Unveiling the Prophetic Vision: The Five-Fold Ministry and the Transformation of the Church

Prophetic Vision: Five-Fold Ministry Transformed

I'm excited to share with you a powerful prophetic vision that the Lord has given me. This vision not only confirms the importance of the five-fold ministry but also reveals a crucial transformation that's taking place in the body of Christ. So grab your coffee, open your hearts, and let's dive into this supernatural revelation together!

The Vision at Church and Craft

Recently, while visiting a specific geographical location - the intersection of Church and Craft - God opened my spiritual eyes to a profound open vision. Now, you might be wondering why the location matters. Well, as we see in Scripture, God often speaks in particular places (think of Daniel's visions or John's revelations on Patmos). There's a spiritual significance to geographical locations that we must be attuned to as believers.

In this open vision, I saw a right hand attempting to enter a five-fingered glove. The glove was dark, and interestingly, the two rightmost fingers (what we'd call the ring finger and pinky) were crippled, atrophied, and curled up. These fingers couldn't fit into the glove properly. Then, mysteriously, the five-fingered glove transformed into a white oven mitten, allowing the entire hand to fit inside.

Decoding the Prophetic Symbolism

As I prayed and sought the Lord's wisdom, He began to reveal the meaning behind this powerful imagery:

1. The Hand and Glove: This represents the five-fold ministry as described in Ephesians 4:11 - "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers."

2. The Healthy Fingers: The first three fingers, symbolizing apostles, prophets, and evangelists, were healthy and fit easily into the glove. This indicates that these ministries are currently operating effectively in the body of Christ.

3. The Crippled Fingers: The two curled and atrophied fingers represent the pastors and teachers. This suggests that these vital roles have become weakened or distorted in the current church structure.

4. The Transformation: The glove changing into a white mitten symbolizes a coming transformation in how we understand and implement the five-fold ministry, particularly in relation to pastors and teachers.

The State of Pastors and Teachers Today

Now, I want to speak the truth in love here. Many of our current pastors and teachers are struggling with a system that doesn't align with God's original design. Instead of shepherding and making disciples as Jesus did, they've been pushed into roles of weekly orators, often motivated more by building congregations than by truly feeding the flock.

2 Timothy 4:3 warns us, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears." Sadly, we see this happening in many churches today. The pressure to maintain salaries, buildings, and programs can lead to compromising the full gospel message.

The Misunderstood Role of Pastors

It's crucial to understand that the word "pastor" as we commonly use it today is actually a mistranslation. The Greek word "poimen" used in Ephesians 4:11 is more accurately translated as "shepherd." This role isn't about delivering weekly sermons from a pulpit; it's about intimately guiding and nurturing believers, just as Jesus did with His disciples.

The Call to Transformation

The vision of the glove transforming into a mitten represents God's desire to bring the five-fold ministry back into proper alignment. This means:

1. Redefining pastoral roles to focus on shepherding and discipleship rather than mere oration.

2. Emphasizing the importance of personal encounters with Christ over religious rituals or knowledge about Him.

3. Encouraging teachers to move beyond simply imparting information to facilitating genuine spiritual growth and transformation.

4. Restoring the full operation of apostles, prophets, and evangelists alongside renewed pastoral and teaching ministries.

The Purpose of the Five-Fold Ministry

Ephesians 4:12-13 clearly states the purpose of these gifts: "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."

This isn't about maintaining religious institutions; it's about equipping believers, doing the work of ministry, and building up the body of Christ until we all reach spiritual maturity in Christ.

A Call to Action

It's time for us to seek a genuine encounter with Jesus Christ. Like Paul on the road to Damascus or the woman at the well, when we truly meet Jesus, everything changes. Our priorities shift, and we're willing to give up everything for the "pearl of great price" (Matthew 13:45-46).

Here's what I believe God is calling us to do:

1. Pray for discernment and wisdom as we navigate these changes in the church.

2. Seek a personal, transformative encounter with Jesus Christ.

3. Support and encourage pastors and teachers who are willing to embrace God's true design for their roles.

4. Be open to the full operation of the five-fold ministry in your local church and community.

5. Focus on making disciples rather than just building church attendance.

Remember, it's not about knowing about Jesus; it's about knowing Him personally. On that final day, we don't want to hear those terrifying words, "I never knew you" (Matthew 7:23). Instead, let's pursue an intimate relationship with our Savior and allow Him to use us fully in His kingdom work.

As we move forward, let's keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. He's doing a new thing in His church, and we have the privilege of being part of it. Let's embrace this prophetic vision and allow God to transform us and our understanding of ministry.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences related to this vision. How have you seen the five-fold ministry operating in your life or church? Share in the comments below, and let's continue this important conversation.

Until next time, keep digging deeper and reaching higher in Christ!

God's Prophetic Warning to America: A Call for Christian Repentance

America's Spiritual Crossroads: A Prophetic Call to Christian Revival

I've been increasingly burdened by the state of our nation and the urgent need for Christian repentance. Today, I want to share a powerful message that God has been weaving together through prophetic visions, dreams, and Biblical insights. It's a message that's been building since at least 1996, and it's time we pay attention.

The Crescendo of God's Message

In my years of ministry, I've noticed a disturbing trend among believers - an unhealthy fascination with end-times prophecy and the Antichrist. While eschatology has its place, this obsession often overshadows the more pressing call to repentance. As the prophet Amos warned, "Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord! Why do you long for the day of the Lord? That day will be darkness, not light" (Amos 5:18).

We're living in times of spiritual warfare, where demonic principalities are manifesting on earth. The persecution of Christians and Jews by groups like ISIS is a stark reminder of the spiritual battle described in Revelation 12. Yet, instead of engaging in spiritual warfare through repentance and prayer, many Christians are content to sit on the sidelines, speculating about the Antichrist's identity.

Prophetic Visions and Warnings

God has been speaking to His servants, the prophets, consistently over the years. Let me share a few prophetic experiences that highlight the urgency of our situation:

1. The Candlestick Vision

A year or two ago, I had an open vision of a candlestick nearly falling to the ground. The flame that should have been on the candlestick was off to the right, and to the left was a figure representing the Jezebel spirit. This vision symbolized the choice the church faces: will we choose the fire of God's presence or succumb to the seductive influence of Jezebel?

2. The Appeal to Heaven Tree

Recently, I had a vision of a tree that I initially mistook for a Christmas tree. It turned out to be the "Appeal to Heaven" tree, which has become a significant symbol in the prophetic community. This vision aligns with messages from other respected voices in the body of Christ, emphasizing the opportunity for a spiritual awakening in America.

3. The Split Pulpit

Perhaps one of the most powerful prophetic signs occurred in 1996 at Christian Tabernacle near Houston. As the pastor read 2 Chronicles 7:14, the Plexiglas pulpit was supernaturally split in two with a clap of thunder. This dramatic event underscores God's emphasis on repentance and the need for structural change in how we approach church and ministry.

Biblical Parallels and Warnings

The current situation in America bears striking similarities to the warnings given to Israel before the Babylonian captivity. In Jeremiah 25, we see God sending His prophets early and often, calling the people to repentance. Yet, they refused to listen, leading to judgment and exile.

Similarly, Jesus faced opposition from religious leaders who were more concerned with maintaining their positions than recognizing the fulfillment of prophecy in their midst (John 11:47-48). We must be careful not to repeat their mistakes by clinging to religious structures that hinder the move of God.

The Call to Repentance

As Christians, we need to take seriously the message of 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

This is not just a call for national repentance; it's a personal invitation for each believer to examine their heart and turn back to God. We must:

1. Humble ourselves before God

2. Pray fervently for our nation and the church

3. Seek God's face, not just His hand

4. Turn from our wicked ways, both individually and corporately

Signs of the Times

While we shouldn't become obsessed with end-times speculation, we can't ignore the signs around us:

- The persecution of Christians and Jews worldwide

- The significance of the Shemitah year and Jubilee

- Blood moons occurring on Jewish feast days

- The rise of the "Appeal to Heaven" movement

These signs, coupled with the prophetic warnings we've received, should stir us to action.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The ball is in our court, fellow Christians. We can no longer afford to be spectators in this spiritual battle. It's time to take Jesus seriously as Lord, not just an accessory to our lives. Here's what I'm calling you to do:

1. Commit to a season of fasting and prayer for personal and national revival.

2. Study the Scriptures, particularly focusing on passages about repentance and revival.

3. Examine your own life and church practices - are they aligned with Biblical principles or man-made traditions?

4. Share this message with your friends, family, and church community.

5. Join me in crying out to God for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit on our nation.

Remember, Jesus is not just an addition to our lives; He is the Lord of all. Let's respond to His call for repentance and see Him heal our land.

Will you join me in this crucial spiritual endeavor? 

Vision - Current State of the Five Fold Ministry

April 11th, I saw an open vision regarding the current state of the five fold ministry.
The reason I rushed to put up this video is that the vision occurred near a prophetic intersection in Olive Branch MS, on April 11th, about Ephesians 4:11, when we were 11% into a book quoting an article written by Steve Hill on December 11th about Ephesians 4:11.
Too many confirmations to write off as coincidence.

The Lord is speaking.  Are you listening?

A Prophetic Warning for the Five-Fold Ministry: Are We Prepared?

I want to share with you a message gleaned from a prophetic open vision. This word specifically targets those operating in the five-fold ministry, but holds significance for all Christians seeking a deeper understanding of these current times.

The accompanying  video details a vision received on April 11th 2015. I believe this is a timely message from God concerning the state of the five-fold ministry (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) outlined in Ephesians 4:11.

I want to drive home how prophetic this event was.  Not only was it an open vision, but the number 11 kept showing up as were were digging deeper into it.  Finally, to top it off, we were having a discussion in the kitchen, and the computer which was off, and over 20 feet away, suddenly turned on, played a video about Ephesians 4-11, and then turned back off. That was definitely God!  

 

Key Dates and Symbolic Numbers

The date the vision unfolded was significant – April 11th. As Susan and I  were pondering the meaning of the vision, we couldn't help but notice the connection to Ephesians 4:11, the verse detailing the five-fold ministry. Additionally, we were 11% into a book by Jennifer LeClair, which referenced an article by Steve Hill written on December 11th, 2012 – all pointing to the number 11.

 

The Crippled Hand and the Mitten

The core of the vision revolved around a hand attempting to fit into a glove, but two fingers – the pinky and the ring finger (which represent pastors and teachers) – were crippled and would not bend. The glove then transformed into a mitten, allowing the hand to fit. This deformity in the hand, we believe, symbolizes a weakness within the five-fold ministry, specifically in the areas of pastors and teachers.

 

Steve Hill's Corroborating Vision

Interestingly, Steve Hill’s 2012 vision recounted a scene where a ski resort represented the Church. A heavy snowfall, symbolic of false teachings, threatened an avalanche. The ski patrol, representing the five-fold ministry, had to take action to prevent disaster. Steve Hill emphasizes pastors and teachers as crucial in wielding the weapons of spiritual truth to combat these false teachings.

 

A Call to Action

This prophetic word is a wake-up call for the five-fold ministry. Are we prepared to fulfill our roles in protecting the Church from the avalanche of false teachings? The onus lies with apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to stand together, wielding the truth of scripture to safeguard the flock.

Remember, in these uncertain times, it is crucial to stay grounded in scripture and pray for discernment. May God bless you as you continue your spiritual journey!

Steve Hill article
Jennifer's book