Prophets & Prophecy

Prophets & Prophecy is a historical, theological and practical examination of the distinction between the Office of the Prophet and the Spiritual Gift of Prophecy, with particular attention to how these gifts were understood within the British Assemblies of God (AoG) between 1924 and 2004.

Written from a Classical Pentecostal perspective, the book addresses an area that has frequently caused confusion within Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity: does possessing or exercising the gift of prophecy make someone a prophet, and what distinguishes these two forms of prophetic ministry?

The book is divided into two complementary studies.

Part One traces the historical development of British Assemblies of God teaching on prophets and prophecy. Beginning with the emerging Pentecostal movement before AoG's formation in 1924, it examines official denominational publications and the writings of influential Pentecostal leaders throughout the twentieth century.

Particular attention is given to figures such as Donald Gee, Howard Carter and Harold Horton, whose teaching helped establish AoG's understanding of prophetic ministry. They generally defined the Spiritual Gift of Prophecy as Spirit-inspired utterance given for the strengthening, encouragement and edification of the Church. It was distinguished from ordinary preaching and was not intended to become a means of controlling or directing individuals and churches.

The Office or Ministry Gift of Prophet, however, was understood as a distinct ministry which could involve supernatural revelation and prediction. The book explores why early AoG leaders nevertheless remained cautious about prophetic titles, personal guidance through prophecy and attempts to give prophets governmental authority within the Church.

The study then follows these doctrines through the Charismatic renewal and into the twenty-first century, examining later leaders and scholars including Aaron Linford, David Petts and William Kay. Although terminology and some interpretations developed, AoG continued to maintain a recognisable distinction between prophets and the gift of prophecy, while combining an encouragement of spiritual gifts with strong warnings concerning their misuse.

Part Two broadens the study by presenting a three-level framework for understanding prophecy within the New Testament Church. The first concerns the prophetic nature of the Spirit-filled Christian community following Acts 2. The second is the specific Spiritual Gift of Prophecy, which believers are encouraged to desire. The third is the distinct Ministry Gift of Prophet, given to particular individuals with a recognised prophetic ministry.

Above all three stands the supreme authority of Scripture. The book argues that every prophetic word, gift and ministry must ultimately be tested and judged according to the written Word of God.

Combining historical research, Pentecostal theology and practical application, Prophets & Prophecy seeks to recover the accumulated wisdom and experience of earlier British Pentecostalism for a new generation. At a time when claims of prophecy and prophetic ministry remain widespread, it offers both an encouragement to genuine spiritual gifts and a caution against their abuse, arguing that authentic prophetic ministry must operate within biblical boundaries, remain accountable to the Church and always submit to the final authority of Holy Scripture.