The prophetic movement—and Christianity as a whole—is in a time of reflection and change.

While prophecy is a beautiful gift meant to strengthen and encourage the church, it’s clear that in some areas, things have gone off track.

A lot of us, myself included, don’t fully understand what true prophecy or prophetic ministry in the New Testament is meant to look like—I've linked a recommended book below.

This isn’t about dismissing prophecy or creating fear. Instead, it’s about asking how we, as believers, can stay grounded in truth while navigating this shift.

What’s Happening?

It’s no secret that prophetic ministry has faced challenges. Misuse and abuse have left many hurt and disillusioned, and it's devastating to see.

At a recent conference here in NZ, I shared personal stories of how I unintentionally misused the gift in my early years—stemming from a lack of wisdom rather than intent. So I’m not exempt from these missteps, but I’m deeply thankful for God’s grace and correction during those times. His guidance has helped me grow and use this gift with greater humility and wisdom.

The correct response to misuse isn't non-use but right use.

While there are many false examples out there, I've noticed many sincere, pure-hearted people are stepping back—not because they’re running away, but because they refuse to conform to the “celebrity culture” that has crept into the church and often feeds faslehood. They're choosing integrity over fame and purity over platform.

I believe this pause is intentional. It seems God is cleansing the church—shaking, exposing, and removing things that don't reflect Him. Cleansing is about sanctification, redemption and alignment with His heart. It's messy and uncomfortable, but it's a sign of His love and a necessary process—it’s about creating space for something better.

God’s kingdom is always advancing, and no amount of corruption or confusion can stop it (Matthew 16:18).

God’s Voice Is For Every Believer

One of the most empowering truths in the New Testament is that every believer can hear God’s voice. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice” (John 10:27).

If something doesn’t sit right with you, don’t ignore it. Take it to God. Pray, reflect, and ask Him to reveal the truth.

That uneasy feeling might not always mean something’s wrong—sometimes God uses it to challenge or grow us. But it’s always worth pausing to seek Him before accepting anything as, “Thus says the Lord.”

The Bible encourages us not to despise prophecy, to test everything, and to hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Be like the Bereans, who examined the Scriptures daily to verify what they heard (Acts 17:11).

How Do We Respond?

Here are a few simple steps to navigate this change with clarity and peace:

1. Ground Yourself in Scripture Regular time in Scripture—together with Holy Spirit—builds your ability to discern truth.

2. Pray for Wisdom God promises to give wisdom to anyone who asks (James 1:5). If you’re unsure about a prophetic word, pause and pray. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you.

3. Test What You Hear Paul encourages us to test everything and hold on to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Look for fruit: does the word bring clarity, peace, and alignment with God’s character?

4. Stay Humble None of us have all the answers. Be open to correction and learning from others. A teachable heart keeps you aligned with God’s will.

5. Resist Fear It’s easy to fear being misled, but remember: God is a good Father. He will protect you and lead you into truth (John 16:13).

A book that’s helped me with this topic recently is “The Gift of Prophecy” by Wayne Grudem. It brings much-needed wisdom to both the charismatic and cessationist perspectives.

No matter where you stand on prophecy—curious, cautious, critical or cynical—this book is worth a read.

Addressing Concerns

"Aren’t you overgeneralizing the prophetic movement?" This isn’t about condemning all prophetic ministries. Many are serving God faithfully. This conversation is about trends that need attention, not blanket statements.

"Won’t this critique discourage true prophets?" On the contrary, this is a call for sincere voices to step forward with humility and boldness. The church needs authentic, Spirit-led voices now more than ever.

"Is this focus on discernment too cautious?" Discernment is not about paranoia or constant suspicion. It’s about seeking God’s heart and trusting Him to lead us in wisdom and truth.

A Final Encouragement

Above all, keep your focus on God. Pray, read the Bible, and trust the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Too often, we seem to have more faith in the devil's ability to deceive us than we do in the Holy Spirit's ability to lead us into all truth.

God is faithful to guide you, protect you, and help you grow.

Stay pure in heart. Stay humble. Stay teachable.

God is a good Father, and you can trust Him to lead you well.

Prophetic ministry is a gift that, when used rightly, brings hope, life and encouragement to all who hear.

Let’s be people who embrace it with wisdom and integrity.

Related reading: When Honor Becomes An Idol: Silencing Discernment