In the Bible prophecy was always an important gift from God , whether giving major national guidance or correction in the Old Testament, or Paul’s exhortation that we would all prophesy in the New (1 Cor 14:5). In the Newfrontiers’ family we have always taken prophecy seriously when brought in an appropriate context of being weighed by others. Some prophecies have been particularly prominent in shaping us. I have already referred to two in previous posts that resulted in the Crowning Years Ministry and the Enjoying God’s Grace tour. But there are others that stand out in our memories.
Bound together by a common mission
One early prophecy referred to us as being like an Armada (though not to the point of sinking I am glad to say!) which we interpreted to be a naval task force. God spoke to us that we were not joined together by organisational restraints but by the common sense of mission and purpose. We were to see ourselves like the different vessels in a fleet each having a contribution to make to the whole fleet as we sailed together on mission. The experience of the recent Falklands war was fresh in mind where we saw the British navy mobilised to sail to the South Atlantic. The aircraft carrier acted as the command vessel and, from its decks, flew aircraft to give air cover to all. The submarines brought underwater protection, the supply vessels kept the other ships supplied with equipment etc. By working together we could achieve more than operating as individual vessels.
Some outworkings of this were seen in first David Brown and the Coign Church, Woking, then Arnold Bell and the Vine Church, Odiham, leading Elders Training which became Equipped for Ministry. Also, Alun and June Davies and the Kings Church, Horsham, led and coordinated the Crowning Years ministry.
No well-worn paths
In one prayer meeting John Groves ‘saw’ a herd of elephants breaking through forest and undergrowth, making paths as they went. There were no well-worn tracks being followed. Then the picture changed to show the elephants working together to move massive tree trunks, an echo of the above prophecy about working together; we would achieve more together than apart.
We felt that God was leading us into new ways of doing things in many areas of ministry. Perhaps this uncharted approach has been seen most recently in the hand-over of leadership of the Newfrontiers family by Terry to several men who have apostolic gifting rather than to one individual. This followed no known example of succession planning and implementation, as described in David Devenish’s recently released book Succession or Multiplication?
Bow and Arrow
In the early part of the 80s we were geographically focussed on the south east of the UK – and India! Our heart was to extend our borders in obedience to the Great Commission when God showed Terry a picture of a bow overlaying the south coast England with the string being drawn back up the nation. The arrow was pointing towards the heart of Europe, and beyond. We felt that God was telling us that we did not yet have enough power to resource the extension of mission; we needed to concentrate on planting more churches into the heart of the nation and north into Scotland in order to build up our resources, both human and material. This resulted in intentional planting, including Colin Baron moving to Manchester where he had a vision to plant several churches. In due course God also spoke to David Devenish about planting in the Midlands around Birmingham which, for him personally, was also to be a preparation for reaching out into the Middle East.
Prophetic leading has continued to be highly influential in our growth together and the definition of strategy through the 90s and into this century. May we always be those who listen attentively when God speaks.