are pleasing to Him.

Let’s delve into Ephesians 4:11-13, where Paul outlines the five-fold ministry gifts given to the Church:

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up¹ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”²

Notice how Paul lists prophets alongside pastors and teachers. If we claim to need pastors and teachers to guide and instruct us, how can we dismiss the role of prophets? Pastors and teachers provide essential instruction and guidance, but prophets offer something unique: a direct connection to the heart of God. They speak fresh words of revelation and impart a deeper understanding of Scripture.

Just as a skilled teacher can explain complex concepts in a way that makes them understandable, a prophet can illuminate the Word of God with fresh insight and application. They can reveal hidden truths and challenge us to see familiar passages in new light.

Moreover, pastors and teachers often focus on the historical and doctrinal aspects of the faith, while prophets emphasize the experiential and prophetic dimensions. They speak to our hearts and ignite a passion for God that can’t be solely derived from intellectual understanding.

In short, pastors and teachers provide the foundation of biblical knowledge, while prophets build upon that foundation by imparting a deeper revelation of God’s heart and mind. They are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary. To neglect the prophetic ministry is to deprive ourselves of a vital dimension of the Christian life.

**Here’s the crux of the matter: If you don’t need a prophet, then logically, you don’t need a pastor either. Both are divinely appointed roles within the five-fold ministry designed to equip and mature the body of Christ.

Think of it this way: A pastor is like a skilled guide who leads you through the terrain of Scripture, pointing out landmarks and explaining the terrain. A prophet, on the other hand, is like a visionary who sees beyond the immediate landscape, perceiving hidden paths and future possibilities. They both play essential roles in helping you navigate the journey of faith.

Just as you wouldn’t want to hike through unfamiliar territory without a guide, you wouldn’t want to journey through life without the guidance of both pastors and prophets. They complement each other, providing the balance of instruction and inspiration that we need to grow spiritually and fulfill our God-given destiny.

Now, let’s address some common misconceptions about prophets:

• “Prophets only foretell the future.” While prophecy can include glimpses into the future, its primary function is to forthtell – to speak forth the heart and mind of God for the present moment. Prophets offer guidance, correction, encouragement, and exhortation, all rooted in God’s Word and leading us towards greater intimacy with Him.

• “The Bible is our final authority, so we don’t need new revelations.” Absolutely, the Bible is our ultimate authority! But prophets don’t add to Scripture. They illuminate it, applying its timeless truths to our current context and revealing fresh insights through the Holy Spirit.

• “We can be misled by false prophets.” This is a valid concern, and the Bible warns us about false prophets. However, the solution isn’t to reject the prophetic altogether. Instead, we must develop discernment, test all prophecies against Scripture, and cultivate a healthy relationship with the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth.

Why We Need Prophets Today

Prophets play a crucial role in:

• Challenging the status quo: They call us back to God’s heart and expose areas where we’ve drifted from His will.
• Providing direction: They offer Godly counsel and wisdom for individuals and the Church as a whole.
• Igniting passion: They stir our hearts with fresh fire and remind us of God’s promises.
• Building up the body: They encourage, edify, and strengthen believers.

Just as pastors shepherd and teach, prophets inspire and challenge. Both are essential for the healthy growth and maturity of the Church. Let’s embrace the full spectrum of ministry gifts that God has graciously provided and allow the Holy Spirit to work through them for His glory.

Pastors and prophets are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary. They work together to equip the body of Christ for the work of ministry. Pastors provide the foundation of biblical knowledge and theological understanding, while prophets offer fresh revelation and impart a deeper understanding of God’s heart.

Prophets challenge us to live out our faith in bold and courageous ways. They call us to step out of our comfort zones and into the unknown, trusting in God’s guidance and provision. They remind us that God is not limited by our expectations or our understanding, but is constantly surprising us with new revelations and opportunities to serve Him.

Prophets also encourage us to persevere in the face of adversity. They remind us that God is always with us, even when we feel alone and discouraged. They speak words of hope and restoration, reminding us of God’s faithfulness and His promises to us.

In short, prophets are an essential part of the Church’s mission to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. They help us to see the world through God’s eyes, to discern His will for our lives, and to live out our faith in a way that honors Him and makes a difference in the world.

A Moment of Reflection:

As I ponder the vital role of prophets in the Church, I am reminded of the countless times in Scripture where God spoke through His prophets to guide, correct, and encourage His people. From Moses to Elijah, from Isaiah to Jeremiah, prophets have always been instrumental in shaping the course of God’s redemptive plan.

Today, we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us, and we have the privilege of experiencing the prophetic ministry firsthand. Let us not take this gift for granted, but rather cultivate a heart that is open to hearing the voice of God through His prophets. Let us be willing to be challenged, encouraged, and inspired by those who are called to speak forth His Word to our generation.

Call to Action:

• Reflect: Take some time to prayerfully consider the role of prophets in your own life and in the Church.
• Study: Dive deeper into Ephesians 4 and other passages that discuss spiritual gifts and the prophetic ministry.
• Discern: Cultivate a spirit of discernment and learn to distinguish between true and false prophets.
• Embrace: Be open to the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking through prophets today.
• Share: Share this blog post with others who may be wrestling with this important topic.