The prophet's handbook

Should they appear in you, you have a greater obligation to alleviate them from your leadership attitudes and motives. Make no mistake about it: prophetic rivalry is more deadly to an organization than any other problem because of the dual spheres it affects. The prophet’s most uncelebrated role is to undo something with the word of the Lord that already exists. “Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth” (Hosea 6:5). “I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets” (Hosea 12:10). “And by a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved” (Hosea 12:13). What do all these passages add to our discussion? They show the power of prophets’ words and will. Prophets’ words kill, judge, reveal, attack, or reward. These officers cut and heal, destroy and build with their mouths. They see visions and discern and interpret similitudes as well as rescue, deliver, lead, and preserve. Collectively, prophetic faculties wield effectual power in the spirit. That is a tremendous amount of power, and to have the prophets of any organization collaborate or collude to mount an assault on it has deadly consequences. The prophets are to be the solution that overturns such misconduct and restores the harmonious balance in the institutions that they serve. They are not to be their adversaries. Prophets are to work with their authority figures, covering them with prayer and intercessions. They are to cooperate with leadership and not so pity the people that they unwittingly overthrow it. Prophets over an organization should include in their services classes that help leaders get their message across to the staff and motivate the staff to support and trust their leaders. The prophet should under no circumstances foster or tolerate competition between himself and the leaders he or she exists to protect. Responding to Authority Figures and Peers The following is wisdom to help prophets get along with their authority figures and peers. New leaders must accept that a chain of command, whether it is documented or not, does exist in all organizations. The church is no different. It does not matter how much religious people like to pretend otherwise; every organization has its hierarchy of positions and ranking leaders who fill them. New ministers should not expect to start at the top of their organizations unless that is what they were engaged to do. For that to happen, it is generally accepted that previous experience, education, and success qualify people for their levels