Question:

Some churches have in their hierarchy prophets and prophetesses. Is it scriptural to have live prophets in today's Christian churches or are all the prophets dead? I am only speaking in terms of the churches that hold to the historic Christian faith, (based on 5 fold ministry).

Note: I found out about your web site from The Bible Answer Man with Hank Hanegraaff.

Jim

Answer:

I would imagine that your question springs out of the misuse of the term and title "prophet" or "prophetess". In the sense that the word "Apostle" is used in the Bible, an eye-witness of Jesus, etc. that term is no longer valid, with the exception of the term being used as a church office, as long as there is no presumption that the office holder is an apostle in the biblical sense.

In a similar way, prophet or prophetess can be misused, and is, if the emphasis is on forth telling, under God's inspiration. The historic faith has recognized that the prophetic role in this regard is limited to the canon of Holy Scripture. If someone is recognized as being a seer, or a forth -teller, then very real problems and distortions of faith can occur, and do.

However, if the term prophet or prophetess is limited to inspired teaching, or even someone who takes a stand for right;wrong (Chuck Colson has been called a reluctant prophet in this context) the term/title is not misleading, and is used within the pale of biblical precedent and authority. Hope this helps.

Greg Albrecht