Many Prophets

In 1 Corinthians 14 there are some instructions for how the church is to function and there has been a lot of controversy about whether some of these things are for today. Even though there is no clear indication that any of the practices have been terminated. But that’s not what this is about.

In verse 31 it says

“For you may all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be comforted.”

So here is a point of contention that I have never heard discussed. “All may prophesy.” What does that mean? That is sort of my favorite question.

What does it mean to prophesy? One interpretation that I have heard says that to prophesy is to speak forth. And Strong’s Greek dictionary or lexicon says that it means to speak by inspiration.

Is the paid preacher the only one who is able to hear from God and have a word of encouragement?

Why have the churches chosen to have one paid pastor/priest who is the only one authorized to bring the message? Isn’t this in direct contradiction of the pattern we have in Scripture?

Just asking.

So, what is the solution?

All of Christendom operates on this model of the paid pastor who speaks and everyone else sits and listens. Even offshoots like the Vineyard that started out with a scriptural model have gone to the Christendom model.

I am very thankful for the electronic church. At least with the help of churches on YouTube and the radio it is possible to hear a variety of thoughts. But that still leaves the problem of the possibility for everyone to share.

The only answer that I can imagine at this time is to become a part of an active small group and possibly schedule regular meetings with another serious Christian. These things require that we each put out consistent effort. But then following Jesus is not really nearly as easy as most of the churches would lead us to believe.