A Critical Investigation into the Prophetic Praxis within the Sword Embassy Ministry of Ondangwa, Namibia: A Congregational Study

Abstract

This study is a critical investigation of the doctrine of prophecy, which is one of the central themes of the scriptures and one of the core messages of the Sword Embassy Ministry Ondangwa, Namibia. This research investigated the concept and experience of prophecy in the Sword Embassy Ministry. It discusses how Sword Embassy Ministry members experience and interpret the concept of prophecy in response to their existential problems. It is noted that while church members in general embraced prophecy, there has always been a varied understanding on what prophecy is and ways in which it should be practiced. The study revealed that prophecy has been a subject which has been practiced throughout the Bible from the Old Testament, New Testament, Early Church, and indeed through to the twentieth century. The researcher discussed the concept of prophetic praxis which is one of the core beliefs of the church. The study further examines the biblical and theological concept of prophecy, and it reveals that biblical prophecy is a comprehensive and holistic concept that defines God`s delivering involvement in human affairs. It demonstrates that the delivering and revelation acts of God have been redefined to every generation in every nation in response to questions asked by contemporary people. Hence the researcher developed a practical five-steps strategy for the implementation of prophetic ministry at a congregational level. The strategy entails (a) prayer and fasting, (b) Bible centered prophetic ministry, (c) sensitive prophecy, (d) interactive prophetic ministry and (e) feedback and accountability. The last chapter gives a reflective summary of the thesis, recommendations, and conclusion.This study is a critical investigation of the doctrine of prophecy, which is one of the central themes of the scriptures and one of the core messages of the Sword Embassy Ministry Ondangwa, Namibia. This research investigated the concept and experience of prophecy in the Sword Embassy Ministry. It discusses how Sword Embassy Ministry members experience and interpret the concept of prophecy in response to their existential problems. It is noted that while church members in general embraced prophecy, there has always been a varied understanding on what prophecy is and ways in which it should be practiced. The study revealed that prophecy has been a subject which has been practiced throughout the Bible from the Old Testament, New Testament, Early Church, and indeed through to the twentieth century. The researcher discussed the concept of prophetic praxis which is one of the core beliefs of the church. The study further examines the biblical and theological concept of prophecy, and it reveals that biblical prophecy is a comprehensive and holistic concept that defines God`s delivering involvement in human affairs. It demonstrates that the delivering and revelation acts of God have been redefined to every generation in every nation in response to questions asked by contemporary people. Hence the researcher developed a practical five-steps strategy for the implementation of prophetic ministry at a congregational level. The strategy entails (a) prayer and fasting, (b) Bible centered prophetic ministry, (c) sensitive prophecy, (d) interactive prophetic ministry and (e) feedback and accountability. The last chapter gives a reflective summary of the thesis, recommendations, and conclusion.