PropheticReformation.com

What this site is all about

and how to watch to hidden motivations of our heart

It is a very sad thing, but you don't have to look very far to realise that there is a massive need for a reform in the Prophetic Ministry. We need a radical 'rethink' about the way that we do things, particularly when it comes to the things of the Spirit. We may need to raise a question as to why do we do things do things is a particular way - and not 'another' way? Is the way that we do things really the way that is scripture honouring and upholds the honour of God in sharing what He brings to mind?

Not everything on this website is written in tablets of stone, I have certainly changed my mind and perspective several times over the years, sempra reforma.

What we mean by 'Prophetic Reformation'
I first came across the actual term of 'Prophetic Reformation' in 1993 whilst reading some notes on the prophetic ministry by John Paul Jackson.

I agree with a fair amount of John Paul's observation concerning the prophetic, that much of what we have seen in the life of the church regarding the prophetic is incredible, but there is a call for credibility to return to the prophetic. But I think it is significantly more than that.

There is a massive interest in the prophetic today, and with few biblical guidelines being adopted we may find ourselves in a similar predicament to those of old times, with everyone doing what is right in their own eyes, to the detriment and real harm of the church.

The last thing we want to do, in our enthusiasm for the prophetic, is to offend others by the way we minister. The question is, what is God really saying (the emphasis being on 'really')?

Martin Luther's comment on the prophets is a telling one,

"They have a queer way of talking, like people who, instead of proceeding in an orderly manner, ramble off from one thing to the next, so that you cannot make head or tail of them or see what they are getting at."

Very often the prophetic message that is needed so much and would be so useful and encouraging to the Church is going unheard or unheeded, not necessarily because of the content of the message, but simply because of the messenger.

This web site addresses issues of concern to the pastoral as well as prophetic ministry. The reformation of the prophetic is about coming to a place of integrity and scriptural practice regarding the gift and ministry of prophecy in the church and to the individual. This is the place where we immediately find ourselves with difficulty.

Can prophetic ministry really
be open to the dynamics of reformation?

Authentic, genuine prophetic ministry in the church has always carried with it an element of surprise and controversy to say the least.

Many leaders have concerns, not that prophecy exists, or its role or function, but that something so valuable and so encouraging has been spoiled by those who have not really applied integrity to what they say and do. There is a real need for reformation in the prophetic ministries, and the underlying way that it is done is by giving a scripture honouring focus to the way that the prophetic ministry is able to function in the church.

Such a reformation may very well start with guarding the heart. One of the main issues as leaders look at the so called, 'prophetic movement' is the ambition of the heart. What is really going on there? The reason for such concern is that in the heart of prophetic ministries it may be that there is a quest for acceptance, affirmation and recognition there that runs deeper than many may dare admit. And such motivations will always encounter resistance from God and suspicion from man.

Everyone has those issues at work in their heart to some degree, but the singular issue of Godly character is a certain antidote. But how do you come to the place where you do not take advantage of opportunities to fulfil the agenda of the heart? Relationship with the Lord is a significant part of the answer, but not to an exclusion of having Godly friends and leaders who have access and input into your life, formerly known as accountability!

Accountability is not something that goes down well with some people. To some it has the overtones of control and heavy discipleship. God's Kingdom is not about control or manipulation to make things happen. Despite their past experiences of accountability, constant, and objective exposure to the Word of God is probably the only real answer to addressing issues of the heart with any degree of lasting significance.

And so to credible prophetic ministry - The people in our local church need to know our heart and our agenda, and feel safe with an understanding that we value Scripture with the highest regard and that we are accountable and submissive to leadership. It is a high calling.

We have a deep concern for the church and the Gospel.
This concern is specifically addressed to certain trends
within the church today. We are concerned about the
tendency of so many churches to substitute technique
for truth, therapy for theology, and management for
ministry and the wide scale abuse or neglect of the
prophetic in some Churches.

Leaders need to know by experience, that when the going gets tough the prophets aren't going to go! The prophet Daniel went into captivity with his people, as did Jeremiah. We need to be seen as people committed to the local church, its government, its life and its wonderful future. God is very committed to the local Church!

This website is being updated and changed regularly so please visit often, and please do invite your prophetically gifted friends in your church to visit this site too.

As Terry Virgo says, the Church has a glorious future! The prophetic ministry is part of that glorious future.