Category: Article History
Embrace Your Scribal Culture (2)
Copyright 2017 Theresa Harvard Johnson
The first time I taught about scribal culture was at my second prophetic poetry and writing conference here in Atlanta in 2005. I had written the first draft of a book that would eventually become “The Scribal Anointing: Scribes Instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven,” and proceeded to teach those in attendance about the culture of the biblical scribe.
I can still remember the responses of the participants as they learned of themselves, discovering that they were more than an obscure group of writers. The understanding of the culture from a biblical perspective was teaching us that we were an honorable, loyal, highly valued people from scripture known as scribes.
You see, I have learned that it is not enough to have a revelation of what it means to be a “prophetic” scribe for the serious prophetic writer or scribal minister. It is equally necessary to have some insight, at least on a basic level, of the culture that gave birth to our scribal ministry, matured it, transitioned it and led us into the present day. Why? Well, because in our biblical history lies the heart and soul of our identity.
This is the gift that “culture” gives us. This is why ethnic groups, people of nations, families and other societal institutions embrace culture so strongly. They understand that who they are is rooted in uncovering the challenges and beauty of the past, enabling us to appreciate, embrace and move with wisdom in the present.
The Way of a Scribal Prophet (2)
Copyright 2017 Theresa Harvard Johnson
In “The School of the Scribe” we teach that scribal prophets are fully functioning prophets as we understand them in the midst of our faith in Christ. What makes them different is that they administrate their calling “scribally.”
I believe it is necessary to provide some insight on what this might look like. In the list below, I’ve outlined some common operations of the prophet that most apostolic-prophetic people will find agreement concerning. This very short list is more in-depth than this, but it should provide you with a contrast between a prophet who is NOT a scribe; and a prophet who IS a scribe. I want you to see into their actions as much as you see the calling.
Why Scribal Prophets May Feel Inadequate, Out of Place (2)
Copyright 2017 Theresa Harvard Johnson
I felt like an oddball. (And yes, I am speaking of what was going on emotionally in my heart. It was real. I had not crossed into the spiritual reality, security or maturity of it at the time.)
When the prophets in training were called before the congregation to serve in the presbytery, I always wanted to carry my notebook and a pen with me. I remember the minister telling me (more than once) that I could not do that. He said it was a distraction for this type of ministry. He said I needed to learn how to be present for the people and prophesy from my spirit.
Let us just say that as a young prophet, I did not like that but I obeyed.
While I learned to follow the group protocol without offense, I would stand there… with my hands “literally burning” beside me, longing to write what I was hearing. My palms would be flushed. The only thing I knew to do was open and close my fists or hold my hands firmly across my waist until the evening ended. Sometimes, I would be so overwhelmed by this need to write that once we were released from our assignment, I would race to my seat, grab my pen and paper… and frantically write down what I was hearing.
How to Love the Writer & Scribe In Your Life (2)
Copyright 2017 Theresa Harvard Johnson
Do you love the serious writer or scribe in your life? Here are some things you need to know to help them feel loved… and, to umm… protect yourself:
1. Do not take their ink pens, pencils or other writing instruments without asking. Every writing instrument is treasured, and they generally have a box of scrap pens, pencils just for you if asked. They may take the lack of concern for their trade tools as disrespect.
2. Do not write on neatly stacked papers or open paper packages without permission. Paper is not just paper to them. Different papers are for different purposes. A small pack of linen paper is a financial investment. Ask first and you will find out that there is a paper stack just for you amid their precious collection.