Prophet

The One Who Questions

The genius of Prophetic leadership is the ability to discern the spiritual realities in a given situation or community. This leadership style communicates the elements of the spiritual realities in a timely and appropriate way. Prophetic leadership's main concern is to further the mission of God's people and communities. The Prophetic has an innate sense of knowing the mind of God on issues concerning growth and transformation.

As a leader, he or she is concerned that changes made today are needed to progress into the future. The Prophetic leader seeks integration between spiritual realities and immediate need. He or she is a questioner, freely disturbing the status quo and challenging individuals and organization to move in a different direction. He or she may probe individual or group awareness to solicit further questioning, all to gain clarity. The Prophetic leader impacts communities through integration. Prophetic leadership influences others by truth - telling, not afraid of speaking in a tension with the dominant way of thinking and practice.

 

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

JOHN 1:6-8

 

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they look like.

JAMES 1:21-23

 

Characteristics

  • Questions what has become normative
  • Disturbs common thinking and practices
  • Agitates for positive change
  • Desires learning for purposes to influence
  • Discerns the message of Truth
  • Seeks to ensure an authentic response to Truth
  • Core issue is one's relationship with God
  • Urgency felt now, in the moment, “this must happen.”
  • Comfortable dismantling the present for future hope
  • Deep compassion for the cause of the people
  • Inspires all people to respond to God's message
  • May communicate creatively to get message across

 

Impact: Integration

You have great faith in what you believe, explain these beliefs with others. Your precise knowledge of what God calls us to do will encourage and assure people who naturally question or are indecisive. This encouragement and assurance leads others to confidence, faithfulness, obedience and influence.

As a person who boldly communicates God's truth, be aware of how strong your message can become. Ask those you trust for help with word choice, delivery and timing. The right message at the wrong time may easily be ignored. This may result in people getting tired with the persistence of the same message.

You feel great ownership of the message God has given you. Think of ways you can communicate this message beyond words. How can you serve as a way to encourage their greater commitment? Then, commit yourself to serving in places that reflect your passion?