This document discusses the relationship between prophets, pastors, and the church. It argues that: 1) Prophets and apostles lay the foundation for churches based on God's initiative. 2) Pastors should recognize and nurture gifts like prophets, apostles, evangelists, and teachers from among their congregations. These roles grow from and are still accountable to the pastors. 3) Prophecies given to pastors provide a foundation and direction for them to lead their congregations according to God's plans and build up the church. The pastors' role is to shepherd both the original flock and any new ministries that arise.

2. Malachi 4:6 And he shall turn
the heart of the fathers to
the children, and the heart
of the children to their
fathers, lest I come and
smite the earth with a curse.
Numbers 27:16-17 16Let the LORD, the God of
the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the
congregation, 17Which may go out before
them, and which may go in before them, and
which may lead them out, and which may bring
them in; that the congregation of the LORD be
not as sheep which have no shepherd.
Applying a Biblical pattern of
relationship:
A father-son relationship.

3. Prophetic is part of
God’s nature.
A Father, love to tell His
sons about the wonder-
ful plans He has in store
for his children.
The Bible use this words
138 times, but only 27
times in the New
Testament.
Why?

4. God gave us a view of what He will give to us
in the future – it can be liken to a father
teaching his son to drive a car.
It is his son who hold the steering wheel.
God is Spirit, and we related to God in spirit.
However, our soul and body have to be
intentionally subdued to the Spirit.
Once we learned how to drive correctly, we
knew what our father wants, then we knew
what we should not do.
However, on the “where to go,” our Father
would be glad if we ask Him – communicating
with him on every corner – we follow where
He want to go.

5. John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to
Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me
more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord;
thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him,
Feed my lambs.
The sheeps you are shepherding, are
not your sheeps, they are Christ’s.
So whose will should be followed?
Yours or Christ’s?
The prophecy you have received,
who is it for, really?

6. Ephisians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and
some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some,
pastors and teachers;
The 5-fold ministry, is actually 1+4,
because prophets, apostles, teachers
and evangelists, would be recognized
by pastors; the four would grow from a
church, the gathering of believers.
Just like David, a shepherd has the task
to protect his sheep from bears and
lions: false prophets, false apostles,
false evangelists, and false teachers –
those who did not grow from a church,
nor being sent by a church.

7. Efesus 2:20-21 20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ
himself being the chief corner stone 21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth
unto an holy temple in the Lord
Efesus 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Efesus 4:11-12 11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and
some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for
the edifying of the body of Christ:
Church is built into a neatly arranged construction (epoikodomeo –
ἐποικοδομέω): church, the body of Christ first, then being equipped
for ministry, and to continually built – a perpetual process - Acts 20:32, I
Corinthians 3:10,12,14, Ephesians 2:20, Collosians 2:7, Jude 1:20
1. Churches should be built based on the initiative from God, so
prophets and apostles lay the foundation – discovering the
shepherds.
2. Churches should grow – shepherds should
recognize the 4 others fold, send them out, but also
continue shepherding them.

8. So when you receive a prophecy from the Lord, and you are
a shepherd of a group of believers, it means your Father in
heaven, is showing you what He want to happen to you and
your "children."
As a pastor, you should then nurture gifts in the children God has entrusted
to you. From among your congregation, you should recognize the gifts and
nurture them. Prophets, apostles, evangelists and teachers grows from
those you are pastoring, and will never be your "competitors;" you are still
their pastor, and responsible for them.
The prophecy you received, would be a foundation for you to work on
(Philippians 2:12-13). With the image described to you, you will have a
clearer direction to move forward.
Be blessed in Christ Jesus.
Prophecies from God, is always building up. That you receive a
prophecy, means the Lord is inviting you to be closer to Him, to enter into
His gifts.