Over the years, I’ve taken a very public stand against the proliferation of for-profit non-prophets who peddle their wares to gullible believers.

In response, I’m often asked if I believe there are prophets today. I think that’s the wrong question, because “prophet” in the original language of the New Testament is not a title but a function.

It applies to anyone who faithfully says – while they are saying it – what God has led them to say. Nothing more, nothing less.

And yes, God still speaks through people today – subject to Scripture and the sound judgement of others.

But that does not convey some elevated position to anyone over anyone.

Using that criteria, my observation and experience is that authentically prophetic ministry is alive and well within healthy, functional, local communities of believers who humbly submit one to another.

Such people have no need, or tolerance, for self-appointed “prophets” who go around peddling so-called “words” for self enrichment and notoriety.

So permit me to pass along some things I’ve learned over the years:

If someone needs to add “Prophet” in front of their name, they ain’t one.

If someone needs to name a ministry after themselves to help sell their “prophetic words,” they have gone off track.

If they are not presently rooted in, submitted to, and humbly accountable to a local, functional community of believers in their own home town, they have no business “prophesying” in anyone else’s home town.

If they need to preface everything with “God told me” to lend it credibility, then it likely has none.

It they routinely play to your fears or tickle your ears, instead of being willing to say what you don’t want to hear, they’re building their own kingdom and not God’s.

Finally, we need to return to wisdom and discernment, and stop listening to those who turn the authentic into freak shows.

And that, my friends, is likely the most authentically prophetic thing you’ll hear me say all day.

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