The Rebirth of the Women's Prophetic Voices

By Rev. Dr. Rosalynn Brookins and Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant

PROPHETIC MINISTRY:
As with any ministry, the birthing process is often faced with great resistance by those who lack understanding. Such was the case with the liberation and womanist movement which were birthed out of a struggle for equality. The same holds true for the prophetic ministry. A Global Outlook
The original intent for my research was to develop a model of ministry that would speak to the needs and concerns of all women within the local congregations. Yet, in July 2016 a trip to Chennai, India would make an impression upon me and would solidify the need for this work. A delegation of seventy people from across the United States attended the 2016 A. M. E. India Annual Conference hosted by Bishop John Richard Bryant, and his wife, Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams-Bryant. "God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform, He plants His footsteps upon the sea and rides upon every storm." This initial stanza recorded in the Hymn "God Moves in Mysterious Ways" written by Hymnologist, William Cowper, speaks volumes to the mystery by which God makes His presence known to all who seek Him.
The delegation participated in various workshops designed to empower and strengthened women living in very cumbersome situations. The women we encountered were referred to as the "untouchables" simply because of the families for whom they were born. Their voices silenced because of institutional and economic oppression known as a caste system. BBC world news defines, "the caste system is a complex social ordering grouping based upon religious purity. It originated from Brahman, the Hindu God of creation. The caste system has main categories: Brahmins- are the intellectuals (the brain of Brahman), Kshatriyas -the Rulers and Warriors (Brahman's arms), Vaishya- are the farmers and traders (Brahman's feet) menial worker and at the very bottom are the Dalits, the untouchables. This caste system mirrors the oppressive and misogynistic system that African Americans, and in particular women have endured for centuries. The various groups lived, worked, and worshipped segregated from one another.
Bondage attacks the very core of one's humanity. In an attempt to alter their current economic status, women would use lightening crème in an attempt to bleach their skin in hopes of modifying their standing within the community in which they lived and worked. The actions of these women bore witness to the various measures and methods people will often attempt in hopes of escaping the dreadful condition.
Encountering these women and listening to their stories also served as a stark reminder to me of the numerous times I, like the beautiful women of Chennai and countless others, had attempted drastic measures as a means of altering one's self-image in hopes of changing from being human commodity to becoming a beloved daughter of the Most-High God. Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this entire process is knowing that God has entrusted me to embark upon such a monumental task of helping once silenced prophetic voices to be awakened. In doing so, I learned that despite the many obstacles, every step of freedom, regardless how small must be celebrated, even if no one else is able to celebrate. The silencing of one voice is one voice too many. The impact of the patriarchal bias as one of the forces that impacts the female voice within the church. The church is at the stage where that prophetic command is no longer asking about us but continues to ask what about God? To answer that question, a prophetic ministry of teaching and preaching leads to transformation. "True prophetic people are not just a bunch of folks going along with the latest trend. Real Christians are not fakes." It is not always easy to be honest, transparent, or open; but it is breathtakingly refreshing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Feb 18, 2022
• ISBN: 9781667826400

Book preview

cover.jpg

Endorsements FOR "THE SCHOOL OF THE PROPHETS:

THE REBIRTH OF THE WOMEN’S PROPHETIC VOICE"

•••

As I drew to the closing lessons of the text, the one word that permeated my heart and mind and spirit was raw!

The author was careful to build a strong historical and biblical context for female prophetic voices. The foundational work addressed the reader’s curiosity about the subject matter, and then led them ever so gently to more and more substantive introspection – from the milk of the word to the meat of the matter! At every juncture, she interjects just enough of her personal journey to lend authenticity to what she is proposing in the academy. The chronicle of her lived experiences unabashedly, unashamedly, dealing honestly with her truths – truths about herself that she knew she must acknowledge and then own if she was to move into, to walk into the destiny of prophetic ministry which was tugging so heavily upon her life, served as an invitation for students/readers to own secretly, privately their truths, whether they were ever journaled or spoken aloud.

So many of her references though simple and common, in this context are rendered graphic, vivid, and heartrending. The reader sees. The reader feels alongside. The reader who is familiar with the subject knows the outcome, yet still marvels at the wounds, the disappointments, the brokenness endured. Spiritual miscarriages is a riveting phrase. For a man reading the text or possible sitting in a class session, it is gripping. I am certain that for a woman reading the same phrase, the connotations and emotions are much broader, much more piercing.

As a leader, I celebrate each time I have cast a vision in word or deed and those whom I seek to lead catch a glimpse. Of the twenty-seven Prophetic Prayers offered by The School of the Prophets Inaugural Class of 2020, no doubt, the one submitted by her son, Wellington Brookins, is the prayer that Rev. Dr. Brookins celebrates most.

Rev. Dr. Brookins shared with me a conversation that she and Wellington were having about the kind of woman he would choose as a wife. She said he answered, I would choose someone life you. She then responded, Son, you have no idea of what I had to go through to become the woman that I am today. Imagine what having a partner in life with that knowledge would have meant to Dr. Roz in her pilgrimage, one who walked each step with you with the confidence that the outcome would be a bounteous blessing!

—Bishop Clement W. Fugh

Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District

African Methodist Episcopal Church

•••

Despite the notable appointment of women to powerful positions in government and business, women continue to suffer great disparities and abuse throughout the United States and, indeed, around the world. Doggedly persistent presence of toxic patriarchy continues to deprive the world of solutions as women are held down and back, despite the fact though history records incredible contributions made by women to art, science, philosophy, sport and faith. In this volume, Rev. Dr. Rosalynn Smith-Brookins provides practical steps and deep insights to unleash the prophetic gifts long held by women to bring forward healing for the nations and for the souls of men and women everywhere. As women embrace the call of God on their lives, the world will be forever transformed from darkness to light - from the home to the hood, from the boardroom to the pulpit, the call is liberation now and forever more.

—Honorable Lynette Gibson McElhaney

Community Leader and Leadership Consultant

•••

THE IMPACT: As a student in the Inaugural Class of the Global School of Prophets, I witnessed the evolution of the manual on The Rebirth of Women’s Prophetic Voices and, with women of varying ages and levels of spiritual maturity, was introduced to its rich content through the enthusiastic delivery of Rev. Dr. Rosalynn Kyle Brookins. The eight monthly modules of the comprehensive curriculum are a practical resource offering detailed lessons, innovative activities, inspiring prayers, extensive bibliography, and an informative glossary. They serve as a guide for individuals, groups, and leaders of lay and clergy women to understand the meaning of prophecy and navigate the journey of prophetic call, ministry, intercession, prayer, worship, praise, and support of sisterhood.

This publication reflects the author’s own journey of spiritual growth, personal life experiences, academic undergirding, and prophetic ministry. Searching deeply within herself and connecting with the prophetic lineage among the women in her family, she has been led to unfold how to support women on the path of self-discovery and to develop tools for revealing their connection with God’s Spirit. Rev. Dr. Brookins is a vessel for revealing the prophetic through whom women are able to claim their divinely appointed gifts and to grasp the power and strength of their voices as prophetic women of God.

—Rev. Sandra E.H. Smith Blair, Associate Minister, St. Paul African Methodist

Episcopal Church, Berkeley, California; Past Connectional President of

AME/Women In Ministry and currently a Consultant; September 2021

•••

First allow me to say how refreshed I was after reading your book. I say Bravo to the combination of biblical teaching along with the practical application of the work as a reinforcement of these principals. The delineation between a prophet and the office of a prophet as well as the way you clearly defined the difference between them was done with clarity. The level of training and exercises to reinforce the principals taught in the word of God being finished with model prayers was unique and a perfect way to finish your lessons. It was a textbook par excellence and a manual to reinforce the biblical principles associated with Prophecy and end times. It is a textbook to be treasured regarding end times requisites needed for school of Prophecy. This message was given from Adonal (the plural unlimited Lord) who made heaven and earth and he never fail. Thank you for your contribution to your life.

—Rev. Dr. Velma W. Union,

Church Planter, Author

Congratulations to Rev Dr Rosalyn Kyle Brookins on crafting a brilliant approach/core curriculum for the School of the Prophets. Her extraordinary insights will instruct and inspire future Prophets on their spiritual journey. Thank you, Reverend, we applaud your work in shaping the course of history for Women and all Prophets for generations to come.

—Dr Kaye Lindsey, Retired Executive-Operations Vice President

State Farm Insurance

•••

In this manual, Dr. Brookins has presented us with a liberating guide which can be used to release one’s full potential to be what God has destined us. The manual is filled with profound personal testimonies and Biblical foundations that give you hope and assurance that faith and steadfastness will see you through to full potential. It is a bold, fearless, and inspiring reimagining of the prophetic gifts as has not been expressed in this manner. Each of the eight lessons is filled with thought provoking questions that help one to delve introspectively into one’s purpose in life. The how to’s and what for’s become clear as each lesson is investigated.

—Evangelist Janet Gloyd

•••

Beloved, you heard The Call and are ready to accept it. If you don’t know where to begin, this book is for you. Reverend Rosalyn K. Brookins has written detailed instructions on how to get from where you are to where you want to be—in the supernatural realm of the Prophets. In this book, you will be introduced to the biblical route you are to take and meet those in whose footsteps you follow. Each chapter contains exactly what you need to do to ready yourself and learn how to use the Prophetic voice God has given unto you. Reverend Doctor Rosalynn Brookins research also alerts you to the pitfalls and rewards of following this path. Ride up Blessed One, let your prophetic wisdom be known! Open your mouth and let the Words of God be heard through your Prophetic voice!

—ReGena M. Booze, PhD; Retired professor, Human Development;

National and international consultant on Antibias curriculum

© 2022 Reverend Dr. Rosalynn Kyle Brookins. All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-1-66782-639-4 (Print)

ISBN 978-1-66782-640-0 (eBook)

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Table of Contents

FOREWORD: THE REBIRTH OF WOMEN’S PROPHETIC VOICES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

DEDICATION

WOMAN TO WOMAN

INTRODUCTION

The Purpose and Goal of This School

The Uniquiness of This School

Creating a Prophetic Culture

Closing Prayer of Surrender

LESSON ONE: FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES FOR

THE SCHOOL OF THE PROPHETIC

Teaching the Prophets to Speak

Prophetic Training

The Prophetic Call

Surrendered Lifestyle

Prophetic Ministry

Various Forms of Prophetic Ministry

Prophetic Training and the Church

Prophetic Terminology

Closing Prayer

LESSON TWO: HEALING FOR THE SOUL

Prophetic Healing

Prophetic Renewal

Abuse in the Church

Prophetic Independence

Closing Activity

Closing Prayer

LESSON THREE: PROPHETIC CHARACTER

Defining Character

Prophetic Self Examination

Nine Prophetic Traits

The Prophetic Assignment

Prophetic Opposition

Becoming God-Centered

Loving God

Prophetic Obedience

Prophetic Altars

Closing Activity

Closing Prayer

LESSON FOUR: THE HEART IS THE LINELINE

Developing a Repurposed Heart

Receiving a Repurposed Heart

A Repurposed Heart Is One of Repentance

A Repurposed Heart Is One of Sacrifice

A Repurposed Heart Is Born Out of Humility

Closing Activity

Closing Prayer

LESSON FIVE: PROPHETIC WORSHIP

Prophetic Worship

A Supernatural Sphere

Consecrated Garments

The Sacred Place

Characterics of Worship

The Difference Between Worship and Praise

Closing Activity

Closing Prayer

LESSON SIX: BECOMING A PROPHETIC INTERCESSOR

The Essence of Prayer

Prayer Generates Guarenteed Victories

Prophetic Intercession

Throne Room Anointing

The Sacred Thread

Dying to Self

Discovering the Position, Assignment, and Role

Closing Activity

Closing Prayer

LESSON SEVEN: PROPHETIC SISTERING

Recognizing the Gift Within

Prophetic Sistering Is Not Always Biologically Linked

Healing of Wounds

Becoming Spiritually Numb

The Recreation of Sistering

Prophetic Midwives

Closing Activity: Prophetic Oath

Closing Prayer

LESSON EIGHT: REFLECTION, SUMMARY, AND CONCLUSION

The Path to Liberation

Building Healthy Relationships

Transformative Learning

Attaining Liberation

A Global Outlook

EMPOWERING PROPHETIC PRAYERS FOR DEVOTION

1. Prayer of Prophetic Worship

2. Prayer of Gratitude

3. Renewed Strength

4. Prophetic Mothers

5. Releasing Prophetic Power

6. Prophetic Sisterhood

7. Prophetic Anointing

8. Prophetic Leadership

9. Prophetic Midwives

10. Setting the Atmosphere

11. Prophetic Gifts

12. Trusting God

13. Prophetic Friendship

14. Living a Victorious Life and Defeating the Enemy

15. A Prophetic Prayer for Young Adults