Q: Isn’t it heretical to "teach" people how to use spiritual gifts? Shouldn't they be entirely spontaneous?
A: Not according to Scripture. While the source of the gift is the Holy Spirit, the stewardship of the gift involves human cooperation. Paul explicitly tells Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God" (2 Timothy 1:6). If a gift can be fanned into flame, it means the believer has a responsibility to actively stir, develop, and practice what God has deposited. Activation is not about creating a gift; it is about learning how to yield to the one you already have.
Q: How can you "practice" something that is supposed to be a move of God?
A: The Bible teaches that spiritual faculties are developed through use. Hebrews 5:14 states that maturity belongs to those who have their powers of discernment "trained by constant practice." If discernment is sharpened through practice, then words of knowledge and prophecy follow the same principle. We are told to prophesy "in proportion to our faith" (Romans 12:6). Since faith grows, our ability to operate in the gifts grows as we practice stepping out.
Q: Does focusing on gifts take away from the "Fruit of the Spirit" or godly character?
A: Not at all. We believe the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit are equally as important. While the gifts provide the power for ministry, the fruit provides the character to carry that power safely and in love. Our teaching emphasizes that a gift used without love is a "noisy gong" (1 Corinthians 13:1). We prioritize character building alongside gift activation to ensure the ministry reflects the heart of Jesus.
Q: If a prophecy or word of knowledge is "practiced" and ends up being wrong, doesn't that make the person a false prophet?
A: No. The New Testament distinguishes between a "false prophet" (a wolf in sheep's clothing) and a believer who is "prophesying in part" (1 Corinthians 13:9). Paul instructs the church to "let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said" (1 Corinthians 14:29). The command to weigh and test prophecy shows that the early church expected a learning curve and the possibility of human error. We provide a safe place to practice so that believers can grow in accuracy and maturity.
Q: Why do you call this a "Training Hub"? Is this for everyone or just special leaders?
A: In the book of Acts, the supernatural was the standard for all believers, not just the Apostles. Peter’s sermon at Pentecost declared that in the last days, God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh, and "sons and daughters shall prophesy" (Acts 2:17). We believe we are still in those days. Our Training Hub is about equipping every member of the Body of Christ to walk in their divine purpose.
Q: Is there any biblical precedent for a "school" or "community" of training?
A: Yes. Throughout the Old Testament, we see the "sons of the prophets" or "companies of prophets" (1 Samuel 19, 2 Kings 2). These were communities where people gathered under leadership to learn how to hear and respond to the Lord. In the New Testament, Paul’s detailed instructions to the Corinthians served as a manual for the proper and effective operation of gifts in the local church.