PREPARE || Prophetic Presbytery Weekend

May 18

1 Samuel 3:1-10 New King James Version

1 Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation. 2 And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, 3 and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the Lord where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, 4 that the Lord called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am!” 5 So he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” And he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” And he went and lay down. 6 Then the Lord called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” He answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 (Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him.) 8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.”

Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”

You Are Prepared for Presbytery When Your Priority is Ministering Unto the Lord

4 Key Elements of Prophetic Presbytery

What is Prophetic Presbytery?

1 Timothy 4:14 King James Version

14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

Presbytery is a gathering of spiritually mature church leaders—called presbyters—who minister to the body of Christ through prophecy, and the laying on of hands

Affirm Ministry Callings [Acts, 6:6, Acts 13:2]
Confirm & Impart (Pass On) Spiritual Gifts [1 Timothy 1:8; 1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6]
Provide Direction & Guidance By The Holy Spirit [Acts 13:1-3]

1. Presbyters

Spiritually Mature, Seasoned, And Tested Spiritual Leaders

Officed [Elders, Overseers, Bishops] Five-Fold Ministers [Ephesians 4:11]
They are GIFTS to the body of Christ

Ephesians 4:8-13 New King James Version

8 Therefore He says:

“When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men.”

9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

It is CRUCIAL that we receive these presbyters as the gifts from God that they are

Matthew 10:41-42 New King James Version

41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”

2. Biblical Prophecy

New Testament Prophecy is Making Known the Words or Thoughts of God

It is NOT fortune telling, NOR is it predicting the future

Prophecy - Propheteia (G4394)

a compound word which literally means “to speak forth” or “speak before”
A prophet is one who speaks for, or in the name of God

To prophesy means “to speak for or forth” in the name of God, or with the words of God
The root of this word means “to make known ones thoughts”
Biblical prophecy involves making known God’s thoughts, with His words, in a particular situation

Ezekiel 3:4 New King James Version

4 Then He said to me: “Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with My words to them.

Prophecy Can Be Categorized in Two Ways || Forth-Telling or Fore-Telling

FORE-TELLING || Predictive prophecy given for the benefit of those present, or to help illuminate and strengthen the present path, NOT to satisfy curiosity

Acts 27:23-24 New King James Version

23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’

Conditional on the response of the hearers

Acts 27:31 New King James Version

31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.”

FORTH-TELLING || Communicating the mind and will of God in and for a present situation

Acts 13:2 New King James Version

2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

CAUTION || Do NOT Confuse NT Prophecy With OT Prophecy

Old testament prophets, and prophecy, were expected to be 100% accurate, else they were killed

4 Very Important Things To Remember About New Testament Prophecy

1. NT Prophecy is Imperfect

1 Corinthians 14:29-32 New King James Version

29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

NT prophecy is an imperfect gift, because we are imperfect (fleshly, easy influenced, immature)
This is why scripture tells us to judge and test prophecy
Immature prophets are not false they need to learn and be encouraged by mature prophets
Just because prophecy is not a perfect gift, it does not mean we should despise or avoid it

1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 New King James Version

20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.

2. NT Prophecy is Partial

1 Corinthians 13:9 New King James Version

9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.

Prophecy is only a portion of God’s will for our life/the church
Holy Spirit does not reveal every detail of His plan for us, because the just live by faith

3. NT Prophecy is Progressive

Acts 9:6 New King James Version

6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

God does not reveal everything, all at once
Holy Spirit leads us one step of faith at a time.
Walk in the light you have and you will be given more light

4. NT Prophecy is Invitational

Psalm 18:30 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

30 As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him.

A word of prophecy is not a promise but an invitation

To partner with Holy Spirit in faithFULL obedience

Jonah was a prophet and yet his prophecy of the destruction of Nineveh did not come true
Samuel prophesied that Saul’s lineage would hold the kingdom forever & then he was rejected [1Sam 13:13-14]

9 Biblical Functions of Prophecy

Edification || Building up believers in the faith [1 Cor. 14:3]
Exhortation || Encouragement, warning, stirs up faith and perseverance [1 Cor. 14:3]
Comfort || In trials and hardship [1 Cor. 14:3, Isaiah 40:1]
Direction || General guidance into God’s will and ways [1 Timothy 1:18]
Impartation || of Spiritual Gifts [1 Timothy 4:14]
Confirmation || Affirming what God already spoken or revealed [Acts 15:30-32]
Correction || Loving redirection into alignment with God’s will [1 Corinthians 14:24–25]
Judgment || For unrepentant sin [2 Samuel 12:1-14]
Equipping || Preparing and empowering believers for ministry [Eph. 4:11–12]

3. Laying On Of Hands

Elementary & Foundational Principle of Christ

Hebrews 6:1-2 New King James Version

1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

6 Scriptural Purposes of Laying on of Hands

Blessing

First biblical use: Parental blessing [Gen 48:13–20]
Jesus laid hands on children in order to bless them [Mark 10:13, 16]

Identification

Sacrifices: Worshippers laid hands on offerings [Lev 1:4]
Ministry: Presbyters must identify spiritually with candidates [1 Tim 5:22]

Impartation

Wisdom [Deut 34:9], spiritual gifts [1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6], Holy Spirit baptism [Acts 8:17; 19:6]

Healing

Jesus often healed by touch [Luke 4:40]
Believers are commissioned to lay hands on the sick [Mark 16:18]

Confirmation

Public witness and prophetic confirmation [“I see” moments]

Commissioning for Ministry

OT: Joshua [Num 27:18–23], Levites [Num 8:10]
NT: Paul & Barnabas [Acts 13:2–3], deacons [Acts 6:6], Timothy [1 Tim 4:14]

CAUTION || Be careful about who lays hands upon you, and who you lay hands upon

Do not lay hands on someone hastily [1 Tim 5:22]
Only those with spiritual authority should lay hands on others, especially on the head
At East Gate, hands are laid by those with God-given authority [Fathers, elders, pastors]

4. Recipients

Holy Spirit

The Corporate Body

The Couples and Individuals Receiving During Presbytery

Candidates - Prayerfully set apart in advance, by Holy Spirit, through local church elders
Holy Ghost Hijacks - Prophetically set apart in the moment, by Holy Spirit, though the presbyters

3 Ways to Focus on Ministring to the Lord

Acts 13:1-3 New King James Version

1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

1. Honor the Lord’s Presbytery

HONOR || Through His Eyes

Relationships are protected when we ascribe heaven’s value to the people around us. Like Jesus, we choose to interact with people, not as they deserve, but according to their God given value.

[Romans 12:10, 1 Peter 2:17, Philippians 2:3-4, Matthew 25:40, Proverbs 3:27, Luke 6:31, John 13:14-15, Ephesians 4:2, James 2:1-4, 2 Corinthians 5:16]

Certain Preachers and Teachers

PRACTICAL ADVICE || Ask Holy Spirit to Give You His Eyes For His Presbyters

Prepare to receive from the Lord by honoring His presbyters in advance
Being to thank the Lord daily for preparing and sending His presbyters to East Gate
Pray daily that God grant them even greater revelation, anointing, and power for this weekend
Pray daily that God would prepare East Gate to receive everything that the Lord has for us

2. Make Everything About Him

WORSHIP || Made For It

We were created to delight the Father. As we learn of and embrace His ways, our lives become instruments of His praise. We are committed to hosting His presence wherever we go.

[Isaiah 43:7, Psalm 100:2, Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Psalm 29:2, John 4:23-24, Psalm 34:1, Ephesians 5:18-19, Colossians 3:16-17, 1 Peter 2:9]

Heart Test [Is My Relationship with God All About Me?]

Is the secret place all about my needs and wants?
Are corporate encounters all about what I want and need?
Do I serve only where I feel confident and appreciated?
Do I only give when I feel generous?

Jesus Teaches His Disciples How to Specifically Prioritize the Father in Matthew 6

PRACTICAL ADVICE || Prioritize Intimacy with the Father Over the Next 7 Days

CONNECT || Personalized Ministry Plan
Enter the Secret Place to be with Him, love on Him, and discover what is on His Heart

Matthew 6: 9-13 New King James Version

9 In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

3. Fast Before the Lord

What is Fasting?

Intentionally abstaining, for spiritual reasons, from certain food(s) and/or drink(s) for a predetermined period of time

Fasting Produces Humility and Repentance

Fasting is an acceptable means humbling ourselves and drawing near to the Lord

Ensures judgement for unrepentant sin doesn’t take place during presbytery [1 Kings 21:27-29]

Fasting is Denying Your Flesh & Feeding Your Spirit [Spiritual Hunger and Sensitivity]

Flesh || I deserve whatever I want, whenever I want, as much as I want
Spirit || Part of you created to encounter, communicate with, and know God personally

Fasting is You Decreasing and Holy Spirit Increasing [John 3:30]

You be led by whatever you are filled with [flesh, world, demonic, Holy Spirit]
Celeste Moore || More of the presence of God is the treasure of fasting

PRACTICAL ADVICE || Fast Corporately with Us for Three Out of the Next 7 Days

Partial Fast [Abstaining from specific food(s) or drink(s)]
Liquid Fast [Abstaining from only food]
Water Fast [Abstaining from all food and drink except for water]
Additional Forms of Abstinence [Entertainment, social media, news, etc.]

You Are Prepared for Presbytery When Your Priority is On Ministering to The Lord

1 Samuel 3:1-4 New King James Version

Now the BOY Samuel Ministered Unto the Lord

You don’t have to be a priest, pastor, missionary, etc. to prioritize ministering to the Lord
Ministering unto the Lord was how Samuel grew and matured into a judge and prophet of the Lord
A boy who prioritized ministering to the Lord heard from, and was separated unto God in a season when God’s priests did not prioritize or hear Him

1 Samuel 3:7-8 New King James Version

7 (Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him.) 8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.”

Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy.

Samuel Ministered to the Lord But Did Not Yet KNOW The Lord

The word of the Lord was rare in those days and was not yet revealed to Samuel
Ministering unto the Lord was how Samuel got to know the Lord personally

1 Samuel 3:9-10 New King James Version

9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”