There are many in the Christian community who believe in a distinction between a prophet (an office into which one is called), the spiritual gift of prophecy, and a “prophetic voice.” In this regard:
• A Prophet is someone who periodically communicates under inspiration from God; this may or may not involve foretelling;
• The Gift of Prophecy is the ability to clearly communicate God’s will in an authoritative manner that edifies, exhorts, and/or comforts, but often also exposes sin and prompts either (1) conviction, penitence, repentance, and reconciliation, or (2) rejection of the message and judgment; and
• The Prophetic Voice is a term used by many in the Christian community to refer to the gift of prophecy, with the caveat that it can be fallible (i.e., that it need not be 100% correct).
To read more, click on the following link:
Spiritual Gifts – Prophets and Prophecy
Hello Michael,
HHC does not believe in the gift of prophecy. If they do now, it is a change. I would welcome the change and would appreciate learning about it.
Doug
Hi Doug, thank you for your message. As an Elder team we sensed the Holy Spirit “inviting” us to teach on the topics of “Hearing God” and “Spiritual Gifts,” which of course led us to the topics of God communicating through prophets and the gift of prophecy. While HCC does not have an official position to my knowledge, as Elders we each have slightly different views. Mine is referred to as “open but cautious” in some circles, meaning that while I believe that God can operate through prophets and prophecy today, I believe that it’s rare, and that the prophet’s words must be 100% accurate else the person isn’t a legitimate prophet. If you would like to discuss further, then let’s plan on getting together to discuss.
His grace, peace, and power unto thee!
Michael