I saw a bowling alley, with all the pins being sent flying in one strike. I believe that the Lord is going to strike at many preconceptions of leadership in the church, where Man has built his own hierarchies instead of just making disciples: pins are going to be sent flying in different directions, with not one “kingpin“ pre-eminent and prominent in front of the others. I believe we will soon see, even within the next three months, a prominent international ministry being skittled, for the Lord will say of the leader: “He is standing in front of me, so I am moving him out of the way.“ This will be a sign to the church that the marks of leadership are to be seen in love and service, the original mandate given by Jesus; not gifting and a high profile. He will be silencing clashing cymbals who proclaim His words with no love in their hearts, and drawing them aside to wash their robes and renew their first love.
Shepherds will continue to guard their flocks but will no longer have to contain them, because the Lord is pulling up man’s fences and replacing them with His fire: “The Lord himself will be a wall of fire around the city and the glory within it.“ (Zachariah 2:5) The fivefold ministries will give their time and energy to encouraging and releasing those within their sphere rather than trying to consolidate and extend their influence, for it is God and not man who will give the increase. Ministers will not be lining up behind one leader to bring renown to their church, but will be sent flying in the same power as their congregations, to bring renown only to Jesus. Small unknown fellowships will explode; big famous churches will dwindle, because in the days to come Lord will allow His glory to go to no other.
Where there is temptation to parade the ego and build in the flesh, what God speaks to Baruch the scribe in Jeremiah 45: 4-5 speaks today: “Behold what I have built I will break down, and what I have planted I will pluck up, that is this whole land. And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; behold I will bring adversity on all flesh,” says the Lord. “But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go.”
Notes From The Winepress 