PART 2: What is a Fivefold Prophet?

- by Gabriel Voorhees

Establishing the Prophetic Order of Grace

Key Scriptures: Ephesians 4:11–13; Acts 13:1–3; Revelation 19:10

1. Role in the Local Church

The New Covenant prophet is an equipper, not a performer. Their presence in a community should produce:

  • Stability: Building unity, maturity, and spiritual strength.

  • Culture: Releasing a prophetic culture while guarding against false teaching (1 John 4:1).

  • Focus: Continually revealing the testimony of Jesus (Rev. 19:10).

What the Role is NOT:

  • Not a fire-calling judge: (Refuting the Luke 9:54–56 "Sons of Thunder" mentality).

  • Not above Scripture: Subject to the written Word.

  • Not authoritarian: They serve the Body, they do not dominate it.

2. Prophetic Ministry After the Cross

The Cross changed the tone and target of prophecy. Under the New Covenant, prophetic ministry is:

  • Christ-Centered: It flows from the finished work of Jesus, not legalistic judgment.

  • Redemptive Confrontation: Focused on restoration (1 Cor. 14:3).

  • Equipping-Oriented: It prepares the saints rather than condemning them (Acts 11:27–30).

  • Atmospheric: It governs and shifts the spiritual climate of a gathering (Acts 13:1–3).

3. The Prophet’s Development

Prophets are forged in specific crucibles before they are released into public office.

  • Hiddenness: Periods of obscurity designed to kill the need for human applause (Samuel, Elijah, John the Baptist).

  • Under Authority: Learning to serve another’s vision before carrying their own (Elijah → Elisha).

  • The Obedience Crucible: Testing through hard assignments, divine silence, and discouragement.

The Outcome of Maturity: Clarity, stability, wisdom, love, humility, accuracy, Christ-focus, and unity.

4. Diversity of Prophetic Expression

Not every prophet looks or acts the same. The New Testament shows us a variety of "prophetic flavors":

ExpressionBiblical ExampleFocusRevelatoryDaniel, JohnDeep insight, dreams, and visions.IntercessoryAnnaConstant prayer and burden-bearing.EvangelisticJohn the BaptistPreparing the way and calling for repentance.GovernmentalAntioch ProphetsLeadership, strategy, and team-based direction.EncouragingJudas & SilasStrengthening and comforting the brethren.ReformingElijahConfronting systems and restoring truth.

5. Practical Functions & Gatherings

Prophetic ministry has a dual focus in the life of the Church:

  1. For Individuals: Words that edify, comfort, and encourage (1 Cor. 14:3).

  2. For the Body: Words of direction, assignment, and activation (Acts 13:1–3).

  3. In Worship: Leading the congregation into breakthrough and revelation.

  4. In Intercession: Discernment and strategic burden-bearing (Rom. 8:26; Ezek. 33:7).

6. Testing & Accountability

In the New Covenant, the prophet is not a "lone wolf." Their words must be judged within the community.

  • Discernment: Prophecy must be tested by leadership and the Body (1 Cor. 14:29; 1 Thess. 5:19–21).

  • The Litmus Test: Judged by Scripture, character, witness of the Spirit, fruit, and accuracy.

7. The End Goal: A Prophetic People

We still need prophets today to fuel hunger for Jesus and guard against deception. However, the ultimate goal of the fivefold prophet is to reproduce themselves into the community.

  • From Leaders to People: Moving from "prophetic leaders" to a "prophetic people" (Num. 11:29; Acts 2:17–18).

  • The Vision: A Church where all hear God, discern His will, walk in the Spirit, and participate in heaven’s atmosphere.

Michael Sitko