THE DIFFERENT SEASONS OF A PROPHET’S CALLING
Can you remember as a child the wonder that filled your imagination as you dreamt of who you would become and what occupation you would have? Maybe you dreamt of being a superhero, fireman, or ballerina — didn’t the possibilities just feel endless? Often, I see believers eager and excited about the endless possibilities when they first receive a word from the Lord about their calling. However, sometimes the patience necessary for the process can actually become disheartening. Truthfully, I experienced this in my own life as I waited over 20 years to be acknowledged as a prophet. The truth is, the gift of prophecy brings clarity to our call and purpose to the process. Maybe you’ve had a dream or vision that you can’t deny was from the Lord about the call on your life. However, questions like
“How will it pan out?”
or
“What will it look like?”
might fill your mind even if there is a clear direction given from God. But, before accomplishing the call there is the process of preparing and priming for the purpose; layers are shed, seeds are planted, and roots are established.
I did not know I was called to be a prophet until I was in my mid-twenties and it wasn’t until 20 years after that I saw any fruition of the promise. Anxiety and worry can easily fill the journey if you’re unaware you are in the process. However, there is peace before promotion when you are aware of your season. Are you aware of the part of the process you are in?
This past week I had the opportunity to sit down with one of my spiritual sons, Ben Armstrong, and ask him questions about his prophetic journey. I have known Ben for over 30 years and have had the honor of watching him choose humility as he’s navigated the prophetic call on his life. Very often our journey is filled with layers of discovering and learning as well as challenges and overcoming. Ben has an inspiring story that I know will bring clarity and understanding to the role of a prophet. I believe his story will help many prophets in their own journey.
In this week’s vlog , Ben Armstrong, who is also a speaker at School of the Prophets 2021 , shares vision for this year’s event that is happening this August 2-6, both in-person in Redding, CA, and online.
A CONVERSATION WITH BEN ARMSTRONG
Ben is the Prophetic Ministry Director at Bethel Church and has incredible wisdom and insight into the prophetic. Whether you have been called to be a prophet or are eager to gain a greater understanding of the prophetic, I pray this conversation is a blessing to you.
How did you know you were called to be a prophet?
The office of a prophet is a call not just established by an encounter from the Lord, but with the acknowledgment from another prophet. In my journey it was the opposite — I had not realized the call on my life until a leader saw it on my life. The first encounter I remember was when I was reading the Bible between the ages of 8-10 years old. It was the first time the logos Word of God became the Rhema Word of God as I read, “The power of life and death is in your tongue.” God told me “Ben, when you love people the way I love them and see them the way I see them, I can trust you with the secrets of who they are, not what they’ve done.” Before I even knew the call on my life the Lord began instructing and teaching me.
Though I had many encounters in my life, the call on my life became apparent in a dream I had over 20 years ago.
In the dream, I was sitting in the passenger seat of an old car and Jesus was in the driver’s seat. We were having a conversation and He leaned over to me and said, “Here comes your dad.” I looked over at the tree line at the edge of the park and I expected to see my earthly dad, but it was actually, you Kris.
At the time, I wasn’t connected to you so I had no context for you being a father in my life at all. As you know, I was raised in Weaverville, CA, but I left for university before you ever started your prophetic ministry there. So, when Jesus told me you were my dad, I was surprised! In the dream, you walked over to the car and handed me a signet ring of gold with a black stone on it. You actually told me to wear the ring with the stone on the inside so I wouldn’t show it to people. Although I am a dream interpreter, sometimes the meaning of our own dreams is hidden from us. I think that is the grace of God, as there is a process that has to happen in us before the full understanding comes.
What was your process like in stepping into the role of a prophet?
Seven years after having this dream I got invited to be a Revival Group Pastor at BSSM. Though I stepped into the role of a pastor, this is actually where I learned to be a healthy prophet. I learned to teach and equip people; I fell in love with people’s processes. How do you walk out the calling of the office of a prophet? Well, a prophet trains and equips people. The office of a prophet is also a governmental position; prophets grow in favor with leadership and community. This was a long process for me; from a young age the Lord began to teach and equip me, then I began to gain favor with leadership and community. It wasn’t actually until seven years after being hired as a pastor that I was publicly acknowledged as a prophet and became the Prophetic Ministry Director at Bethel Church.
What has it looked like to have mentors in your life?
First, I had to change my perspective of mentorship. We typically think of mentorship as one individual; we place them on a pedestal and desire the “top dog” to have influence and input in our life. However, if we take the approach that you can be mentored by multiple individuals and community — you will never be in lack. There were multiple apostles and pastors that molded me as a prophet. As I look back to my younger self I did not have a bad heart, but there was a lot of arrogance and pride. I learned over the years that receiving correction from the mentors in my life was fuel for my success. Now, I am eager to receive feedback — this is the very thing that helps us grow. I believe as prophets it is so important to surround yourself with a community of people that will love you and support you, but most of all are not afraid to correct you because they see the gold in you.
What advice would you give other prophets stepping into their ministry?
Quit trying so hard! I think sometimes we think that in order to be a prophet we need to prove to everyone that the Lord speaks to us. You don’t need to pressure the Lord to speak; He will give you a word in its right timing. I also believe it is easy to feel the pressure to fill the role of the prophet. You may even think in order to be a prophet you must look or act a certain way. But, the truth is, more than aspiring to be a prophet, you should aspire to be a good mother or father in your environment. You will realize that to be a prophet is to encourage, comfort, and call forth — naturally, this will happen when you are loving people really well.
Has Ben’s story inspired or impacted you? I would love to hear in the comments below how you have navigated the call that is on your life or how you have humbly waited for promotion?
Are you called to the office of a prophet or eager to gain clarity in your prophetic calling? Too often we miss out on the historic moments happening right in front of us and sit back as they pass us by. It’s time to step up to the plate! Join us this year at School of the Prophets in person in Redding, CA, or online from August 2-6 and find confidence and clarity in your God-given calling. In this 4.5-day intensive training, school get equipped and deployed into your divine destiny to influence Kings and bring light to even the darkest situations!
