The prophet's handbook

As said earlier, the prophet’s authority in a pastor’s church is strictly influential as delegated by the pastor. Church prophet limits, largely set by the pastor, are subject to his or her revocation at any time. The resident prophet is not to displace the shepherd as head of the church in the eyes of the sheep. When there is a conflict that could harm or spoil the flock, the pastor has the final say (right or wrong). Prophets are to acquiesce to the pastor to spare the flock. If there is an irreconcilable difference between them, the prophet should move on, leaving the church and its headship intact. The prophet’s anointing being the higher of the two means he or she can quickly overturn devilish attacks (should that be the case) and pray the Lord move upon the pastor’s heart. If God does not do so then, it could be a sign that the Lord is removing the church’s spiritual covering. Identifying and Selecting Church Prophets When it comes to recognizing and ordaining church prophets, as has been said, pastors must take great care. By now you understand that the person placed in the post should be a confirmed prophet and not a novice, an intercessor, or a prophesier aspiring to the official post. Requiring church prophets to train for their posts, especially if they rose up from the pastor’s flock, is wise. If a candidate for the position did not rise up from the pastor’s flock, he or she should be ready to present reputable credentials to the pastor before being assigned to duty, and even then the assignment should be subject to an orientation period to make sure the incoming prophet is a good fit. Even so, until the quality of the prophet’s service is confirmed, his or her appointment should be temporary until the prophet’s credibility is verified. Submitted prophetic credentials should supply the pastor with the candidate’s experience, background, years in prophetic ministry, and degree of training. The prophet’s level of competence and skill for church prophet service should be stated in specific achievement and accomplishment terms. Also, a service record and references for the pastor to check before installing someone as official church prophet should be made available. (This need not apply to prophets called in as guest ministers, but it is still good policy.) For church prophets there should be a trial period set to determine if they are compatible with the flock and its vision, mission, and perspectives. This requirement should become policy regardless of the number of years a candidate for the position of church prophet has been in prophetic ministry. It is common sense that protects the flock from prolonged discomfort or harm if the