Developing an Effective Prophetic Ministry in the Church | Pastor Oscar Mumba

Developing an Effective Prophetic Ministry in the Church

The Centrality of the Prophetic Ministry

Prophecy: Not an Option, but a Foundation

The Three Core Truths:

1. It Forms the Foundation:
   • Prophets are part of the bedrock upon which the Church is built.
   • Ephesians 2:20 (NIV): “…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”
2. It Forms the Spiritual Structure:

• God has specifically placed the prophetic office as a primary structure in the Church, providing shape, direction, and spiritual stability to the congregation.
• 1 Corinthians 12:28 (NIV): “And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers…”

3. It Forms the Equipment Function:
   • It is vital for preparing and empowering believers.
   • Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV): It is part of the “equipping of the saints for the work of ministry.”

The Three Major Types of Prophecy

Understanding the Different Utterances of God

1. Prophecy of Scripture (The Written Word)

• Definition: The inspired, reliable, and authoritative written Word of God.
• Standard: The ultimate standard against which all other prophecies are tested.
• I Peter 1:19-21 (NIV): Prophecy came about because “prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

2. Prophecy of the Manifestation of the Gift of the Holy Spirit (Inspiration)

• Definition: A spontaneous, spiritual utterance given for the profit of all—for edification, exhortation, and comfort.
• Availability: Available to all Spirit-filled believers, not just those in the office of Prophet.
• I Corinthians 12:4-11 (NKJV): Prophecy is listed as a manifestation of the Spirit, distributed as He wills.

3. Prophecy of Authoritative Declaration (Office/Decree)

• Definition: Speaking forth God’s Word from a position of delegated authority (prophet’s office or Kingdom authority) to decree or establish God’s will.
• Result: Carries weight for immediate fulfillment and directional change.
• Isaiah 44:26 (NIV): God carries out “the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers.”

Activation I: Building the Foundation of prophecy as member of the Church

 Activating the Prophecy of Scripture

1. The Opening of the Eyes of Your Understanding:
   • The Holy Spirit must illuminate the Word.
   • Luke 24:44-45 (NIV): “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.”
2. Revelation of the Testimony of Jesus in Scripture:
   • Jesus is the ultimate focus of all prophecy.
   • Revelation 19:10 (NIV): “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
3. Meditation on Prophecy of Scripture:
   • Pondering the Word creates space for the Spirit to speak.
   • Acts 10:17-19 (NIV): Peter received clear direction while he thought about the vision.

Activation II: Manifestation & Declaration

1. Activating the Prophecy of the Gift of the Spirit

1. Prophecy by the Baptism of the Holy Spirit:
   • The outpouring of the Spirit is the initial catalyst.
   • Acts 2:16-17 (NIV): “Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…”
2. Prophecy by Manifestation/Gifting:
   • We must desire and pursue these gifts, making ourselves available for spontaneous utterance. (1 Corinthians 14:1)

1. Activating Prophecy by Declaration (Authority)

1. Issuing Authoritative Commands:
   • Speaking from a position of authority under God’s Lordship. (Ezra 1:1-5, John 11:49-52)
2. Issuing a Decree from the Prophet’s Office:
   • I Kings 17:1: Elijah decreed the drought: “there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.”
3. Pronouncement through Kingdom Authority in Jesus’ Name:
   • The simplest form of decree: commanding circumstances to align with God’s Word. (This is a practical application derived from the authority of the believer, e.g., Luke 10:19.)

The Seven Keys to Effectiveness (Discipline & Intimacy)

An effective prophetic ministry is born out of Spiritual Discipline.

 Summary of Functions

Conclusion

Developing an effective prophetic ministry is a lifelong journey of:

1. Submission to Scripture
2. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
3. Courageous Utterance

The Goal: Not just to hear God, but to speak what He says, bringing direction and comfort to the Church.