By Brian Scott
We are going to continue our conversation around the different functions of APEST. If you haven’t read the February article and feel there are pieces that don’t fit, it might be beneficial to read that article. Again, we believe that the list given in Ephesians 4, “A”postolic, “P”rophetic, “E”vangelistic, “S”hepherd, “T”eacher, are functions or perspectives of the one gift of leadership and not titles. These diverse functions are essential in growing the disciple of Jesus into maturity and unity. In the February newsletter, we discuss the “A”postolic function and how it relates to the other functions. In this article, we are going to explore the “P”rophetic function.
As a review, there have been many books and articles written on the characteristics of each function of APEST. We are going to use Alan Hirsch and Dwight Smith’s definition as a starting point. Below are how these authors would describe our next perspective.
Prophetic function
Hirsch – Artist-poet, Mystic, Reformer, Activist, Questioner, Disturber, Agitator
Smith – Prophets integrate the gospel foundations, foreknowing, train in discernment, rebuke
Let’s be honest, we all have experienced a prophetic personality that has rubbed us the wrong way. At times, that has made it easier for us to dismiss or ostracize what the prophetic function brings to the leadership table. But let’s look at the beauty and effectiveness that this perspective adds to a team. For the Prophet, there’s an awareness of God’s desires and an ability to see direction with some level of clarity. This can be said for the Old Testament prophets who were given this knowledge or awareness of God’s desire for a particular people at a particular time. The same holds true for this function, there is an inner drive or call they feel to proclaim the very thoughts or words of God.
There is always a clear and direct path, and that path must be followed or there will be consequence. In the military illustration, the prophet is comfortable with the apostolic identifying the hill to take as long as there is a sense that it has been revealed by God’s Spirit. The prophetic function will be most vocal when determining the “how” of getting to that hill. The prophetic functioning leader may be silent or uncaring about much that is decided around a leadership table. However, when a topic relates to a conviction or a base of knowledge that is believed to be God-revealed, the prophetic will rise to the occasion. They will fight fiercely for what they believe to be God’s intentions and will confront whatever or whomever in order follow God’s desire. Prophetic leaders are often the voice heard encouraging and exhorted people in what God has revealed to the team.
Unfortunately, a prophetic function can be just as destructive in immaturity as they are at building up the believer in maturity. The prophetic functioning leader will have a tendency to be less people oriented if they are not connected to the Vine. This will cause them to care more about the message from God than they do about the person who is to receive the message. In immaturity, their abrasiveness will keep the hearer from receiving the essence of God’s intent for that person. Many prophetic leaders have not connected well to others; therefore, their voice is discounted and the edification they bring nullified.
Again, I have included the graphic that shows how the APEST functions operate in maturity and immaturity. The following questions will help guide our thinking in how we relate to the prophetic function.
- Have I included the voice of the prophetic when determining direction for our church or ministry context?
- Is there a voice around my leadership table that encourages the team to be laser focused on what we determine to be God’s voice?
- Am I developing the prophetic voices in my area of influence to be more people focused?
- How can I grow from the prophetic function when it comes to confronting people who need correction in their lives?
