Prophet Bernard ElBernard Addresses Failed NPP Prophecy and Announces Temporary Ministry Hiatus

Introduction

In a candid and emotionally charged address to his congregation, Prophet Bernard ElBernard Nelson-Eshun of the Alive Chapel International has spoken publicly for the first time since a controversial prophecy regarding Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries failed to materialize. The prophet’s response offers a rare glimpse into how religious leaders navigate prophetic missteps while maintaining congregational trust and personal integrity.

Key Points

Background: The Failed NPP Prophecy

The controversy began when Prophet Bernard ElBernard publicly declared specific outcomes for the NPP presidential primaries that ultimately did not come to pass. This prophetic miss created significant discussion both within and outside his congregation, prompting the prophet to address the situation directly during a church service.

Prophetic declarations in charismatic Christian circles often carry significant weight, with followers expecting divine accuracy. When prophecies fail to materialize, it can create a crisis of confidence for both the prophet and their followers. This situation placed Prophet Bernard ElBernard in a position where he needed to respond thoughtfully to maintain credibility.

Analysis: The Prophet’s Response Strategy

Drawing from Personal Teachings

What makes this situation particularly noteworthy is that Prophet Bernard ElBernard drew directly from his own published work, “School of Prophecy,” to frame his response. By referencing Chapter 16, titled “When a Prophet Misses It,” he demonstrated consistency between his teachings and his actions—a crucial element in maintaining prophetic authority.

This approach shows intellectual honesty and preparedness. Rather than improvising a response, he relied on principles he had previously established, lending credibility to his current actions.

Emphasizing Accountability Over Comfort

The prophet made a striking statement about what he expects from his congregation: “I am not the kind of pastor who needs encouragement. I need you, as members of this family, to hold me to integrity and to what I said the Lord showed me.”

This request for accountability rather than comfort represents a mature approach to leadership. By inviting scrutiny rather than seeking reassurance, Prophet Bernard ElBernard positioned himself as someone committed to truth over ego protection.

The Temporary Preaching Hiatus

The decision to temporarily refrain from preaching while continuing to attend services demonstrates a nuanced understanding of responsibility. This approach allows the prophet to:

– Show respect for the congregation’s need for spiritual leadership
– Demonstrate humility by stepping back from a position of authority
– Create space for reflection and course correction
– Model the accountability he teaches in his book

Practical Advice: Lessons from Prophetic Accountability

For Religious Leaders

1. **Prepare for Potential Misses**: Develop clear protocols for addressing prophetic errors before they occur
2. **Practice Transparency**: Address mistakes openly rather than avoiding them
3. **Prioritize Integrity**: Focus on maintaining personal and organizational integrity over preserving image
4. **Model Accountability**: Demonstrate through actions what you teach about handling errors

For Congregations

1. **Balance Faith and Discernment**: Maintain faith while exercising healthy spiritual discernment
2. **Support Constructive Accountability**: Create environments where leaders can be held accountable without fear of character assassination
3. **Focus on Core Values**: Remember that prophetic words, while important, should not overshadow fundamental faith principles

FAQ

Conclusion

Prophet Bernard ElBernard’s response to his failed NPP prophecy offers a case study in prophetic accountability and leadership integrity. By drawing from his own teachings, emphasizing accountability over comfort, and taking concrete steps like the temporary preaching hiatus, he has demonstrated a commitment to the principles he espouses.

The situation highlights the complex dynamics between religious leaders and their followers, particularly when prophetic declarations don’t materialize as expected. It also shows how transparency, humility, and consistency can help maintain trust even in challenging circumstances.

As Prophet Bernard ElBernard stated, “I am not going to ask you to stay, neither am I asking you to leave. But I will be back.” This measured approach suggests a leader who understands the importance of both accountability and perseverance in spiritual leadership.