A couple of thoughts regarding prophets:
The model of the New Testament church was of small interconnected communities (ekklesia), wherein each person (male and female) had the opportunity to function for the building up of the community. In knowing one another--worshiping and sharing life together--people's tendencies, abilities, shortcomings and spiritual gifts were recognized and known. Paul's lists of body gifts in Eph 4:11-13 and 1 Cor 12:27-30 are assumed to occur within the context of interactive community. When Paul writes to the ekkesias in Rome he expresses his desire to be with them so that he can encourage them with his spiritual gift(s) and, in turn, that he will be encouraged by theirs (Rom 1:11-12). There is a noticeable lack of
hierarchy. Instead there is interdependence and egalitarianism.
I have known real life prophets. It is because I have known them first as friends and fellow worshipers of Christ that I could recognize and trust their prophetic gifting. I could also recognize when they were forcing it. Our gifts are intended to function within community, not only for the benefit of the community, but because each of us needs the checks and balances of faithful friends to keep us from going off the deep end.
The problem with prophets comes when they are not known by and accountable to the community. Self-proclaimed (or organizationally-proclaimed) prophets come into town claiming to speak for God. This was a problem that the early church was beginning to struggle with as it expanded, as evidenced by the guidelines about prophets provided in the Didache (
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/t ... berts.html -- See chapters 11 & 13).
In my view then, the first test of a prophet is this: Do I know them? Are they a part of my community? If not, are they known and in community and accountable to others whom I personally know and trust? If not, I'll pass. God is not niggardly with His spiritual gifts to His body. He gives them freely. Within a community of Jesus followers who are open to receiving and sharing His gifts, there will not be a shortage of prophets or anything else.
Additionally, the presence of prophets in our midst does not negate or diminish our ability--nay, our responsibility--to hear
directly from God and follow accordingly. As the author of 1 John wrote, "
As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit--just as it has taught you, remain in Him." (2:27)