Category: Scribal Ministry Development

Copyright 2015 Theresa Harvard Johnson

There’s absolutely nothing like a “do-nothing-day.” You know – staying in your pajamas or favorite jeans all day, curling up with a hot cup of tea, a bowl of popcorn and watching movies. For most of us this is a rare treat as we move through our busy lives.

There is, however, another dimension to this for the prophetic scribe.

Our “do-nothing-days” are filled with the urgency to write or otherwise engage in scribal ministry. We long for the relaxing, yet urgent press to shut-in and create. This isn’t the usual call to enter into our craft; rather… this is a time to put away every possible distraction and enter into the “chamber of the scribe” to rest, nest, hear and create.

#1 If someone writes a “BOOK REVIEW” for your book – whether in-depth or short, remember it is a “book review” — not a foreword or endorsement designed to be printed in their completed, copyrighted manuscript. To use it in this way can be very deceptive. Some self-published authors seem to walk in confusion concerning…

Copyright 2015 Theresa Harvard Johnson

(NOTE: This article is used specifically in of our courses in The School of the Scribe. It’s intent is not to outline “all” the distinctions between Old Covenant and New Covenant prophets but to show that we are indeed talking about two separate and distinct regimes of prophets. The prophets of the times of Torah existed under a different dispensation from New Covenant prophets. The truths shared are very basic and are intended to be viewed as such. Also note, that the intent of this post is not to criticize any particular teaching — but to shed light on some not so clear areas. As we talk about SCRIBAL PROPHETS, we do so in understanding the role they play in the NEW COVENANT! It is critical that we take these truths into consideration when teaching concerning the “office” of the prophet. How we view these differences will clearly our calling. I believe that a lack of understanding in this area is what has led to so much confusion within the Body.)

 

Colossians 1:19-20 NIV, “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him (Christ), and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”

 

Today’s prophets are walking under the New Covenant given to us by God through the shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. While Christ did not demolish integral concepts and ideas, the way of life for the prophets did change — drastically. The two most dramatic changes included: (1) the complete obliteration of the Levitical priesthood as it was needed; and (2) the focus shifted from building one nation based on a biological heritage to include everyone and anyone who would receive the message of the Gospel – no pedigree required.

Consider this for a moment: The entire historical setting and backdrop for the ministry of Old Covenant prophets centered on the formation, strengthening and building of “one nation” at the time – not all people. This fact alone should bring some perspective and should be seen as a critical distinction between the New Covenant and Old Covenant prophets. The vision for a global congregation didn’t expand to the Gentile nations in its fullness “until” Christ’s covenant making assignment was completed on the cross and the congregation received the fullness of Holy Spirit. We can get a greater perspective of this by examining the outpouring of Holy Spirit in Acts 2; and then glimpsing the ministries of Peter and Paul when they were separated for specific work unto the Jews and Gentiles respectively (Galatians 2:8).

Copyright 2015 Theresa Harvard Johnson

If there is one question I hear often in the midst of conversations with prophetic poets, it’s this one: “How can I get my poetry published?” Unfortunately, this is not an easy question to answer. There are no “one-stop-shops” on doing this for any poet (outside of publishing your own work), much less those of us who fall in the prophetic category – meaning we are focused on writing and releasing what we believe God alone gives us.

As many poets already know, the journey to becoming a nationally or internationally known poet is a hit-and-miss one. I firmly believe that prophetic poets who are serious about their craft and getting their work before others will learn to receive criticism concerning their work and act on it when necessary; and position themselves to learn as much about the “industry” of poetry publishing as possible. Your publishing initiatives will remain extremely limited without practical application.

Copyright 2015 Theresa Harvard Johnson

Navigating the world of writing and self-publishing can be extremely frustrating for writers regardless of experience level. Depending on the purpose of our manuscripts, we often encounter questions with hard to find answers. And if you are a poet, those questions are often compounded.

There are several books that I believe are invaluable to your growing reference library. They will relieve some frustration when seeking answers surrounding a specific subject, especially in creative projects; and point writers toward professional, sound advice. In addition, most of us would rather spend more time writing than piecing together questionable, partial resources from around the web.

There is an easier way to get the answers you need.