A Prophetic Dream and Appeal to Leaders of The Charismatic Movement
My husband, Bobby, had a dream this week that we feel carries a message for the Church, and more specifically, those leaders who have influence and spiritual authority in the Charismatic movement. He doesn’t have many dreams, but when we’re both in it together (as pastor and prophet), it often carries a message beyond just us. Thus, I am submitting this short dream along with our interpretation, some thoughts for consideration, and then an important appeal.
(Bobby speaking) I was with you (Wanda) at a gathering where people knew you and I was supporting you. The first person coming up to you said their daughter was offended by you and wanted you to apologize, but you disregarded taking any initiative. I wondered why you didn’t. Then a church member from our previous pastorate came and said his children were offended by you. And again you didn’t acknowledge, give in, or agree to apologize. Again I wondered why, but didn’t discuss it with you. After that you just wanted to avoid people and go shopping. So we walked around to various shops in the complex and I just journeyed with you. The overall feeling I got was avoidance of something that needed to be addressed. End of dream. (Bobby then added: This doesn’t sound like your normal response…).
Our first reaction was to consider any personal responsibility I had in this regard. But after briefly processing this ourselves and then with a few trusted intercessors and advisors, we all felt this was not the current reality. There was a common discernment that this had to do with the broader body of Christ, its leaders, and a spirit of offense that is at work on all sides. And Bobby’s last statement summed it up – There Is An Avoidance Of Something That Needs To Be Addressed. I believe that this dream is a call for leaders in the Charismatic movement to respond to the questions and concerns being raised by the next generation. It is revealing an avoidance to do this and issues a call to take ownership and respond.
Several details stand out that provide more clarity in the message: It was specifically a daughter and someone’s children who were offended at me (a prophet). I believe this alludes to a younger generation who are becoming very disillusioned (even offended) with prophetic ministry. At the same time, the recent exposures in the Church go far beyond just prophetic leaders, but to other leaders of influence in the Charismatic movement.
Meanwhile, I (as a prophet) didn’t want to hear them out or answer their charges. I was too stressed out and didn’t want to deal with it (one of the things I personally do when I get stressed is go shopping:-). This could also be due to personal offense and an unwillingness to take the needed time to process things. And Bobby (as pastor) chose not to challenge me or press the issue, but merely took a supportive role.
I believe these clues all reveal a burden of the Lord for these leaders to respond to the cries of a new generation who are stumbling because of roadblocks and unanswered questions concerning spiritual gifts, the prophetic, and the integrity of leadership. While there are complaints of unfair coverage from some whistle blowers and watchmen, there is also a deafening silence from those in question and those with legitimate influence and authority to do something.
In 2 Corinthians 6:3-4, the apostle Paul urged leaders in the Church to give account for any questionable actions by saying “…put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way.” In 1 Corinthians 8:9, he addressed the reality that some beliefs and practices may be more controversial and even a potential stumbling block to others: “But take care that this right of your does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.”
Currently, there are many questions and concerns being raised about prophetic ministry including practices and protocols that may not be biblically sound. There are also other serious charges of wrongdoing and sin among some well-known Charismatic leaders which need to be accounted for. Some concerns on these issues are more subjective in nature simply due to lack of information or clarity. But regardless of the question or concern, We Can No Longer Avoid Them.
Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God – even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved (1 Corinthians 10:32).
It is the spiritual fathers and mothers who are supposed to model godly leadership and accountability. It is the older generation that is supposed to have the maturity and depth of experience to speak from a wisdom that is free from jealously, competition, or any need to prove oneself or their ministry. It is we, the leaders of the last 10, 20, or even 30 years, who should be offering the best counsel and direction to move forward.
Shortly after processing this dream with Bobby and my intercessors, I went to a small group of young leaders that I am in relationship with (two of whom are in fulltime ministry), and submitted the dream to them. I asked if I had offended them in any way – or if they knew of any in their own circles of influence who had been offended by me. I was more than willing to address any charges or clarify any concerns. Thankfully, they indicated I was in the clear. But one of them said, “In our movement there’s been a rift in which the most influential leaders of the older generation have done little to mend that rift and restore trust; little to heal the wound and deal with the offense.” I believe he speaks for many of his peers who are wondering where the spiritual fathers and mothers of the Charismatic movement are in this time of turmoil and testing.
Based on the message of this dream I believe the Lord is making an APPEAL TO THE LEADERS IN THE CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT. He is appealing to you to GIVE A RESPONSE to the concerns about what is taking place in the Church right now. Let the rising sons and daughters know that you’ve been listening to their questions and desire to acknowledge their concerns. Even if you don’t agree with them, show them that you care. Let them know where you stand on the issues. Let them hear your heart. Give them a chance to discern for themselves based on facts and not inuendo or guilt by association. And do it out of love and not any need for personal vindication. This Is Not For Your Own Sake, But For The Sake Of The Body.
I don’t presume to have a lot of leverage here due to my limited personal interaction with nationally recognized leaders. I am simply being obedient in releasing this prophetic dream and its message in hopes to bridge a generational gap and heal some wounds.
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy” (Proverbs 27:5-6).
If there is a spirit of offense at work, it is being fed by a lack of clarity and conversation. The only way to deal with the potholes and roadblocks is to deal with them. Taking the high road means doing what is hard. But it’s necessary in order for us to reach God’s highest purposes, both personally and collectively. Let’s pray we can do this together. Not for our own sake, but for the honor of Christ and the health of His Body.
