Everyone sees, hears, and receives something, and this is normal for those who have contact and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. However, there is a reason why I rarely share prophecies from the pulpit.
Why Do I Rarely Share Prophecies from the Pulpit?
- I am not a prophet (recognized and proven)—I am a pastor.
- I have found that most of what modern preachers present as prophecies is not prophecy for the public. Most often, it is simply inspiration. God merely reveals His plans to them, and they hurry to share them with everyone. This is not always helpful. If God gives something, that is wonderful, but if God does not tell us to share it with others, doing so is wrong. It is important to know what to do with what we receive. This is a matter of maturity and obedience to the Holy Spirit.
- I have found that many people deliberately use the word “prophecy” to heighten its impact. As if to say, “Now I will tell you something very, very, very… important.” I prefer to speak prophetic words in the context of ministry, preaching, or prayer, at the moment when it is appropriate. I deliberately do not use emphatic phrases such as “Thus says the Lord,” “a prophecy from God,” and so on. Everything should be done in humility.
- I have found that prophetic words are naturally present in the messages of God’s people. It does not matter whether they are speaking, preaching, or talking with us over a cup of tea—God speaks through such people at all times. It is important to be sensitive and know how to listen. I think it is better to be a natural person in whom the supernatural is manifested than to create the appearance of the supernatural while conveying the natural.
Now for the most important point. When God tells me to share something, of course I share it. If I need to say that it is a prophecy, I say that it is a prophecy. If I am not told to call it a prophecy, I do not.
You may disagree with this, but it is my experience and my style of ministry.
