Prophets must be trained, not self-made – Very. Rev. Dr. Clara Danquah

The Very Rev. Dr. Clara Danquah, a Methodist Minister, has outlined the central role of prophecy in the Christian faith, describing it as a divine channel through which God communicates His will and intentions to humanity.

She explained that prophecy is not merely about foretelling events but about affirming God’s presence and active involvement in the lives of His people.

“God is Spirit and engages us at a spiritual level. As citizens of this world, we must also remain active in our spiritual journey, ever mindful that our ultimate home is with God in eternity,” she noted, referencing Revelation 19:8–10 as a reminder of believers’ eternal destiny.

The Very. Rev. Dr. Danquah emphasized that prophecy is a vital avenue through which Christians build faith. Citing Romans 10:17, she highlighted that “faith comes by hearing,” and prophecy serves as one of the means by which believers hear directly from God.

She further drew from Ephesians 4:11, pointing to the five-fold ministry—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—as a structure designed to equip believers for service and to strengthen the body of Christ until unity in faith and knowledge of Christ is achieved.

Importantly, she stressed that prophetic ministry requires preparation and training. “Just as professional and entrepreneurial skills must be taught, so too must prophets and seers be equipped to operate effectively,” she said. Without such grounding, she warned, prophetic ministry risks producing confusion rather than edification.

The Methodist Minister also cautioned against the misuse of prophecy within the church. Recalling a directive from the Presiding Bishop, she advised against inviting prophets unfamiliar with Methodist traditions to minister from their pulpits.

She expressed particular concern over the popularization of the “point of contact” practice, clarifying that biblical instances of such encounters were exceptional, one-time events that cannot be universally replicated.

While prophecy remains a powerful tool for spiritual growth and guidance, Very. Rev. Dr. Danquah urged Christians to exercise discernment and ensure that prophetic practice is rooted in biblical truth, spiritual maturity, and responsible ministry.