An Interview With Prophetess Teresa H. Johnson, Founder and President of Voices of Christ Literary Ministries International

KP: 1) Welcome, Prophetess Theresa, thank you for stopping by our blog today. Tell our readers about yourself . . .

PT: Thank you Prophetess Karen for inviting me. I am Theresa Harvard Johnson, founder and president, of Voices of Christ Literary Ministries International, a mentoring network for Christian writers. My assignment and that of Voices of Christ in the lives of writers is to ignite a fire and a passion in their hearts for the message of the Gospel. I want to see them become so in love with Jesus Christ that their only desire is to convey the Father’s heart through everything they write. When a writer develops that kind of passion they will freely release the things revealed to them; their ears will be attentive to the Father voice and their desire will be to deliver that message to as many people as possible. This kind of passion supersedes personal goals or ambitions and embraces salvation’s greatest call --- reconciliation.

KP: 2) What is the VOC Writer's Retreat?

PT: This retreat is an intimate get-a-way for those focused on writing as ministry. It’s an opportunity to dive into the power of prophetic ministry as it relates to the worship arts and scribal prophecy, or should I say, written prophecy. There are Christian writers all over the world who are hearing streams of words flow from their spirit creatively or even as instructions. They cannot rest until they pick up their pens and record everything they hear. While some people are aware of what is taking place inside them when this happens, there are many others who are not. This retreat focuses exclusively on bringing them into a full understanding of what it means to write this way --- and why we call it prophetic writing.

KP: 3) How did it get started?

PT: Voices of Christ started out as small group of poets who wanted to share the poetic message of the gospel with others. This was around 2001. We didn’t know what we were doing really . . . we just knew that people needed to hear what the Lord was placing in our hearts. The more we ministered through poetry and spoken word, the more the Lord gave us. We would often meet to pray, and I would find myself finding nuggets in the word of God that pertained to the ministry of writing. Over the course of a year, the thirst to learn more about writing as ministry grew within me. In June of 2003, we held our first two-day prophetic writing intensive. So much healing went forth among the writers in attendance. They realized they were not misfits in the body and what they had to say was relevant. They learned that they were just used differently; and that the Lord had given them a kind of uniqueness rooted in words. I watched as these writers found relevance and self worth through the teaching. I saw a fire ignite within them as they began walking into the knowledge of who they are to the Lord. It was during that first two-day intensive six years ago that I fully embraced this teaching mantle and began devoting myself to study in this area. Over the course of the next year, we continued to have classes. Then in 2005, we changed the name from a two-year intensive to the “Christian Prophetic Poet’s & Writer’s Retreat.” Truly the Lord built this.

KP: Prophetess Theresa, in listening to you it is obvious the Lord built this and kind of “set you up”. I love it!

KP: 3a) How often do you host the retreat?/Where?

PT: I always laugh when I’m asked these two questions because I do not know. VOC host retreats and writing classes by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Even now, I don’t know when we will have another one. I do know that it won’t be in Georgia.

KP: I know exactly what you mean Prophetess Theresa. I chuckle when I receive these type of interview questions also. It’s hard when you are carrying out the Lord’s directions as He gives them. If He hasn’t directed, then we don’t know and certainly will not move out on our own just to be “doing something.” When you are truly doing His work versus your own, it often works one step at a time. Boy can I relate!

KP: 4) So, we can take away from this that VOC is definitely different. What will writers who attend the retreat learn and receive that they will not at any other retreat?

PT: There are some awesome Christian writing retreats across the country. Many of them focus on the mechanics of writing; the ins and outs of publishing, and the marketing process. We need this information; however, the greater need is for the spirit and soul of the Christian writer to be fully committed to Jesus Christ. Our focus is on developing the “epistle” in each and every writer that walks through the doors of Voices of Christ. Sometimes, so much focus is placed on the mechanics and the success of the writer that we can forget that heaven and hell are real. Many forget that the role of a disciple is to make disciples – not to market and sell books. When writers leave a Voices of Christ retreat, their ministry foundation will be solid. No one will be able to tell them who they are as scribes to the King. They will no longer focus on the cosmetics of their books; but on the message inside – ensuring that it is conveying the Lord’s heart. While we want the stories told and the messages published, the desire for transformation in the hearts of men supersedes all. They will not get this from another retreat.

KP: Oh yeah, this is definitely what makes this retreat different than all the other retreats out here!

KP: 5) How can they register and receive more information?

PT: We have a retreat website that provides detailed information on the venue and the registration process. Please visit www.voicesofchrist.com.

KP: 6) As we close, what would you share with our readers about getting their writing projects completed?

PT: Every book given to us by the Holy Spirit has an assignment. This means that there is someone here on earth who needs to read the revelation released to you. As a result, writers must learn to tune their ears to the Father, write when He says write, and begin the publishing process when He says begin. I always know that it is time for me to write because the Lord will begin speaking to me about that book. So, I'll stop what I'm doing. Sit down and just let Him speak to me as I write. When its time to publish, I receive this same type of urgency within my Spirit. I wasn't always obedient when I felt the pull to write and publish; but I quickly learned to follow His leading and to listen. When I did, He always met me with revelation and resources.

A prophetic writer will never successfully complete their work if they lack the discipline to listen to the Lord. This is, in my opinion, the most important step to completing the writing process and completing the publishing process. I've learned not to place to much effort on finding an editor, designing the book cover or any of the other components of the book. What good will all of that do if the book remains unfinished? As the Lord is really teaching that writer how to do things His way versus the ways we've picked up from others, a purging takes place. A part of the listening process is a purging for a prophetic writer. Everything the prophetic writer does will be rooted in "hearing" Him when He speaks. If you remember nothing else about completing your projects, I pray that you remember this.

KP: 7) What else would you like to share with our readers?

PT: The 2009 Christian Prophetic Poet’s & Writer’s Retreat is an intense, Holy Spirit filled event. Every session is interactive. You are not just sitting down getting a lecture, but you’re given opportunities to ask questions, participate and to share your heart with those in attendance. Our speakers are there during the retreat to serve you. We share meals together and even hang out late in the evenings after the sessions have ended in fellowship. Everyone is important and what you need from the Lord matters to us. When you leave, your life will never be the same.

Again, thank you for the opportunity!

KP: You are most welcome, Prophetess Theresa. I’m so glad you were able to drop by our blog and share the work of Voices of Christ and the 2009 Writer’s Retreat. I can’t wait for the retreat. Yes, my husband and I will be there. Why don't you join us?