The gift of prophecy is a helpful, edifying tool for the church. When we hear God’s heart for us, expressed through another flesh & blood person, it can encourage us, inspire us, sharpen our focus and help us course-correct when necessary. We can all—or should learn to—hear God for ourselves but this doesn’t negate the benefit of prophecy shared within a community.

Tragically, the prophetic ministry is often abused. I know people who have experienced their private sins being called out in pub...