The Rise and Fall of the Kansas City Prophets

Prophecy is perhaps the most controversial of all the spiritual gifts listed in the New Testament. Many in the charismatic community welcome its presence as one way in which the Holy Spirit strengthens and encourages believers. Others insist that God no longer provides this gift, insofar as it would threaten the finality and sufficiency of Scripture. No other group promoted and practiced this spiritual gift with greater impact than did the so-called Kansas City Prophets. Their claims of a variety of supernatural and revelatory experiences have exerted a massive influence on the body of Christ, not only in the US but globally. This book describes who they were, where they came from, and what they insist were genuine prophetic events, together with a critique of their validity. Both their rise and fall contribute to a deeper understanding of the nature of this one spiritual gift as well as insight into the inner dynamics of the charismatic movement itself. Sam Storms writes as an insider within the movement and provides a fresh and honest evaluation of both the alleged success and obvious failures of this controversial chapter in the history of charismatic Christianity.