(Ryan Lestrange) A healthy prophetic ministry is vital for the advancement of the ekklesia in this hour. Prophets are first and foremost laid down lovers of King Jesus who find their validation in the presence of the King. They are ministers of prayer and intimacy. They are also highly gifted in the realm of revelation and must have some deep roots in order to avoid error. As prophets and prophetic people arise it is key that we teach and equip for success and longevity. While they are many key ingredients, I want to focus on four particular traits. The ability of the Prophet or prophetic minister to hear or see must be matched by these four traits:
1.Proven character & longevity: Matt. 7:20- “So then, you will know them by their fruits. A prophetic mantle, or any mantle for that matter, is given freely as a gift. The character and maturity of the vessel will determine how effective that gift functions. There is a training and proving process that unfolds to prepare the person to carry all that God has called them to carry. We must not measure a prophetic ministry by accuracy or revelation alone as those things are part of a gift and not part of character. Paul admonished Timothy not to select a novice and exalt them into a place of ministry too quickly- (1 Tim. 3:6).
2.Love for the bride: Every gift must flow from a place of love for Jesus’ bride. Prophetic ministry often finds itself in a place of having to warn or rebuke but it should come from a deep well of love. Jesus corrects those whom He loves (Heb. 12:6). Prophetic correction is vital but it should never be done with a wrong attitude or heart. In fact, the authentic prophetic ministry will often flow through tears as prophets feel the heart of The Lord for His people and grieve over them.
3.Humility—always putting the focus back on Jesus. Prophets must have strong relationships with Apostles who are empowered to govern, guide and correct. The prophetic heart has to be rooted deep in humility. Pride and self-exaltation are enemies of the prophetic. People will be quick to exalt a prophet who releases accurate words but he or she must contend for a mantle of servanthood and to put all eyes back on Jesus. Revelations 19:10- For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
4.Sound belief system: Prophets must be rooted in the word of God! They can not build a ministry on experiences alone. The Prophetic ministry is one of supernatural encounter, revelation and experience. It is vital that prophetic people become students of the word and align any prophetic revelation with the written word! 2 Peter 1:19- So we have the prophetic word made surer, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.
