The Prophetic Movement Has Always Been Apart of The Black Church Before the 1980s

The 1980s were a powerful time in the Black Church. This was the decade when the prophetic went from being something associated with Pentecostal circles to becoming a powerful presence in pulpits across denominations.

It was a time of bold preaching, Spirit-led worship, altar calls that left people laid out, and “words from the Lord” that left whole sanctuaries in awe. The prophetic wasn’t strange—it was expected. And if your church didn’t move in it yet, you were probably praying that it would.

Let’s break down how the prophetic became so widely accepted, and highlight the trailblazers who helped shape that movement.

🔹 1. A Church That Always Listened for God

Even before the 1980s, the Black Church was a place where people deeply believed that God spoke—not just through scripture, but through His people. Testimonies, dreams, visions, and divine guidance were common topics at midweek services and revivals.

By the time the 1980s rolled around, many congregations were primed for a deeper prophetic move.

🔹 2. The 1980s: The Prophetic Takes Center Stage

In the 1980s, a few things shifted:

🕊 The Move of the Holy Spirit Was Embraced Publicly

Churches across the U.S. began welcoming what was once seen as “too Pentecostal”—speaking in tongues, laying on of hands, personal prophecy, and open deliverance. It wasn’t just emotionalism. It was revelation.

📺 Christian Media Platforms Boosted Prophetic Voices

Networks like TBN, The Word Network, and local Christian stations began airing conferences and revivals where Black prophetic voices were speaking clearly, boldly, and with fire. Prophets weren’t in the background anymore—they were shaping mainstream Black Christian culture.

🔹 3. Key Prophetic Voices Who Shifted the Era

Let’s highlight some influential prophetic voices of the 1980s who played a part in this shift:

🌟 Prophetess Mattie McGlothen

A powerful evangelist and prophetic voice in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). Known for her bold altar calls and deep intercession, McGlothen ministered under a heavy anointing that stirred revivals across the nation. She laid the foundation for many women to move in the prophetic with authority and grace.

🌟 Bishop Ida Robinson (Legacy Influence)

While she passed in the mid-20th century, her legacy helped shape the environment for women prophets and preachers in the Black holiness tradition. Many 1980s prophetic women carried her mantle—bold, fearless, and Spirit-led.

🌟 Bishop Noel Jones (Emerging Voice)

While he became more prominent in the 90s and 2000s, Noel Jones began rising in the 1980s with his revelatory preaching and prophetic insight. His deep theological voice and prophetic edge made him stand out early in his career.

🌟 Dr. Juanita Bynum (Foundational Years)

Though her breakout moment came in the late 90s, Juanita Bynum was already active in the 1980s in prayer ministry and traveling revivals. Her gift in prophecy, intercession, and deliverance connected deeply with women and churchgoers seeking breakthrough.

🌟 Bishop G.E. Patterson

Though more known as a preacher and leader, Bishop Patterson's ministry embraced the prophetic and opened the door for prophetic worship and flow in a traditional Pentecostal structure.

Spiritual Church Movement (Early 1900s)

Black women and men served as prophets and prophetesses.
They gave personal prophecies, interpreted dreams, and led spiritual services.
Often centered in cities like New Orleans, Chicago, and Harlem.
Prophet James F. Jones ("Prophet Jones") was famous in the 1940s–60s for his prophetic ministry and flamboyant style. He had a national following, prophesied healings and wealth, and was even on radio.

Earlier Black Christian Prophetic Voices

Many Black religious leaders operated in prophetic giftings but may not have formally used the title “prophet.” Some examples:

🔥 Historical Examples:

Maria Stewart (1803–1879) – One of the earliest African American women to speak publicly, often seen as prophetic in tone, calling for racial justice and spiritual revival.
Sojourner Truth (1797–1883) – A deeply spiritual abolitionist and preacher who claimed visions and messages from God; very much a prophetic voice.
Father Divine (1876–1965) – Claimed to be God incarnate and had a large religious following; controversial, but seen by some as prophetic.
Sweet Daddy Grace (1881–1960) – Founder of the United House of Prayer for All People, moved in signs and wonders, revered by many as a prophet.
Prophet Jones (1907–1971) – A Detroit-based spiritual leader who wore lavish robes and gave prophecies on radio and in-person services.

2. Pentecostal & Holiness Movements

From the Azusa Street Revival (1906) forward, many Black leaders operated in prophetic gifts.
Mother Rosa Horn (1900s–1970s) was known for prophetic healing revivals.
Many early Black preachers functioned as prophets but were often called “evangelists” or “seers” instead of using the formal title Prophet.

Elijah Muhammad

He was considered a prophetic figure within the Nation of Islam, but he operated outside of Christianity.

He called himself the Messenger of Allah, not a "prophet" in the Biblical or Pentecostal sense.

His role was more aligned with religious founder and teacher, rooted in Islamic and separatist ideologies, not the Christian prophetic ministry as described in Ephesians 4:11.

📖 Dr. Carl Turner as a Prophetic Voice in the 1980s

Role: Founder and Senior Pastor of Faith Soldiers Word Ministries in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Ministry: Leads Carl Turner Ministries, a global evangelical outreach.
Focus: Emphasizes faith-based teachings and community outreach.

🕊️ Prophetic Recognition:

In the 1980s, Dr. Turner was recognized by many as operating in the office of the prophet, especially among Pentecostal and Charismatic circles.
He was known for:

Personal prophecy
Spiritual insight and discernment
Prophetic preaching with strong relevance to people's lives and futures
Words of knowledge and warning to the church

🧱 Pioneer Characteristics:

Was respected as a prophet

- Functioned prophetically in churches and conferences
- Inspired others to value prophetic ministry

The Pentecostal and Apostolic Movements

These churches were filled with prophetic voices, especially:

In the early 1900s Azusa Street Revival and beyond

In storefront churches across urban America

Through women prophets, like those in COGIC (Church of God in Christ), who laid hands, gave words of knowledge, and operated in healing

But many:

Didn't call themselves "Prophet" publicly

Were recognized in their local or denominational circles, not nationally

🔹 4. The Shift in Worship and Atmosphere

The prophetic didn’t just change preaching—it changed everything:

Praise and worship became more spontaneous. Choirs shifted from strict programs to Spirit-led flow. Worship leaders paused mid-song for a prophetic word or a wave of tongues.
Altar calls turned into encounters. You didn’t just come up for prayer—you came up for divine strategy, healing, and a word that could change your life.
Church mothers prophesied in prayer circles, and deacons laid hands during revival. It wasn’t reserved for the pastor—it was in the house.

🔹 5. Prophetic Events Became Normal

Churches began regularly hosting:

Prophetic Revivals
Watch Night Services with Prophetic Declarations
Annual Consecration with Fasting and “Words for the New Year”
Prayer lines where individuals were called out by name or struggle

The culture of expecting God to speak turned into a lifestyle. People came to church believing they might hear something that would change their direction. It wasn’t spooky—it was sacred.

🔹 6. The Language Shifted Too

By the mid-to-late 80s, “God told me,” “I hear the Lord saying,” and “There’s a word for you” became normal language in sermons and services. People wanted more than inspiration—they wanted confirmation and activation.

🔹 7. Prophetic and Practical

The prophetic became popular because it wasn’t just spiritual—it was practical. People were:

Seeking jobs, healing, and financial breakthrough
Making big decisions about marriage, parenting, and career
Battling addiction and generational curses

And the prophetic voice helped them see beyond their current circumstance. It gave hope, direction, and authority.

🔹 8. The Prophetic Was Personal, Powerful, and Public

You didn’t have to be in a massive church to encounter prophecy. In fact, many small and mid-sized Black churches in the 80s were where the real prophetic fire flowed. What made it so powerful was that it felt tailored by God Himself.

When a prophetic word called someone out by name, referenced their prayer from last night, or spoke healing over a family situation—people couldn’t deny the supernatural presence of God.

✨Why It Mattered: We Must Learn That Respect is Not Weakness

The prophetic has always been a pillar in the Black Church during the 1980s because people were hungry for a move of God that met their real-life needs. They needed healing. They needed answers. And the prophetic brought both comfort and conviction.

From storefront churches to massive tent revivals, the prophetic changed how Black churches worshipped, prayed, and preached. It was a supernatural lifeline in a natural world.

And though times have changed, the ripple effects of that 1980s prophetic wave are still being felt in churches today.

May 16, 2025