When I was young, my mother sometimes went to native doctors looking for answers. In many African communities, native doctors are believed to have access to the supernatural. She told us many stories about misadventures at the Ngambe (native doctor) house. The one that stuck with me most was when she was warned not to speak to anyone on the way home.
On her way back, she ran into her cousin and, forgetting the instruction, called out, “Besong!” Immediately she realized her mistake and suddenly could not speak. She stood there staring at him as if she had forgotten her own name. Her cousin Besong, bewildered, asked, “Grande Soeur, na weti?” (Big sister, what’s the matter?). He followed her home, and when she crossed the threshold she could speak again and the mystery was solved.
My mother told that story to us many times, and each retelling brought laughter and closeness. Eventually she stopped visiting native doctors because of her relationship with God. She now attends church. But changing the setting doesn’t always change the behavior. In some churches you still find men behind pulpits doing many of the same things native doctors do—only now it’s done under the cross rather than with cowries. A growing number of these men insist on being called “prophets.”
Having observed many of them, I see striking similarities between some self-styled prophets and the native doctors of my mother’s stories. Below are the patterns I have noticed.
1. They sell solutions
When a prophet begins to pray dramatically for you and announces those prayers, take notice: often a request for money follows. Modern-day prophets commonly ask for tithes, offerings, or “prophetic seeds” in exchange for blessings, miracles, or special anointing, claiming the money is for God. Native doctors likewise demand goats, hens, strong drinks, oil, or cash for protection, potions, or guidance, saying the payment is for the gods.
Giving to support a genuine ministry is good, but if you are pressured or uneasy about repeated demands for money, it may be time to step away. As Scripture says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
2. They keep pointing to “enemies”
Native doctors often attribute your problems to a specific person—an uncle or a neighbor who supposedly wants to block your progress. Likewise, prophets may claim to see a relative or an adversary in the spirit who is responsible for your setbacks. Even when problems have natural causes, the conversation is steered toward imagined enemies, creating a narrative in which someone must be cursed or confronted.
3. They encourage revenge
Native doctors may promise to attack a perceived enemy with curses, sickness, or misfortune. Some prophets use fiery language—“die by fire,” for example—and call for judgment rather than encouraging forgiveness. Yet the Bible teaches differently: “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” (Matthew 5:44) and “Never take revenge… Leave that to the righteous anger of God” (Romans 12:19).
4. They provide potions or anointed items to take home
Native doctors hand over potions, charms, and rubs for a fee. Some prophets distribute anointing oil, holy water, or handkerchiefs that are presented as free but are often linked to offerings made to the ministry. Others package and sell these items. I have yet to see clear biblical support for commercializing “blessed” objects.
5. They create dependence
People return to native doctors because there always seems to be another complaint that only the doctor can fix. The same dynamic exists with some prophets: congregants are told to consult the prophet before major life decisions—travel, marriage, career choices—placing the prophet at the center of their lives. This dependency keeps the relationship profitable for the leader.
6. They claim unique access to the supernatural
Native doctors assert they hold a special key to the spirit realm, returning with revelations about your life. Some prophets make the same claim, acting as your eyes in the spirit and reporting details people long to hear. Whether these insights are genuine or manufactured, they reinforce the leader’s authority.
7. They create fear
Both native doctors and some prophets find it easy to instill fear—telling you you have “issues” or spiritual attackers—then positioning themselves as the only source of relief. Fear keeps people coming back. Yet the Bible reassures us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
8. They use tricks, manipulation, and sometimes evil sources
These leaders may employ several tactics: mind programming and heavy persuasion, extracting information from you and presenting it as revelation, or relying on deceptive spiritual powers. Some are simply scammers taking advantage of vulnerability.
9. They sell hope
People long for reassurance and someone to declare that things will turn out well. Prophets and native doctors adeptly provide that comforting message—often at a cost—keeping clients hopeful and dependent.
10. They focus on themselves
Whereas true prophets of God point to God, many of these figures center themselves and their own gain. Their motive is often financial, and their ministries revolve around building influence and income rather than serving God faithfully.
There are genuine prophets given by God, as Scripture affirms: “And He gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11). The prophets of the Bible—Elijah, Elisha, Nathan, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and others—often lived difficult lives and focused on God’s mission rather than personal gain. They modeled humility and a desire for God to increase while they decreased.
True prophets live simply, serve sacrificially, and refuse to commercialize spiritual gifts. They give freely because they received freely. Above all, seek God for yourself and study the Bible. Don’t depend entirely on another person for every answer. You can access God directly where you are—don’t become a consumer Christian.
Thanks for the native doctor stories, Mommy!
Have you had an encounter with a modern-day prophet? Please share your experience below.