Happy January and Happy 2021 NEW YEAR!!
Thank you so much for supporting Shamar Global University LLC and for all your prayers. I believe and pray 2021 will be an extraordinary year for us and for our nation!
There are primarily three overall duties of the 5 Fold Ministry Officers of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher. These duties are 1. Perfecting the saints, 2. The Work of the Ministry, and 3. The Edifying of the Body of Christ.
And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (Eph 4:11-13)
Today, I will be discussing the Office of the Prophet and the word “perfecting.” Many times when we think of the word perfect we think of something impeccable, without flaws or mistakes. Dictionary.com defines perfect as “to bring to perfection; make flawless or faultless.”1 Flawless signifies something has no mistakes, no errors, no defects and is extremely good. Impeccable implies excellence, precision, accuracy, and spotlessness.
We also sometimes call people who have to do and have “everything perfect” – – a perfectionist. Perfectionists set unrealistically high expectations for themselves and others. They are quick to find fault and overly critical of mistakes. They tend to procrastinate a project out of their fear of failure. They shrug off compliments and forget to celebrate their success. Instead, they look to specific people in their life for approval and validation.”2
So, to be a truly perfect Prophet, is God expecting us to set unrealistic high expectations for ourselves and others? Are we to downplay others encouraging compliments about our prophetic ministry and write them off as mere lies? Do true prophets prophesy or minister without error or mistakes 100% of the time? Are “the best prophets” flawless, driven by the fear of failure, and constantly must live for the approval and validation of certain men?
The answers are: NO. NO, NO and NO!!!
Perfecting in the Bible comes from the Greek work katartismos3. Katartismos means complete furnishing, equipping, fitting, and fully prepared. Katartismos comes from the Greek root word Katartizo4 which means to make perfect, to prepare, to perfectly join together, to mend what has been broken or torn, to repair, to complete, to make a person what God has purposed them to be, to adjust, to fit or frame, to put in order, arrange and to strengthen.
A mature prophet is not a perfectionist or without flaws. They are those who are concerned about and actively equipping (providing the necessary resources) to others and fully preparing the next generation of prophets to reach their full potential. Mature prophets assist the local Church and where ever they are assigned to fulfill its God’s ordained purpose. They “stand in the gap” for others and the church till that which is broken and torn is repaired. Having prophets active in the local church helps brings the church to a place of maturity and completion.
Mature prophets are also called and recognized as Fathers and Mothers. Elijah took over the School of the Prophets from Samuel and became the second Chancellor. (1 Sam 7:16, 2 Kings 2:1,3,5), When Elisha saw his mentor Chief Prophet Elijah ascending to Heaven, in sadness and heartbrokenness he called Elijah his Father – “And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes and rent them in two pieces.” (2 Kings 2:12)
Back in the Bible days, women and children were regarded as lowly servants. However, there were rare women, God would surprisingly raise into forbidden high positions of leadership. Women such as Prophetess Huldah who like her male counterpart prophets established a College of the Prophets and Theological Seminary for women (2 Kings 22:14). Also, Prophetess Deborah was a Judge of Israel, led Israel into a victorious battle. and was also known as Mother in Israel (Judges 5:7)
Lastly, perfecting is a continuous action word. Improving, preparing, equipping, adjusting, reaching full potential, repairing, and strengthening others is something that prophets must frequently do for themselves, the local Church, and the Church at large. It is only when prophets are perfecting themselves, others (those assigned to their voice), and the Church, will they become Impeccable – Prophets of excellence, precision, and accuracy.
As a Prophet, ask yourself the following questions:
- Are there novice prophets around me that need to be identified?
- Are there novice prophets around me that need prophetic training or a mentor?
- Are there people around me that need to know how to hear God for themselves?
- Are there people around me that have been broken and need to be mended or repaired?
- Are there people around me that don’t know or have lost their purpose?
- Is my church fulfilling its divine destiny?
- Is my church operating at its full potential?
- Does my church have all the 5-fold ministry offices functioning in it? If not, what can I do?
- Are there people in my congregation that need to be strengthened?
- Prophets are Watchmen and spiritual guards. Are you raising prophetic guards (prayer warriors) to spiritually rebuild, protect, and advance the local church?
After all, is said and done, remember, it is only when prophets are perfecting themselves, others (those assigned to their voice), and the Church, will they become Impeccable – Prophets of excellence, Prophets of precision, and Prophets of accuracy.
Let me know your thoughts about this article below. Thanks!
God Bless
Prophetess PK Finklea
P.S. Do you desire to be a wise, confident, and bold Prophet/Seer in 2021? We are working on a class with you in mind. Sign up today on our waiting list and get notified of when we will be offering the class. Click the link to sign up today! Space is limited! https://shamarglobal.org/bold-prophet/
Footnotes
1. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/perfect
2. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/perfectionism
3. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G2677&t=KJV
4. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=G2675&t=KJV