Jesus promised that his sheep would hear and know his voice, but what does his voice sound like? How does he speak to his people today? How can the contemporary church embrace prophetic ministry in a way that will both resource discipleship and empower mission? Prophecy did not die out with the early church and remains a vitally important gift, bearing much fruit in the lives of disciples if well taught, responsibly handled, and ministered with love. There is a great need in the church today for a healthy, holistic and biblical prophetic ministry that will equip God's people to become more radical followers of Jesus and engage more effectively in the world around them. This is a book for all those who seek a mature and outward-looking expression of prophetic ministry. It provides a way forward for everyone who desires to hear God's voice with clarity, as well as bringing greater understanding of the role that prophets play today.
This is the best book I've read so far on "prophetic ministry", which has caused a stir in quite a few evangelical churches in the last 10 years or so. Cath Livesey gives a very biblical, wholistic and clear description of what modern-day prophetic ministry is meant to be and do. It's not so much about giving an amazing word from God as it is learning to hear God's voice yourself and then being open to receiving from God what He might want you to share with others ... and to do so in a way that represents His heart for them - to encourage, comfort and build them up and call them into all that He has for them. I love the way prophecy here is couched in the major themes throughout Scripture of God's covenant relationship with us and His invitation to us to be part of His Kingdom work in the world.
I loved this book! It was a practical guide to what prophetic ministry is and it's application for the church. I also loved finding out that some of my misconceptions of prophetic people were wrong...they're NOT weird...I'm not weird. I highly recommend this book if you're looking to gain knowledge and get connected to guidance in this particular part of the 5 fold ministry of the church.