Live Chat Transcript with Steve Thompson

Chat Transcript with Steve Thompson, Vice President of MorningStar Ministries, 6/28/97.

Host SteveThompson says:

I am honored to be here today to discuss prophetic ministry in today's church. Any questions?

NewWine says:

Q: Will we see a visible increase of the prophetic ministry soon?

Host SteveThompson says:

We have been seeing this for the past 8-10 years, depending on where you are.

Omega says:

Yes, do you think that the prophetic is moving towards an old testament power with a New Testament mercy?

Host SteveThompson says:

I believe the issue before us right now is understanding the New Testament function of prophecy. Rev. 19:10 says that the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy. Many mistakes have been made in the past because people misunderstood the New Testament function of prophecy, equating it with the Old Testament function.

Elijah says:

Since 1988 we herd much about the prophetic ministry and during the late 90's much is said about the Apostolic ministry. Will the Apostolic ministry bring the Prophetic ministry to maturity?

Host SteveThompson says:

I actually believe the prophetic ministry learning to function in cooperation with the teaching ministry will help to birth the apostolic. All of the ministries are needed to help perfect and bring nto fullness the other ministries.

Mike says:

Did anything come out of this years Roundtable regarding today's discussion?

Host SteveThompson says:

Not really.

Elijah says:

Can you define prophetic people ?

Host SteveThompson says:

Prophetic people are people who sense what God is doing and are able to declare it in some fashion. There are as many variations of prophets as there are people because God is creative and deals with us individually.

Firesong says:

Explain please the different functions you referred to..?

Host SteveThompson says:

I Cor. 14:3 basically defines prophecy in the Church as being for edification, exhortation and comfort. This is an important focus currently because of the misunderstandings of the past where the sole prophetic function was seen as being corrective.

Mike says:

Do you have any idea when the hidden prophets spoken of in The Final Quest will begin to appear or have they already been appearing?

Host SteveThompson says:

If they appear, they won't be hidden any more :-}

I can't address that specifically, but I do believe Paul Cain's return to ministry in 1988 is an example of God bringing forth a hidden prophetic voice to initiate something new in the Church. God will continue bringing forth those who have been hidden to initiate new things.

OilnWine says:

Q: We were told to look for an increase of the prophetic ministry, as that was the Spirit of Elijah making way for the coming of the Lord.. Do you agree?

Host SteveThompson says:

Peter in his sermon at Pentecost said that one of the earmarks of the Last Days were prophecy, dreams and visions. Obviously, we are in the last days so the prophetic will be coming forth with greater power.

Elijah says:

Why is it so difficult for those who are not prophetic to accept the prophetic ministry ?

Host SteveThompson says:

Because prophetic ministry is weird. There is good weird and bad weird, and it is the good weird but it is weird! We all have a problem accepting things we do not understand. It is important for those of us who are prophetic to understand that we are difficult to understand, and to give grace to those who don't.

Firesong says:

With the dramatic increase in satanic activity among young people,,, will we soon see the needed increase of gifts to deal with this? The prophets to help those who deal in this area…

Host SteveThompson says:

Yes, I believe so. In fact, some congregations in the Mid West are already seeing a dramatic increase in prophetic ministry in order to deal with young people who are coming out of satanism.

Cliff says:

I have such a fear of being deceived that I tend to be wary of prophetic events. How can we really separate truth from error?

Host SteveThompson says:

Heb. 4:12 says that the word of God is living and active, and it basically is our discernment. I believe all spoken prophecies have to line up with the written Word or they must be rejected. The Bible is our more sure word of prophecy.

Omega says:

Do you believe that the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord is two separate days? As in the first and second coming of Jesus?

Host SteveThompson says:

I don't know.

OilnWine says:

What do you believe the Lord is saying to the church today?

Host SteveThompson says:

Repent.

Elijah says:

Difficulty in communication many a time exist in local congregations between prophetic people and eldership, especially if there is no strong prophetic representation in the eldership. How can this communication function in a healthy manner ?

Host SteveThompson says:

It is important to understand how authority functions in a local church. Authority flows from responsibility. The eldership of a church are basically responsible for that congregation. Prophetic people need to understand the burdens of that responsibility and be willing to develop a relationship of trust with eldership in order to more effectively communicate. I am both a pastor and a prophetic minister. I have seen abuses on both ends with prophetic people and with eldership. We need to learn to love one another and to honor one another. Prophetic people need to understand their responsibility is to speak to the eldership, then leave it with them. The eldership is responsible to God for how they deal with the prophetic words that come. When a prophetic person has delivered the word to the leadership, their responsibility -- with the exception of prayer -- has ended.

Omega says:

Do you believe that God is bringing consecration as destruction to the church today and thereby taking over? By sacrificing us and then rebuilding us?

Host SteveThompson says:

Luke 2:34 says that Jesus is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel. We all have to fall before we rise again.

Cliff says:

Do you "support" (believe it is the right thing to do) the Stand in the Gap this Oct 4 being organized by Promise Keepers? To pray and repent of our nations sins and to pray for revival?

Host SteveThompson says:

I have never been to a Promise Keepers event. I greatly support their ministry. I have been touched by the Lord to be at this event in October. I believe this will be a significant event, spiritually.

Share says:

What do you think about the prophetic words of tornadoes/storms coming to the church? Do you believe that this will only happen to the church that is not moving in the spirit or to the whole church?

Host SteveThompson says:

I don't know about the specific prophecy that you are referencing. I do believe that everything that can be shaken will be shaken, so that that which cannot be shaken will remain. Judgment comes first to the House of God to make us a sure foundation when judgement comes to the world.

Omega says:

Do you believe that revival will come to all churches, i.e. Baptist, Catholic, Pentecostal and that we will see God move in a way unlike we ever have before in order that all the church would receive His Spirit?

Host SteveThompson says:

Yes, with qualifications. There have always been mistakes in every move of God. Because people are involved. There will be plenty of mistakes until the day that Jesus returns. However, I do believe God is preparing His Church for an unprecedented move. I believe we will see the harvest shortly.[]

Zoeman says:

Is there any way to speed up our prophetic growth?

Host SteveThompson says:

Sure. Spend time with God, get to know Jesus, be discipled by wise and mature prophetic people, eat the Word.

Elijah says:

What is needed in the Body of Christ to mentor/nurture the prophetic gift in others to see the prophetic ministry grow to full maturity ?

Host SteveThompson says:

I believe we must endeavor to teach and train people in prophetic ministry while providing an atmosphere that allows them to move forth in their gifting while seeing their character perfected.

Omega says:

Do you then, in reference to the last question, believe that God could do a perfect work regardless of the hearts of man? And thereby removing the human element by allowing His Spirit it's perfect work?

Host SteveThompson says:

He could, but probably not with men in this life.

OilnWine says:

Q: What if there aren't any wise and prophetic people in your area?

Host SteveThompson says:

There are; you must find them. One other issue is that our world is much smaller today with the technology and communication capabilities that we have. This Internet chat proves that. We can be discipled by someone living 1,000 miles away, but not to the degree that someone in our geographic location can.

Omega says:

Do you believe that God will raise up Job and Joseph like ministers that have lost everything and only God remains?

Host SteveThompson says:

Yes.

Mike says:

Do you feel that the prophetic ministry will become as natural to christians as the gift of tongues appears to be?

Host SteveThompson says:

We are seeing, in our local congregation, people whom God is using prophetically in a profound way. Although it is not done on demand, they have become comfortable receiving from God prophetically. People come from all over the country and are able to receive accurate, insightful prophetic ministry, many times from people who two years ago did not know they could prophesy. We have been amazed.

Omega says:

If we listen to the voice of the Lord at all times, do you believe any of God's sealed vision to John of the 7 thunders will be revealed?

Host SteveThompson says:

It would take too long for me to address eschatalogical prophetic questions like this. I apologize, but we need to stay on questions that don't require a book! You can write me a letter personally on that and I will be glad to answer it.

Host MorningStar says:

How do you get discipled by the "mature" prophetic people when they "clump" together? And leave the newly upstarts to themselves ? Seems hard to get in that group.

Host SteveThompson says:

The Scriptures says a man's gift will make room for him. We must continue to study to show ourselves approved unto God and trust Him to connect us with those who will disciple us. I do believe God is raising up those who have a heart to train others. One thing that is important to understand is that many prophetic people have not been fathered and therefore do not know how to father others in the Lord.

Host SteveThompson says:

I believe this is changing. Be patient.

Omega says:

Do you believe that God will move on the hearts of young people of this generation and raise a standard of fresh prophets from the young and the very young to prophecy to old wine skins?

Host SteveThompson says:

Yes. My son began prophesying when he was two years old. He speaks with authority and I listen to him. God is going to raise up a prophetic ministry that will be breathtaking and life-giving. My four year old son prophesied the birth of our last child before we knew that we were pregnant.

Omega says:

Do you feel that the time is coming when we will see the voice of God being released to people who are not Christian and that they will be convicted where they are without much effort from Christians?

Host SteveThompson says:

I have heard of examples of this. In fact, a good friend of mine was led to the Lord through a prophetic experience that came to him personally. I would hope that the Church becomes so passionate for souls that God can't speak to them before we do.

Zadok says:

I can move prophetically well when I work in a team, but it doesn't flow when I am alone. How can I grow in this gift?

Host SteveThompson says:

I have a good friend who is prophetic. He once met a person who was in great turmoil. After hearing their story, he walked away dejected because the Lord did not give him anything for that person. As he mentioned this to the Lord, the Lord said you didn't ask me for anything. We must ask the Lord. Many times when we are in teams, we are focusing on a person and asking God to speak to us. Many times when we are alone, we are not focusing on any person and asking God to speak. God is very practical and we need to be, too.

Cliff says:

My 10 year old gave his heart to the Lord last year. He asked if I would baptize him. So I did in the Lake. He is a very spiritual child, what is the next step to bring on him his spiritual gifts and Holy Spirit anointing?

Host SteveThompson says:

If he has not been baptized in the Holy Spirit, he needs to be. You can also ask him questions about his dreams. Listen when he explains things to you. Many times our children are prophesying and we are not paying attention. Also, teach him to pray and pray with him. Teaching him to not only speak to God, but to listen.

Omega says:

Is the prophetic moving to an Ezekiel like place where prophets will be responsible for speaking the Word of God without hesitation?

Host SteveThompson says:

Please, can you clarify your question, Omega?

Firesong says:

Would you define empathy as being part of the prophetic gift?

Host SteveThompson says:

The gift of discerning of spirits often functions in an empathetic fashion. Many people who move in the gift of discerning of spirits feel what other people are feeling without actually knowing what is going on with them. In that case, "empathy" as discerning of spirits is a prophetic gift.

Elijah says:

Regarding prophecies in the Journal concerning "The release of the women", the "slave ship" and "the hospital ship." And in regard to Jer. 9:17-26, Can you comment on the call to the mourning women and circumcision?.How are the skilled women functioning ? How is cover and care operating? Please clarify "skilled" and comment on family boundaries and eldership jurisdiction in regard to people maturing?

Host SteveThompson says:

This is an important question, but unfortunately it would take the remainder of our time to answer it. Please contact me by letter. I would love to address this. (Mailing address 16000 Lancaster Highway, Charlotte, NC 28277.)

Omega says:

Is the prophetic moving to an Ezekiel like place where prophets will be responsible for speaking the Word of God without hesitation? As in, if I get a word, it will be my responsibility to give that word immediately at the command of God. Without allowing any interpretation or interference on my part. Therefore, prophets will be forced to give a word without hesitation.

Host SteveThompson says:

More mistakes are made than benefits are gained by moving impulsively. The level of prophecy that is currently functioning in the church should not be handled this way. Scripturally, the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. As such, impulsiveness and pressure to speak are often an indicator that a word is not from God.

Host MorningStar says:

Question: What is the next step or level of prophetic anointing today's church will begin to experience?

Host SteveThompson says:

One thing God wants to release to the Church is interpretation of dreams. God is speaking profoundly to people in dreams and we must grow in intimacy with the Lord in order to receive the interpretations. I believe God wants to release both personal ministry on a higher level evangelistically, and also strategic ministry for the church to plan and move prophetically.

Omega says:

Do you also believe that we will see people raised up with Old Testament like mantles. People that will be forced to give words against people, churches, businesses, governments?

Host SteveThompson says:

There are already prophets who function in a capacity of speaking to kings and rulers and government officials. In many cases, this is not speaking against them but speaking for God. When we think of Old Testament prophets, we generally envision Elijah, who spoke against Israel. But Paul, in Romans 11, identifies that Elijah was wrong in speaking against Israel, saying he interceded against them. There were many prophets during Elijah's day who gave Godly counsel and strategy to Ahab who, the Bible says, was the worst king Israel ever had. God wants to help leaders make Godly choices because it affects His people. God is much more gracious than we can ever imagine.

Elijah says:

As prophetic anointing has revealed the Jezebel spirit, will the Apostolic anointing destroy this spirit's works in the church ?

Host SteveThompson says:

I hope so.

Note: I just wrote an article on that which will be coming out in The MorningStar Journal Vol. 7, No. 4, entitled "The Spirit of Prophecy". This Journal is due to come out in October of this year.

Share says:

Are you seeing an apostolic move in the USA?

Host SteveThompson says:

Yes. Many churches are being birthed and are banding together for the larger purposes of the Kingdom of God. This is happening nationally but is also happening on local levels.

Firesong says:

How can we begin to help the process of healing within the body of Christ… members warring against each other… draining the church in the process?

Host SteveThompson says:

As we become like Christ, laying down our lives for one another, interceding for one another and functioning in the true spirit of prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus, I believe we will see the accuser of the brethren cast down.

Host MorningStar says:

What is the main role of the Prophetic ministry in the coming "last days?"

Host SteveThompson says:

The main role of the prophetic ministry, in addition to the other ministries, is the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry. Many people are expecting prophets to be raised up to speak to leaders, rulers, government officials, and this is an important ministry but the primary purpose of prophets is to equip the Church, every individual believer, prophetically. This is what I have given myself to for the last three years.

Omega says:

What if God speaks to a prophet and tells the prophet of a plan He has against a church. And God wishes for this prophet to speak words against that church, even if a little unwillingly. Does this prophet obey or lean towards more human mercy?

Host SteveThompson says:

Anyone who receives a word of correction or rebuke for a congregation needs to deliver that word to the leadership of that congregation in private. The prophetic person is not responsible for that congregation, but the leadership are. That's why the word should go to them.

Host MorningStar says:

Is the Prophetic Mantle being passed on to the "Next Generation X?" e.g. Paul Cain, Bob Jones' mantle to the next generation?

Host SteveThompson says:

I believe God is raising up many young prophetic people. Personally, I have received a promise from the Lord concerning Generation X. The X in Latin stands for Christ, hence the abbreviation Xmas for Christmas. I believe God will make Generation X, Generation Christ.

Firesong says:

How can we begin to help the process of healing within the body of Christ.. members warring against each other, draining the church.. in the process?

Zoeman says:

Steve, how have you grown prophetically as of late?

Host SteveThompson says:

Please specify what you are asking?

Elijah says:

Can you please comment on the different roles that prophetic worship has to play in the realm of the prophetic ?

Host SteveThompson says:

According to II Kings 3, the ministry of the minstrels often releases prophetic strategy. I believe God is currently wanting to blend worship, intercession and prophetic ministry in a way that releases strategic prophecy to the church. II Kings 3 is an example of what God wants to do in the Church.

Omega says:

Do you believe that God is raising up small raging fires (people) in rural areas to bring the prophetic word and the Spirit of God to places that have never truly accepted it?

Host SteveThompson says:

Do you live in a small town? May you be the evangelist and prophetic voice God has called you to be in your area, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Mike says:

Is a mantle something we seek for or does the Lord just give it?

Host SteveThompson says:

It could be either.

Host MorningStar says:

Please explain "Prophetic Worship & Dance?"

Host SteveThompson says:

Anything prophetic is simply hearing what God wants to say or do, and then obeying. Prophetic worship and dance is God often showing us what He wants us to do in dance or worship, and then us being obedient. Obedience releases God's Spirit in a greater fashion. Many times in a worship service I have felt to jump but hesitated, and three people around me began jumping. The Spirit of God for some reason needs our obedience to release what He wants in a meeting. I don't understand it but it is true.

OilnWine says:

If a prophetic word seems harsh, how do we respond to it?

Host SteveThompson says:

Carefully. Many times God gives true words to imperfect people. We must be careful to accurately discern the voice of God. Having said that, we don't need to place ourselves under words that are deeply condemning and legalistic. This has been a serious problem with the prophetic ministry in the past 20 years. The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy. Prophets should talk to God's people as God would speak to His children. Moses' mistake in Numbers 20 shows the judgment that falls on a leader when he expresses that God is angry, when God is not angry. God loves His people and will correct them, but as Jesus corrected the churches in Rev. 2 and 3, according to the model of encouragement, correction and then more encouragement, all prophetic people should endeavor to speak with much grace and mercy.

EaglesWings says:

Shouldn't the main emphasis of the prophet be more on simply speaking and teaching under the anointing and less on prophesying per se, which appears to me to be more of a side line of the prophet?

Host SteveThompson says:

Not necessarily. All of the ministry gifts should be able to teach. In fact, an elder must be apt to teach. We desperately need the testimony of Jesus and this is the spirit of prophecy. Prophesying is something that all believers can do according to Paul. He also said that it was the best gift. Therefore, we should covet it, which means to lust after it, and endeavor to edify the church.

Elijah says:

How do you perceive the role of the prophets in the coming harvest (reaching the lost) where scripture says prophecy is for believers?

Host SteveThompson says:

Immediately after Paul said that prophecy was for believers, he gave an example of believers prophesying in the church and the lost being converted. It is a confusing passage of Scripture but Paul is clearly saying that prophecy in the Church is evangelistic. The reference is I Cor. 14:22-25.

Cliff says:

In Bob Conner’s dream "Coming around the Bend" there was reference to upcoming volcanic activity around Bend Or. Do you if this is literal? Mount Hood? Is this to happen soon?

Host SteveThompson says:

You would need to address this with Bobby Conner. Thank you.

Omega says:

Do you believe we will begin to see spiritual events manifested in physical ways? i.e. The fire of God suddenly appearing to the naked eye.

Host SteveThompson says:

I believe we will begin to see spiritual events spiritually. I believe God is opening our spiritual eyes more so than causing things to appear in the natural, although this will probably happen also.

Elijah says:

What is your prophetic impression on the ministry of "Watchmen" and their role in God's prophetic purposes ?

Host SteveThompson says:

We desperately need them. Watchmen in the Old Covenant had three functions: those on the wall who could see when the enemy was coming and when the king was coming, those in Israel who could discern the times and the seasons, and one other function that slips my mind at this moment. :-}

Zadok says:

I recently heard a pastor say that if the words from a prophet are not 100% correct then all that prophets words must me rejected. How can I respond? I disagree with him.

Host SteveThompson says:

I have an article that addresses the myths surrounding what makes someone a false prophet, and that would answer your question. But we are commanded to judge all prophesy because no man is infallible. One clear example of a true prophetic word that contained inaccuracies is Aggabus' prophecy to Paul in Acts 21 about Paul being taken captive. Aggabus said that the Jews at Jerusalem would bind Paul and deliver him to the Gentiles. Actually, the Gentiles bound him and delivered him from the Jews. This was obviously a true prophetic word but Aggabus misinterpreted some of the details. I am not willing to reject that as a prophetic word nor did the people in that day.

Omega says:

Do you believe that God will sometimes spiritually ordain people through prophecy? Not implying that leadership should be abandoned, but that God will often ordain people without going through normal means of "denominational" ordination?

Host SteveThompson says:

There is an ordination that comes from God. But I believe that we also need to be recognized by the Church in order to be received by them.[]

Elijah says:

What is the difference between the gift of Prophecy and ministering from the office of the Prophet ?

Host SteveThompson says:

About 15 years. "-} All believers can prophecy. Those who are called as Prophets function in a higher level of the gift and carry a spiritual authority as a foundational gift in the building of the Church. We will continue to take a few more questions, even though the time is "up." Please ask your questions.

Omega says:

Do you think that righteousness is a requirement in prophets?

Host SteveThompson says:

Righteousness is a requirement for Christians. :-}

Share says:

Can you tell us of one highly significant prophetic word you have received?

Host SteveThompson says:

Corporate or individual?

Share says:

Either

Host SteveThompson says:

I have received words for individuals that have kept them from making tragic mistakes. I have received words for congregations that kept them from making similar mistakes. I am hesitant to give details on any of these because of confidentiality.

Omega says:

Do you think that prophecy can be almost dormant and latent in Christians and then be released without much warning?

Host SteveThompson says:

Sure. I believe all Christians can prophesy and should covet this gift. I know of many people who are functioning on a relatively high level of prophecy who never knew they could until something ignited it. Many times the thing that ignited it was teaching about prophecy.

Mike says:

Do you believe that a time of war is to follow the time of refreshing we are currently in in the USA?

Host SteveThompson says:

I believe there is already a war in the church. I do believe it will escalate. The goal of any war should be the winning of our brothers not their destruction.

OilnWine says:

Q: Do you believe America is at the Crossroads of judgment and revival according to the prophecy given by Rick Ridings?

Host SteveThompson says:

I believe America is currently experiencing both judgment and revival, in different places. I believe we are entering into the harvest which is the reaping of everything sown, both good and evil.

Omega says:

Do you think that travail is an integral part of intercession?

Host SteveThompson says:

Yes, of some intercession. Travail is only one part of a particular type of intercession.

Would everyone please give us a roll call, listing who you are and where you are from? Thank you.

EaglesWings1 says:

EaglesWings - Anchorage, AK

Cliffjl says:

Cliff Looyenga - Sandpoint Idaho

Mike says:

Mike Streng and friends Bangor PA. usa

OilandWine says:

Tom & Madeleine Fernandez from Maui, Hawaii <oilnwine@gte.net> http://www.hispraise.com

Omega says:

Gabe Posey - Wetumpka, AL

share says:

Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada

Zadok says:

Zadok is Pastor and attorney Kelly Vickers from Wetumpka, AL

Elijah says:

The team here with me (Jan Otto) are Robert, Jill, Rina, and Annie all the way from Cape Town South-Africa.

Firesong says:

Firesong msn.com

share says:

Sharon Williams (wife & mother & intecessor in Canada

Host MorningStar says:

Zoeman - Jeff Vietmeier Ft. Mills, SC

Zoeman says:

Zoeman-Jeff- Charlotte NC

Omega says:

Since I have a voice, I would like to thank you, Steve, for being patient and for taking time to answer my questions. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. : )

share says:

Same Here

OilandWine says:

Yes, ditto! Robert, when is our next chat?

Host SteveThompson says:

To Share: There is an excellent teaching on intercession by Dutch Sheets, both in book and tape form. I would encourage you to get a copy.

Elijah says:

Thank you Steve, this has been very revealing and edifying.

share says:

I have it. Thanks!

Omega says:

Praise the Lord!!!

Host SteveThompson says:

I have enjoyed the chat. Thanks for participating.

Host MorningStar says:

We want to thank Steve & Marjorie for taking time in their day to meet with us

Firesong says:

I will be so very thankful when the war in the body ends.... wonder if I will live to see that?

Host MorningStar says:

Our next Chat we want to get Don Potter

Host MorningStar says:

We will post it

OilandWine says:

WHEN????? Hallelujah!

Host MorningStar says:

Marjorie Dougan, smoking fingers

Mike says:

Great CHAT Robert as always!!! CYA later

Host MorningStar says:

This ends our time together...God Bless you all

OilandWine says:

Bye!

share says:

Bless you all. Bye for now

Firesong says:

thank you.

Omega says:

Bye!

Zadok says:

God bless

 

Morning Star Online!
Visit MorningStar Website