Date of Award

Fall 2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

College

Barnett College of Ministry & Theology

Department

Department of Christian Ministries and Religion

Primary Advisor

Dr. Zachary Tackett

Second Advisor

Dr. Alan Ehler

Third Advisor

Dr. Jim P. Vigil

Abstract

Much of Christianity today neglects the role of the prophet. Christians who do acknowledge prophetic ministry commonly limit the impact of prophecy. Pentecostals, who embrace the role, often do not have a full biblical understanding of what a prophet is and what a prophet is to do. The project first builds a theological framework for the function of prophets and prophecy within the ecclesial community. From the theological framework, a model of the prophethood of believers is developed to encourage prophetic ministry that is inclusive, exercises discernment, and is faithful to the witness of Jesus Christ. The prophetic model is implemented in the lives of believers as they interact with the biblical story and the testimonies of prophetic believers. The prophet is distinguished first by a face-to-face relationship with YHWH. The prophet then serves as a witness of YHWH and ministers by speaking and actuating the word of God. In an intimate encounter, a prophet hears from God, receives a word to be shared with God's people, then acts. However, it is not just the prophet who is to act. The prophet's work is to move all of God's people to act. The study investigates prophetic ministry in proto-Pentecostals of the nineteenth century, the classic Pentecostals of the early twentieth century, and the classic, charismatic, and independent Pentecostals from the 1970s to the 2020s. Field research from 2018-2020 focused on a sample of American Christians’ theology of prophets and prophecy. The Ministry of the Spirit, Prophetic Witnesses encourages sons and daughters to live as prophetic witnesses in the community. The identity of prophetic witnesses is not found in a charismatic gift or office; they are defined by the Risen Lord Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit to prophesy. This prophetic ministry model could help contemporary believers develop discernment to engage the culture and confront the day's voices in the power of the Holy Spirit.

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