Understanding Prophetic People: Blessings and Problems with the Prophetic Gift

In the charismatic world of the Christian community, there has been great excitement over the prophetic, in fact many believers, including this writer, have sought a "word from the Lord" that will tell us of our future blessings much as the New Age community seeks astrological charts, palm reading, and tea leaves to know of their increase in divine favor. Though this hunger to hear the voice of God can be a positive reflection of the Saints' search for the touch of Christ's love, unfortunately at this time of the great "falling away" many well-known prophetic voices speaking in the "name of the Lord" are saying what many want to hear, "tickling the ears" of the elect. Not so with this book. I appreciate the honesty of Loren Sandford's message, and what it teaches every Saint about not resting on our good works, but staying painfully honest in our search for Jesus Christ. Clearly it is time for the eternal Church to honestly examine where She has been, and what She must do to tear down the "white-washed tombs" created apart from an intamacy with Jesus. Pastor Loren's example is to be respected. He is not protecting himself or his ministry with his writing, nor is he exalting himself with false humility for his honesty. If biblical history is an accurate witness, it may be true that only a remnant of prophets are legitimately hearing the Lord's voice, and speaking in the power and authority of the Spirit of God. It was much the same with Israel in times of her repeated rebellion against God. True messengers of the gospel do not promote themselves, but point to the "foolish" message of Jesus Christ crucified. When I read Loren Sandford's Understanding Prophetic People what struck me immediately was his own candid testimony. His own life is honestly and vulnerably revealed, both in his failures, and by his sincere desire to provide guidance and healing to the Body of Christ. Without excuses he admits to his own woundedness, and how this in turn injured people in the church who trusted him. Because of it's transparency I believe this refreshing honest and much needed book will help heal and build the Church in several different ways, likely more than the three I list here. First it will bring increased insight and hope to those prophetic people who have struggled throughout their Christian life with the painful trials of their journey. I am one of them. The Church is largely ignorant of the gifts of the five fold ministries, and how men and women called to these high offices are tested and seasoned by God to serve His purposes within the Church. Much suffering comes by our isolation, and this book tells us we are not alone. Just as Elijah learned that many prophets remained safely in hiding as they served God, there remains strength in numbers. I believe this writing will be for many what the increased understanding of ADD has been for people who have suffered from this trait as children and adults. It can bring hope and encouragement, along with

If you are called to the prophetic, this is a must read for you. Loren is candid and honest, bringing truth in a manner that's merciful, yet strong. I've never understood so much about myself in such a short period of time! I no longer feel weird or strange! I am buying this book and giving it to several of my friends and family members. This book brought such definition to my gifting and calling. Thanks, Loren! This is a phenomenal book that has saved my life!

This is the most accurate,real,honest,revealing book on understanding prophets I have ever read. Sanford covers issues such as early prophetic experiences,personality traits,initial calling,misunderstandings from the Body of Christ,the extreme training and processing of prophets,and various ways prophets minister. He shares the true spirit of a prophetic person identifying where this office fits and functions in the church. Sanford also is personal in sharing his own battles and victories which other prophets will relate too, and heave a sigh of relief knowing they are not crazy! I had been praying for a book like this, and God has answered! This is a training manual every leader should be required to read. Not only for the benefit of the church, but for the prophets who are frustrated due to leaderships lack of understanding and suffer in silence. Read this book!

This is the most insightful and clarifying book I've read on the sensitive subject of dealing with prophetic people. The depth of heart and candid examples from the authors' personal experience adds to the authenticity of his writing.

These are a couple of significant endorsements I thought folks might be interested in. When Loren asked me to consider writing an endorsement for his new book, "Understanding Prophetic People", I looked forward to reading the manuscript as I have both enjoyed and appreciated his previous books. What I was not expecting, however, was a classic! When I first began in prophetic ministry in the early '80s Loren's father's book, "The Elijah Task", was the classic I and many others looked to for understanding the ministry of a prophet. However, what was sorely missing until now was the companion book on the making and make up of a true prophet. Because the message is the messenger and the prophet is the prophecy, this book is a must read for both the church at large and for all called by God to be His prophetic spokespeople. It is with real excitement that I recommend the study of this book. It will prove to be an invaluable lifelong tool for many who desire to know God's voice and ways. MARC A. DUPONT, Mantle of Praise Ministries, Inc. With piercing accuracy, R. Loren Sandford paints a vivid picture for us in his new book, "Understanding Prophetic People". Not only will this book grant sanity to prophetically gifted people, but it will give a measure of peace to pastors in their quest to relate to strongly gifted prophets. This is a welcome addition to the growing arsenal of equipping materials to help mature the prophetic movement. DR. JAMES GOLL, Encounters Network; author, "The Coming Prophetic Revolution", "The Seer", "Dream Language" and many others.