What is a prophet?

One of my readers and I have been talking about the gift of prophecy. He’s been asking me some excellent questions. I have really enjoyed our conversation. I wanted to continue our discussion here and also invite my other readers to respond. I’ve come up with some questions or points of conversation to get you thinking.

1. What is a prophet or prophetic minister? Or, what does it mean to be a prophet?
2. What is the ultimate goal of prophecy?
3. What should you do with a prophetic word if someone gives you one?
4. Is there a difference between biblical prophets and the people who put “Prophet” on their business cards today?
5. Is there a difference between the position/calling of a prophet and the spirit of prophecy? (1 Samuel 10:11: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”)
6. How do you reconcile the 100% accuracy of the biblical prophets with Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 13:9, “For we know in part and we prophesy in part”? Do prophets increase in accuracy?
7. Are prophets/prophetic ministers supposed to be “on” all the time? (Nathan in 2 Samuel 7)
8. And a biggie: Does the accuracy of a prophet/prophetic minister have anything to do with their spiritual maturity?

Have at it! Jarrod, feel free to jump in with your questions and concerns.