Here’s the final installment of my “Prophet or punk?” series over at The Wesleyan Church website.

These posts explore the difference between prophetic boldness and dogmatic shrillness in the age of social media.

While part 2 dealt with recovering “lament,” this one deals with the prophetic hallmark of “persistent hope” expressed (perhaps) in some exuberant dances moves.

After all, the first named “prophetess” was Miriam (Exod. 15:20). And when she first steps foot upon the biblical stage to lead God’s people, it is with “with tambourines and dancing.”

Hence:

One is tempted to say that an imperfect litmus test to separate the prophet from punk is whether you can picture that person dancing.

Read the whole thing here.

Enjoy this post? Check out my new book on understanding the big story of Scripture: “Long Story Short: the Bible in Six Simple Movements,” available with Video teachings to help church small groups.

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Joshua McNall (PhD, Manchester) is Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Ambassador of Church Relations at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. In his free time, he enjoys golf, doing CrossFit with friends, and spending time with his wife, Brianna, and their four kids (Lucy, Penelope, Ewan, and Theodore).