The Responsibilities of Prophecy ...continued

The Pastoral Responsibility

There is a pastoral responsibility in prophecy in two senses:

The pastors and leaders of the church have a responsibility for ministry that happens within the church.
The person giving the word, even though he may be a prophet, has a pastoral responsibility.

First, it is the responsibility of the pastor to feed the flock and it would be a negligent shepherd that did not check the food his sheep were getting. Pastors and leaders must therefore weigh what is being said and should confirm or give guidance after any contentious prophetic utterances.

It is also the pastor's responsibility to teach and train those who wish to move in the prophetic. He should have a vested interest in their progress because he is responsible for what they say, both good and bad. It seems only sensible for leaders to take up this responsibility because it reflects on what they are building.

Second, if the person giving the prophetic word is not motivated by love, that is love of the people and a love of Christ, then it is doubtful that the word is prophetic. Even the prophet is not released from the duty of love and submission.

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