Prophets in the Seminary: The Prophetic Function as a Means of Maintaining Missional Focus in Theological Education

Abstract

Paul declares that the Lord has gifted some as apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). This article argues that prophets, as defined through a missional hermeneutic, are essential to theological education (TE) institutions maintaining focus on the mission of the Church. The article first reviews four different definitions of “prophets.” It then demonstrates the need for the prophetic function in TE institutions by describing two forms of institutional drift. Finally, the article recommends the role that individuals fulfilling the prophetic function may play in calling TE institutions to refocus on the missionary task.