Key Takeaways

• New Testament prophets function differently from Old Testament prophets and exist to empower believers to hear from God themselves
• The primary role of a prophet is not to give direction but to help the church receive direction
• Training is essential for developing healthy prophetic voices in the local church
• Pastors should address any fear-based reactions to the prophetic gift
• Building relationships and trust with prophetic voices over time leads to healthy ministry partnerships
• Fresh revelation around five-fold ministry is emerging, and churches need to grapple with Scripture rather than dismiss what has been difficult in the past

The Shift From Old Testament to New Testament Prophecy

One of the most common areas of confusion in the church today involves understanding how prophetic ministry has changed since biblical times. Vicki Simpson brings clarity to this issue by pointing to a crucial theological distinction.

“What I think is very helpful is to understand from the outset that they’re not the same as the old,” Vicki explains. “I find that a lot of people’s understanding of the New Testament prophet function is like a hybrid of the Old Testament and the New. But the new, as explained in Ephesians chapter 4, didn’t come into existence until after the ascension of Jesus.”

This distinction matters because it shapes how we understand the prophet’s role in the local church. The gifts described in Ephesians 4 were given after Christ ascended to the right hand of the Father. This theological framework helps pastors and church leaders approach prophetic ministry with fresh eyes rather than through outdated paradigms.

Empowering the Church to Hear From God

Perhaps the most significant insight Vicki offers is a reframing of what prophets actually do. Many people assume that prophets exist primarily to give direction to individuals or churches. Vicki challenges this assumption directly.

“I would say the primary function of the New Testament prophet is to empower the church to hear from God, not to give direction,” she states. A lot of people think our primary purpose is to give direction, but I actually think we help the church receive direction.

To illustrate this point, Vicki uses a memorable analogy.

“I often liken our function to spiritual Sudafed. You know how Sudafed in the natural clears your airways? I believe the prophet’s job is like spiritual Sudafed in the life of the church. We clear the airways so people can actually hear from God for themselves.”

This perspective shifts the focus from dependency on prophetic voices to empowerment of the entire body. Just as evangelists help people evangelize and teachers help people learn, prophets help people hear from God with greater clarity.

Practical Guidance for Pastors

Many pastors feel uncertain about engaging with prophetic voices, and Vicki acknowledges this reality with compassion and practical wisdom. She points to First Thessalonians 5:20, which encourages believers not to despise prophetic utterances, suggesting this instruction exists for good reason.

For pastors experiencing hesitation, Vicki offers direct counsel.

“If a pastor is uncertain, I’d encourage them to be self-aware. Where is fear motivating any decisions or reactions with regards to the prophetic? Embrace it if for no other reason than the fact that it’s biblical, that it’s scriptural.”

She emphasizes that it is the responsibility of church leaders to grapple with this gift rather than avoid it. “This gift has been given by God to bless, to encourage, to build, to bring the church to maturity.”

The Critical Role of Training

When it comes to developing prophetic ministry in a local church, Vicki is emphatic about one thing: training cannot be overlooked.

“Training is so underestimated,” she says. “I often say the difference between Froot Loop and Fruitful is training. People don’t know what to do if they don’t know what to do.”

Reflecting on her own journey, Vicki shares that she began ministering prophetically in the early 1990s when charismatic culture more readily embraced such expressions.

“I had the benefit of that. Most people today, and we’ve got a new generation, really haven’t been able to learn by observation. It hasn’t been as present in the services.”

Her advice for pastors looking to develop prophetic voices within their congregations is straightforward.

“Look for good people. If you’re looking within your local church, start with good, faithful people. Teachable people. The church isn’t going to come off the rails.”

She also reminds leaders that perfection is not the standard.

“According to Second Corinthians chapter 4, God puts treasure in earthen vessels. So you’re not going to find the perfect prophet, the perfect prophetic voice.”

Building Relationships With Prophetic Voices

For churches looking to bring in outside prophetic ministry, Vicki stresses the importance of doing homework and building relationships.

“Do your homework. Who is the person with a good track record? What prophets in your nation, in your area are known? Often they’re hidden or go under the title of pastor.”

Once a relationship is established, trust becomes essential.

“If you happen to bring them into the life of your church, whether on your platform, then trust them,” Vicki advises. “An environment of fear and double-mindedness is not going to bring out the best in the prophet or for your congregation.”

The value of long-term relationship building cannot be overstated. A 30-year friendship and ministry partnership demonstrates how integrity and consistent character over decades creates a foundation of trust that benefits everyone involved.

Fresh Revelation for the Five-Fold Ministry

Looking to the future, Vicki believes the church is on the cusp of fresh understanding regarding five-fold ministry.

“I believe that there is fresh revelation to come, but we don’t know what it is until it’s revealed. That’s the point of revelation.”

She notes that many pastors have expressed frustration that Ephesians 4 does not provide detailed job descriptions or road maps for how the five-fold gifts work together. Her conviction is that the application will be increasingly contextual.

“The how of the five working together is going to be more and more revealed in the life of a local church, in the life of a movement. It’s not going to be this prescription.”

Drawing from Brené Brown’s book Rising Strong, Vicki outlines a helpful framework: the reckoning, the rumbling, and the revolution. The reckoning involves acknowledging the need to engage with Scripture on this topic rather than dismissing it because it has been difficult. The rumbling requires addressing fears and confronting them honestly, often in community with other leaders. The revolution comes when breakthrough and clarity arrive through seeking, asking, and knocking.

“God’s turning the heat up on the revelation of the five-fold ministry,” Vicki concludes. “We really are at the early start of the journey, but it’s heating up.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Old Testament and New Testament prophets?

New Testament prophets function differently from their Old Testament counterparts. The New Testament prophetic gift came into existence after the ascension of Jesus and is described in Ephesians 4. Rather than operating as singular voices of authority, New Testament prophets work alongside other ministry gifts to empower the church to hear from God.

How can pastors overcome fear of engaging with prophetic ministry?

Pastors should practice self-awareness and identify where fear may be motivating their reactions. Recognizing that prophetic ministry is biblical and beneficial helps shift perspective. Building relationships with trustworthy prophetic voices over time and providing proper training within the congregation also creates a healthier environment.

What should churches look for when inviting a prophet to minister?

Churches should research the track record and reputation of prophetic ministers. Building a relationship before formal ministry engagement helps establish trust. Once a prophet is invited to minister, creating an atmosphere of trust rather than fear allows the gift to function effectively.

Why is training important for prophetic ministry?

Training bridges the gap between gifting and fruitful ministry. Without proper training, well-intentioned believers may operate in ways that are unhelpful or even harmful. Good training helps people understand appropriate expression, timing, and delivery of prophetic words.

Is fresh revelation coming for five-fold ministry?

Many believe the church is entering a season of increased understanding regarding how apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers work together. This revelation will likely be contextual rather than prescriptive, emerging through prayer, study, and practical application in local church settings.