Understanding Prophetic Order in the Church

When I was little, I was blessed to be part of a Spirit-filled church. My parents were once a good little Baptist couple who got filled with the Holy Spirit during the Jesus Movement of the 70s.

They came home, found others who had the same encounter, and started Grace Fellowship Church. It was an amazing time. There were prophets, words of knowledge, and powerful moves of the Spirit—just like what we experience today.

When I was four, my mom was pregnant with my sister and received a prophecy from a man who was truly a prophet. He said, “This baby will be a prophet and turn hearts to God.” Something in my little four-year-old heart whispered, I want that.

I didn’t understand what it meant, but I knew I wanted to be used by God in that way. That same day, I was filled with the Spirit. So parents, don’t underestimate your kids’ ability to encounter God. They’re never too young for it.

Rediscovering My Calling

When I was five, we moved away and went to more traditional churches. I didn’t have opportunities to exercise spiritual gifts for many years. But when I was seventeen, I had a powerful encounter with God where I truly understood His love for me. That moment changed everything.

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I remembered my childhood desire to prophesy and prayed, “God, I know that word was for my sister, but I want to minister to others like that. I want them to see what I’ve seen.”

He was faithful—but what happened next wasn’t what I expected. The very next Sunday, I walked into church filled with joy and left weeping under what felt like depression. It wasn’t mine—I just felt it. Week after week, the same thing happened until a prophetic woman I respected said, “Ask God who that’s for.”

The next Sunday, I did. God showed me a woman in the room and said, “She feels this way and doesn’t believe I love her. Go tell her I do.” When I did, she broke down and was healed. That was my first lesson in what Scripture calls a word of knowledge.

What Is a Word of Knowledge?

1 Corinthians 12:8 says,

“To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.” (NLT)

A word of knowledge is when the Holy Spirit reveals information that couldn’t be known naturally. God used emotions with me because I’m not a very emotional person—it was the best way to make sure I knew it was Him, not me.

In John 4, Jesus demonstrated a word of knowledge when He told the Samaritan woman, “You’ve had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband.” He didn’t say this to shame her, but to show her love and bring her healing.

That’s how words of knowledge should work—they’re sacred and private. God lets you in on a secret for the sake of restoration, not embarrassment.

Peter also received a word of knowledge in Acts 5:1–4 when he knew Ananias had lied about money. Elisha experienced it in 2 Kings 6 when he warned Israel about enemy ambushes. This gift shows up all over the Bible and still operates today.

It reveals truth, exposes what needs healing or repentance, and builds faith for both the giver and receiver.

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Moving from Knowledge to Wisdom

After walking in words of knowledge for about a year, God began giving me “extra details” — what to do with that knowledge. That’s what Scripture calls a word of wisdom.

A word of wisdom provides divine strategy. It’s not just “what’s happening,” but “what to do about it.” For example, in 1 Kings 3, Solomon used divine wisdom when he suggested cutting the baby in half to reveal the true mother. Jesus used it when He said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar” (Matthew 22:21).

Paul used it when he told his shipmates to stay on board during a storm in Acts 27.

God gives words of wisdom to protect, direct, and advance His purposes. If you’re someone who tends to take charge quickly, this is a gift you’ll need to ask for often. It’s what keeps us from running ahead of God.

What Makes Prophecy Different

Prophecy is different from words of knowledge or wisdom. Those are usually for individuals, but prophecy is for the entire body of believers. It moves the church forward and aligns it with God’s plan.

My first prophetic word came in my early twenties after my husband and I had moved away. God woke me up one night and said, “Go to Grace Fellowship and tell the elders: ‘If you keep treating this church like a country club and deny the gifts, My hand will lift.’”

I didn’t want to do it—these men had known me since I was a baby—but I obeyed. They were angry and didn’t receive it, but my husband reminded me, “You did what God said. Shake the dust off and move on.”

That experience taught me the difference between prophecy and the other gifts. Prophecy isn’t always comfortable or well-received, but it’s vital for keeping the church aligned with God’s purposes.

Biblical Order for Prophecy

Many churches have shied away from prophetic gifts because they haven’t seen them used in order. But Scripture gives us clear instructions in 1 Corinthians 14.

One or Two at a Time

1 Corinthians 14:29 says,

“Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said.” (NLT)

Prophecy should happen one at a time so the message is clear and edifying. If you have a word but others have already spoken, write it down and give it to God. If it’s truly from Him, He’ll make sure it’s shared in His timing.

Self-Control Matters

Verse 32 says,

“Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can take turns.” (NLT)

The Holy Spirit doesn’t override self-control. You can be emotional, excited, even tearful—but never chaotic. God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.

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Check Your Heart

Prophecy is for edification, not attention. If your motivation is to be noticed or praised, don’t do it. Before you give a word, ask yourself: “Is this about God or me?” Afterward, your heart should be humble and prayerful, asking God to cover any mistakes and ensure the person heard His heart.

When I was younger, I sometimes added my own wisdom to God’s words because I thought it made them better. Every time, God would correct me and make me apologize. Now I’ve learned—God speaks simply and clearly. If your word feels like a four-page essay, write it down and wait for confirmation. Prophecy should be concise and edifying.

Handling Correction and Growing Gracefully

If your pastor or leader ever corrects you after giving a word, take it graciously. Correction is part of growth. Don’t get discouraged—just learn from it. Prophecy should always strengthen, encourage, and comfort the church (1 Corinthians 14:3).

At the end of the day, these gifts aren’t scary or complicated. When used in order, they bring peace, unity, and power to the body of Christ. Just stay humble, stay teachable, and trust that God knows exactly how to use you.