With the exception of a minority of cessationists (who happen to be louder in the western world than the global church), most Christians believe that God can speak to them today. Tania Harris earned her PhD studying these revelatory experiences and shares her insight with the church in The Church Who Hear’s God’s Voice.

Harris firmly believes that God speaks today and therefore, it is incumbent on churches to learn to listen!

The voice of God that spoke to the Old Covenant prophets and the New Testament church is still the voice that speaks today. (50)

The biggest challenge with hearing God’s voice is discernment. How do we know it’s God? Harris recognizes the challenge and devotes three chapters to this topic. She argues that we should begin skeptical, recognizing that we can get it wrong. On the other hand, we should also develop confidence. “Even in our weakness, God is able to put his words into our mouths” (120). Amen! Building on those foundational attitudes, Christians should ask whether the voice sounds like Jesus and whether signs accompany the message.

My research interest lies in charismatic prophecy—that moment when God inspires people to speak to others on his behalf. While prophecy is within the range of Harris’ work, she takes a broader view, including those moments when God speaks to us for our own sake.

The Church Who Hears God’s Voice is a wise, practical, and theologically informed resource for church leadership and small groups. Filled with well-fitting illustrations, this book will inspire discussion and hopefully, a listening ear.

Harris, Tania. The Church Who Hears God’s Voice: Equipping Everyone to Recognize and Respond to the Spirit. Paternoster, 2022.