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Growing in the Prophetic
As churches across the country struggle to determine the proper place for the prophetic in their congregations as well as guidelines for the operation of prophecy, the lessons learned by Mike Brickle provide a starting point.
235 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 1996
165 people are currently reading
682 people want to read
About the author
Mike Bickle
159 books101 followersMike Bickle is the director of the International House of Prayer Missions Base of Kansas City, an evangelical missions organization based on 24/7 prayer with worship that is engaged in many evangelistic and inner city outreaches along with multiple justice initiatives, planting houses of prayer, and training missionaries.
The International House of Prayer has continued in non-stop prayer led by worship teams since September 19,1999, and is committed to combining 24/7 prayers for justice with 24/7 works of justice. Around 1,500 people (staff members, students, interns) serve full-time on the missions base, investing fifty hours per week in the prayer room, classroom, and ministry outreaches. Mike is also the founder of the International House of Prayer University which includes a full-time Bible school, music school, and media school.
The International House of Prayer has continued in non-stop prayer led by worship teams since September 19,1999, and is committed to combining 24/7 prayers for justice with 24/7 works of justice. Around 1,500 people (staff members, students, interns) serve full-time on the missions base, investing fifty hours per week in the prayer room, classroom, and ministry outreaches. Mike is also the founder of the International House of Prayer University which includes a full-time Bible school, music school, and media school.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 21, 2009
Common sense from a recognized leader. A must read for those who are experiencing prophetic ministry and those around them.
Be warned: this is no license for ecstatic chaos, but a faith and experience based discussion of the potentials and pitfalls of prophetic ministry.
Be warned: this is no license for ecstatic chaos, but a faith and experience based discussion of the potentials and pitfalls of prophetic ministry.
August 2, 2012
A timely tool recommended to me by dear friends in the faith as I was discovering that God wanted to use me prophetically, and it was scaring the H--- out of me. Sound strange?
Prophecy was strange to Mike Bickle, too, and was not part of his denomination or training, and God tapped him on the shoulder and made a believer out of him.
This is solid biblically, and is humorously true. Sometimes, prophetic people are a little bit "off," or different than the norm. We don't fit in, we dress weird, we aren't good at small talk. And sometimes, God uses whom you would least expect to deliver a prophetic word.
This book answered lots of questions for me, challenged me, and provided safe boundaries so that I would not have to feel so freaked out by what God was asking me to do, namely, that since "the spirit of the prophets are subject to the prophets," we use our self-control, and ALWAYS stay under the covering of the spiritual authority--always share with the pastor privately, before just blurting out what you feel God is giving you to share--this is your safety. Also, that no prophecy will ever contradict God's written word.
Safety. Sound. Connected to International House of Prayer, in Kansas City, MO
Prophecy was strange to Mike Bickle, too, and was not part of his denomination or training, and God tapped him on the shoulder and made a believer out of him.
This is solid biblically, and is humorously true. Sometimes, prophetic people are a little bit "off," or different than the norm. We don't fit in, we dress weird, we aren't good at small talk. And sometimes, God uses whom you would least expect to deliver a prophetic word.
This book answered lots of questions for me, challenged me, and provided safe boundaries so that I would not have to feel so freaked out by what God was asking me to do, namely, that since "the spirit of the prophets are subject to the prophets," we use our self-control, and ALWAYS stay under the covering of the spiritual authority--always share with the pastor privately, before just blurting out what you feel God is giving you to share--this is your safety. Also, that no prophecy will ever contradict God's written word.
Safety. Sound. Connected to International House of Prayer, in Kansas City, MO
September 17, 2023
Espectacular. Cada persona que quiera crecer en este ministerio debe leerlo. Cada persona que desee crecer en el modelo bíblico de los 5 ministerios debe leerlo. Muy necesario para entender esta parte del cuerpo de Cristo, la iglesia es una iglesia profética y es clave para poder preparar a la novia para el regreso de Cristo. Muy claro y bíblico. Un mensaje que viene a través de corazones que realmente aman a Dios y a su cuerpo, corazones humildes que lo dan todo por su causa. Super recomendado
August 25, 2020
"El ministerio profético es el arte de depender de la voz de Dios, sin duda este es un libro clave para crecer en ello."
October 20, 2021
If the beginning of a ministry is based on error then what can we expect but a tragic ending? Such was the beginning of Kansas City (MO) Metro Vineyard and the International House of Prayer. It began with a 21 day fast and a "prophecy" by Bob Jones on May 28, 1983 that it would not rain for three months but that the drought would be broken by a heavy rain on August 23rd. Because it actually did rain (heavily) in June that year and some rain fell during that summer, the "prophecy" was altered over the months and years following to adjust for these realities. Bickle reports that "Our church was scheduled to gather for a meeting the evening of August 23. Just before the church meeting began, there came a tremendous downpour of rain for almost an hour. Everyone was shouting and praising God." Historical data and weather records are the enemy of false weather prophecies. According to Weather Underground precipitation at the airport of Kansas City, MO (Near the Metro Vineyard) it rained at 0800 on August 23rd a total of two tenths of an inch. Either this was a major miracle of time displacement (moving the rain from 0800 to the evening) and stretching out two tenths of an inch of rain to create an hour long downpour OR Mike Bickle is lying. Ezekiel 13:2 says, "Ezekiel, son of man, condemn the prophets of Israel who say they speak in my name, but who preach messages that come from their own imagination. Tell them it’s time to hear my message." Mike Bickle, although this is a word for Israel, please heed it as well or suffer the consequences of those who lie to God's people.
Throughout the book, Mike Bickle attempts to be the adult in the Vineyard by pretending to be embarrassed by the excesses of the Metro Vineyard while at the same time bragging about the many prophecies, signs, and wonders performed there. in his attempt to soften the impact of the outrageous acts by some of his "prophets" he gave this caution: "I think it is important that we encourage people to dial down the drama and mysticism when they proclaim that God has spoken." God supposedly speaks and we are to "dial down the drama"! What absolute ignorance of the almighty power, holiness, and majesty of God! IF God spoke to me and He told me to repeat it to others - I would be dialing down NOTHING!
Bickle tries to lower expectations by separating Old Testament prophets (who were to be put to death for prophecies that did not come to pass) from New Testament prophets who, Bickle says, "are subject to error, to correction and to the body of Christ." Please show me ONE New Testament prophet who prophesied falsely. He holds up William Branham though he admits he promoted heresies. He hold up Paul Cain who was later disciplined for his unrepentant alcoholism and homosexuality. And he holds up Bob Jones who was later charged with sexual misconduct. Certainly God's prophets were real people and they sinned but surely he would not allow His prophets to speak His Words while living such lives!
The dumbing down of Biblical criteria for prophets continues: "Sometimes prophetic people add to what God says because the are trying to be more loving than God by quickly answering people's questioning hearts and giving them a word even when God is silent. . . Though this can cause significant problems, it is not what I consider false prophecy or a false prophet." Proverbs 30:5-6 says, "Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar." Bickle says such false prophets are simply "immature prophetic person(s)" who erroneously give out prophecies "out of his own heart of compassion". Bickle believes that prophecy should be graded on a curve and even has a chart in the book to show the accepted progression in prophecy from God's Words to Man's words using three categories of "prophets": "Strong prophetic - Average prophetic (mature) - Weak prophetic (immature)." Immature sounds SO much better than FALSE PROPHET! After yet another chart showing the different types of prophets in his church Bickle makes this stunning statement: "I have attempted to show that there is a type of prophetic ministry in the church today in which men and women may at tomes prophesy with 100 percent accuracy. While these words may or may not be mixed with the prophet's own words, I believe we should acknowledge that mature and gifted people can speak "God's words"." Certainly we CAN speak God's Words - WHEN WE READ THE BIBLE OUT LOUD! But that, dear friend, is the ONLY way!
Finally, his coverage of the "laughing revival" and some of the odd manifestation that happened at Metro Vineyard in the 90s was unconvincing. He believes that somehow such antics would intrigue " so that they will be more open to listen to the message of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." And yet 1 Corinthians 14:23-24 says, "If, then, the whole church meets together and everyone starts speaking in strange tongues—and if some ordinary people or unbelievers come in, won't they say that you are all crazy? But if everyone is proclaiming God's message when some unbelievers or ordinary people come in, they will be convinced of their sin by what they hear. They will be judged by all they hear." Preach the Gospel, dear church! This "uncontrollable laughter" as Bickle calls it is supposedly from the Holy Spirit but 1 Corinthians 14:32-33 says, "And the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints." Mike Bickle, study the Scriptures and test EVERY spirit!
This book was read For Heretical Research Only and should be placed in that category.
Throughout the book, Mike Bickle attempts to be the adult in the Vineyard by pretending to be embarrassed by the excesses of the Metro Vineyard while at the same time bragging about the many prophecies, signs, and wonders performed there. in his attempt to soften the impact of the outrageous acts by some of his "prophets" he gave this caution: "I think it is important that we encourage people to dial down the drama and mysticism when they proclaim that God has spoken." God supposedly speaks and we are to "dial down the drama"! What absolute ignorance of the almighty power, holiness, and majesty of God! IF God spoke to me and He told me to repeat it to others - I would be dialing down NOTHING!
Bickle tries to lower expectations by separating Old Testament prophets (who were to be put to death for prophecies that did not come to pass) from New Testament prophets who, Bickle says, "are subject to error, to correction and to the body of Christ." Please show me ONE New Testament prophet who prophesied falsely. He holds up William Branham though he admits he promoted heresies. He hold up Paul Cain who was later disciplined for his unrepentant alcoholism and homosexuality. And he holds up Bob Jones who was later charged with sexual misconduct. Certainly God's prophets were real people and they sinned but surely he would not allow His prophets to speak His Words while living such lives!
The dumbing down of Biblical criteria for prophets continues: "Sometimes prophetic people add to what God says because the are trying to be more loving than God by quickly answering people's questioning hearts and giving them a word even when God is silent. . . Though this can cause significant problems, it is not what I consider false prophecy or a false prophet." Proverbs 30:5-6 says, "Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar." Bickle says such false prophets are simply "immature prophetic person(s)" who erroneously give out prophecies "out of his own heart of compassion". Bickle believes that prophecy should be graded on a curve and even has a chart in the book to show the accepted progression in prophecy from God's Words to Man's words using three categories of "prophets": "Strong prophetic - Average prophetic (mature) - Weak prophetic (immature)." Immature sounds SO much better than FALSE PROPHET! After yet another chart showing the different types of prophets in his church Bickle makes this stunning statement: "I have attempted to show that there is a type of prophetic ministry in the church today in which men and women may at tomes prophesy with 100 percent accuracy. While these words may or may not be mixed with the prophet's own words, I believe we should acknowledge that mature and gifted people can speak "God's words"." Certainly we CAN speak God's Words - WHEN WE READ THE BIBLE OUT LOUD! But that, dear friend, is the ONLY way!
Finally, his coverage of the "laughing revival" and some of the odd manifestation that happened at Metro Vineyard in the 90s was unconvincing. He believes that somehow such antics would intrigue " so that they will be more open to listen to the message of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." And yet 1 Corinthians 14:23-24 says, "If, then, the whole church meets together and everyone starts speaking in strange tongues—and if some ordinary people or unbelievers come in, won't they say that you are all crazy? But if everyone is proclaiming God's message when some unbelievers or ordinary people come in, they will be convinced of their sin by what they hear. They will be judged by all they hear." Preach the Gospel, dear church! This "uncontrollable laughter" as Bickle calls it is supposedly from the Holy Spirit but 1 Corinthians 14:32-33 says, "And the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints." Mike Bickle, study the Scriptures and test EVERY spirit!
This book was read For Heretical Research Only and should be placed in that category.
September 7, 2019
A great guide. I especially liked the parts about prophetic singing and music and along with misuse of prophecies. Important word!
July 5, 2022
This book is a very interesting read to understand the prophetic ministry and how it operates in terms of ministry the gospel. Mr Bickle dose a noble task of bringing in is own life experience in providing almost a autobiography of his own observations both negative and positives. He realizes the important nature of the HolySpirit anointing on this all to often controversial aplication and even validity of it right down to the local level. He is thorough and revealing using scripture to prove his point. It can be in some respect thought like a journal. I give him high marks for this kind of book which could easily be a model as a guide for in administering churches in managing with this type of anointing. It stareted out slow but shifted into a more intense read almost in an entertaining way. Though it's not for entertainment it kept my interest to the end.
August 1, 2023
Filled with eisegesis and subjective experience as the foundation for his assertions on the continuation of the miraculous spiritual gifts. He tries to be more careful then some charismatics by giving some guidelines to prophecy and not letting it be a free-for-all in the church, but many of his guidelines are subjective and not based on scripture. The chief problem is: how can you ever truly know if your "prophecy" or someone else's "prophecy" is from God? There is no clear answer. Although he tries at times to promote scripture, his arguments and applications continually deny the sufficiency of scripture. The scripture is not enough and we need more revelation from God (implies Bickle). The message of this book has caused and will continue to cause great confusion among believers and unbelievers.
March 4, 2024
Meh. Ignoring the current scandal surrounding the primary author (Bickle), there are three reasons I start off with that word… meh: (1) It took me quite a while to read this book, even though I am highly interested in this subject. That’s not a good sign. After all, in my experience, a really good book on a topic that I am highly interested in usually results in a quick read. (2) As I finished the book, I honestly felt like the best portion of the book was Appendix 1. Again, not a good sign. (3) Apart from Appendix 1, nothing would cause me to recommend this book to others. In the time between finishing the book and posting this review, I also read Jack Deere's book, "The Beginner's Guide to the Gift of Prophecy." Deere's book is much better than Bickle's and will now be the one I recommend on this topic.
September 4, 2021
A mature and honest book about the prophetic ministry from a pastor who does not have the prophetic gifting. I love that there are lots of real life examples shared by the author.
“The church as a prophetic community must realise that we are a continuation of what they [NT Church] began. We must feel that connectedness. The torch has been passed so many times, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that we are running the same race they started. Their leg of the race has been completed, and they have now gathered at the finish line to cheer us on. The church of the living testimony of the prophetic purpose of God in history. It is also a prophetic community that is to preserve and proclaim accurately the word of God.”
“The church as a prophetic community must realise that we are a continuation of what they [NT Church] began. We must feel that connectedness. The torch has been passed so many times, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that we are running the same race they started. Their leg of the race has been completed, and they have now gathered at the finish line to cheer us on. The church of the living testimony of the prophetic purpose of God in history. It is also a prophetic community that is to preserve and proclaim accurately the word of God.”
March 3, 2025
Got this book from a friend and it is really good!
I love the way that Mike shares his own experiences but combinate that with Bible verses to explain it better and deeper. It’s good for yourself to look up to those verses.
Good practical stuff for daily life, to grow more in those profetic gifts. It’s not about the gifts, it’s about glorifying the Lord. Desire to see His Kingdom come on earth and bringing people closer to the Lord!
Recommend!
I love the way that Mike shares his own experiences but combinate that with Bible verses to explain it better and deeper. It’s good for yourself to look up to those verses.
Good practical stuff for daily life, to grow more in those profetic gifts. It’s not about the gifts, it’s about glorifying the Lord. Desire to see His Kingdom come on earth and bringing people closer to the Lord!
Recommend!
September 13, 2021
balanced, wise, comprehensive
This was a very balanced, wise, mature look at prophetic ministry that is totally based on God’s Word. It was an easy read and perfect for all kinds of people, whether they just have some questions about prophetic ministry or actually find themselves leading one.
This was a very balanced, wise, mature look at prophetic ministry that is totally based on God’s Word. It was an easy read and perfect for all kinds of people, whether they just have some questions about prophetic ministry or actually find themselves leading one.
March 27, 2020
I learned so much!
I am glad this was the first book I have read regarding the gift of prophecy. It has given me much insight and knowledge on how to serve God better. This was recommended to me by someone who had it recommended from someone else.
I am glad this was the first book I have read regarding the gift of prophecy. It has given me much insight and knowledge on how to serve God better. This was recommended to me by someone who had it recommended from someone else.
March 31, 2020
This is the best book on the prophetic I've read to date...
More of a manual than a book perse. It does end quite abruptly. But, oh the wisdom in this book! Such a treasure trove of teaching, prophetic training and protocol. An absolute vital read for any prophetic minister.
4.5 stars
More of a manual than a book perse. It does end quite abruptly. But, oh the wisdom in this book! Such a treasure trove of teaching, prophetic training and protocol. An absolute vital read for any prophetic minister.
4.5 stars
February 6, 2021
This is a clear and helpful book in learning what the Bible says about prophesy and its practical application. It is filled with real life, moving example of the power of prophesy that draws you to desire more of the power of The Holy Spirit
February 13, 2021
Very very great book
February 21, 2021
Very good learning tool! Also great for understanding more end times prophecies. As a leader in a church ministry, I found this book very beneficial
godfred-luduh-ansah
November 8, 2022By wisdom a house is house built and by understanding it is established (Proverbs
24:3)
24:3)
December 10, 2022
Every Pastor needs to read this because it is a hard thing to navigate the gifts in a church.
September 13, 2023
Excellent Teaching
I've yet to read a book that gives this depth of abundant teaching on the Prophetic and its multiple uses.
I've yet to read a book that gives this depth of abundant teaching on the Prophetic and its multiple uses.
March 3, 2024
Great book! Very in depth. Very helpful for anyone who has a God-given gift in the prophetic. Would highly recommend.
January 22, 2018
Great book. Highly recommended. Very clear and mature view of the prophetic.
June 21, 2015
"Revelation itself is not going to help the body unless it goes through the process of interpretation and application. Again, the application is the action that should be taken based on the interpretation." ~ Mike Bickle, "Growing in the Prophetic", Page 201, Paragraph 2.
I have read the early work of this book produced in the year 1995. However, this book is still applicable to today despite its age. Remember, truth never ages. It is like gold, that endures for eternity. I am sure that Mike Bickle has added more insights to the new edition and may read the same in the future.
I found that this book was more of a management book for the prophetic in the local church. I think that this book could have been titled "Managing the Prophetic Gift in the Local Church". I felt the focus of this book was on the role of leaders in the church and how to handle different situations in the church in respect to prophetic words.
Mike shares his experience and insights in managing the prophetic gift in his church.
I think every pastor who wants the prophetic gift to operate in his local church should read this book because it will show leadership how to cultivate this gift, rather than scare the prophetic gift off. I can envision that Holy Spirit wants to touch down in the local church; however, I can see many pastors driving Him away because they feel it will damage the reputation of the church and their own reputations. This book will show pastors how to gently allow this gift to operate and how to manage the pitfalls that come also with this gift of the Spirit, as mentioned in the Bible.
Despise not prophesyings.(See 1 Thessalonians 5:20, King James Version)
I have read the early work of this book produced in the year 1995. However, this book is still applicable to today despite its age. Remember, truth never ages. It is like gold, that endures for eternity. I am sure that Mike Bickle has added more insights to the new edition and may read the same in the future.
I found that this book was more of a management book for the prophetic in the local church. I think that this book could have been titled "Managing the Prophetic Gift in the Local Church". I felt the focus of this book was on the role of leaders in the church and how to handle different situations in the church in respect to prophetic words.
Mike shares his experience and insights in managing the prophetic gift in his church.
I think every pastor who wants the prophetic gift to operate in his local church should read this book because it will show leadership how to cultivate this gift, rather than scare the prophetic gift off. I can envision that Holy Spirit wants to touch down in the local church; however, I can see many pastors driving Him away because they feel it will damage the reputation of the church and their own reputations. This book will show pastors how to gently allow this gift to operate and how to manage the pitfalls that come also with this gift of the Spirit, as mentioned in the Bible.
Despise not prophesyings.(See 1 Thessalonians 5:20, King James Version)
January 9, 2015
This is a fantastic book on operating in the prophetic for beginners or intermediate level prophets. If you're just encountered prophecy and don't have a clue what's happened, this is biblically solid, has Bible references everywhere, and has tons of practical advice and stories of what not to do.
If you're already familiar with and flow in the prophetic, this provides a well rounded view that will fill-in gaps you've been missing.
Easily, this is the book I most often recommend regarding prophecy; after this you'll be looking for more specific books to grow further, like Stacey Campbell's "Ecstatic Prophecy", or something by James Goll like "The Seer".
The PDF is freely available on Mike Bickle's website.
If you're already familiar with and flow in the prophetic, this provides a well rounded view that will fill-in gaps you've been missing.
Easily, this is the book I most often recommend regarding prophecy; after this you'll be looking for more specific books to grow further, like Stacey Campbell's "Ecstatic Prophecy", or something by James Goll like "The Seer".
The PDF is freely available on Mike Bickle's website.
March 11, 2012
A very charismatic book. Its definitely leaning in that direction. As a Reformed person, the focus is too great on it, but I gave it 3 stars because it is rich with wisdom on how to go about the Charismatic movement today. Even from a reformed position, this book is good to read and learn from for the sake of allowing the gifts to operate in the modern church.
July 19, 2014
I would like to write an extensive review at a later time. But for now, the strength of "Seeking the Prophetic" is years of pastoral wisdom in handling prophetic ministry in a local church setting. The weakness of the writing is Bickle's bible interpretation skills, he has a tendency to use verses out of context especially in the O.T.
May 13, 2014
Great for those moving in the prophetic but surprisingly also very good for the leaders and pastors who work with them. Helpful for those who are gifted prophetically as well as those called to be a prophet. Well rounded and balanced
January 19, 2015
This is a great practical guide to growing in your spiritual gifts. It will help with understanding the differences between dreams and visions, and other spiritual gifts. I would definitely recommend to someone who is seeking a closer relationship with Christ.
December 31, 2007
Honest book that draws denominations together instead of focusing on those things with tear the church apart.
September 27, 2009
SOBER information on what the prophetic is & isn't. Also talks about a lot of the mistakes that have been made.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews