A seven minute reflection on the five key seasons of a life lived out of a divine calling, mission, or purpose.

1. THE PROPHETIC
LIFECYCLE
By Bill Faris, MPC

2. Introduction
The term “Prophet” is used broadly in this
presentation to describe a person who is living from
a strong sense of chosen purpose. This purpose
fuels their mission and shapes their message.
• I am assuming a Judeo-Christian understanding of purpose, calling and
message.

3. Mini-Cycles, Maxi-Cycle
• The five steps in this cycle repeat on a smaller
cycle over and over as well as on a more grand
scale over a lifetime.

4. Cycle One: The Calling is Recognized
• “I MUST go!”
The servant of God receives his or her call. This
call may “break in” on them or they may uncover
their call over a period of time.
Either way, they are inspired to surrender to the
call and draw identity, inspiration and life
direction from it.

5. Cycle Two: The Calling is Engaged
• “Here I go!”
The prophet begins to live into their calling
and learn their first lessons in accomplishing it.
They act “as if”.
This is the season of their “first bloom” in
which the call is confirmed, put into motion
and some successes are identified.

6. Cycle Three: The Runner Stumbles
• “Where did it go?”
Reversal, crisis, missteps or other factors
cause the call to be questioned.
Obscurity, doubt, reassessment, shedding and
sometimes abandonment of the call are all
possible outcomes.

7. Cycle Four: The Calling is Re-engaged
• “Here I go again”
A new season of ministry is inaugurated. It comes from
a deeper, more refined place.
The prophet’s identity is now merged with their calling
(no more “as if”).
There is evidence of convergence.
A certain fearlessness is displayed.

8. Cycle Five: The Sun Sets
• “There YOU go!”
A legacy is prepared.
The prophet begins a graceful exit or some kind of
disengagement begins.
The focus is to pass on the call or empower others.
The prophet’s role shifts more to fathering / mothering /
mentoring in a quest to add value to up-and-comers.

9. Conclusion