Description:  The ability to reveal truth and proclaim it.  An ability to know confidently God’s “perspective” on a given situation.  There may be immediate or future implications or both.  

Meaning:   to speak before

Key Traits:  open, discerning, convicting, sensitive, insightful, prayerful, humble

Characteristics:  This is a person who can…

·        Proclaim timely and urgent messages from God to the leaders and/or the community

·        Provide forceful challenge to the community so they will act in a way which reflects God

·        Understand and proclaim Truth from Scripture with authority

·        Understand God’s lessons in various situations, good or bad.

·        Speak about a present situation or foretell a future situation

                                                         …and enjoys doing it.

Cautions/liabilities:

·        May confuse personal thoughts and feelings with God’s voice

·        False prophesy is one of the most damaging sins

·        Must be informed by a deep relationship with God and continual growth in both understanding and faith.

·        May be filled with pride for having an authoritative voice

·        Must be consistent with Scripture and theological truth.

Scripture: Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 12:10, 28; 13:2; 2 Peter 1:19-21.

Examples:  Isaiah, Jeremiah, Samuel, John the Baptist