The prophet's handbook

point, preventing this attitude calls for education and training. Without it, the untrained and slightly educated church prophet, stunted in ministry revelation and prophetic insight, tends to be doom-and gloom-minded. Such a minister can end up being no more than a megaphone in the congregation, amplifying doom’s voice, or a busybody in the church’s affairs, not impacting its people positively or appreciably. Later we will discuss the necessary insights, abilities, and training a church prophet should receive. Still, the highest capacity a church prophet needs is compassion for the flock. Church prophets are injurious if they are unmoved by the weaknesses, temptations, and trials of the flock. They are sorely wanting if they cannot have and show mercy on those who are not granted their same degree of wisdom and spiritual fortitude. I have seen some prophets so intent on being right that they are contemptuous of the sheep’s suffering. It is good for all prophets to remain objective and responsibly detached, especially those of the local church. However, these professional safeguards should not overshadow basic Christian compassion and empathetic ministerial consolation.