Prophecy means different things to different people, yes. I look at the Biblical examples. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are 9. 3 gifts are verbal, 3 gifts are Faith gifts and 3 gifts are power gifts.
We studied the Old Testament prophets and saw how they did a lot of prophetic predictions as well as corrections. Often the predictions were given as judgement and conditional. If they keep on with their evil ways they would face destruction. If they repented they would be spared.
Sometimes the prophecies would predict future events. Most of these predictions would be directed to cities or a nation or even a collection of nations and lastly the whole world. I point out the different leels of collective conciousness.
In the New Testament the GIFT of prophecy was specified by St Paul as a gift given to efidy (build up) the church. No damnation, no fire and brimstone prophecies were done here. No exposing people's personal dirty laundry in public etc. It is about God encouraging the people to remain steadfast and take strength. It could be either to an individual or to a congregation. But then in Ephesians 4 we also read about the Giftings of that which is known as the 5-fold ministry
( apostle, prophet, teacher, evangelist and shepherd or pastor). Here the
office or the calling of the prophet is similar to the Old Testament prophet. He could function as one who would bring correction or direction. He could speak of future events. There are some examples in the New Testament of this too.
But these are pretty much the guidelines. They have been pretty sound and were taught to give people an understanding. Before they were used as guideline people were pretty much given free reign which often led to abuse of the gift and people were hurting and controlling people. All these gifts can only operate in love is the foundation as Paul writes in the very next chapter 1 Cor 13, and then he continues to discuss the gift of Prophecy in more details in 1 Cor 14. It gives one the idea of a sandwich. 2 slices of bread talking about the spiritual gifts and the filling being love. If there is no love, then the gift is useless.
But then it is also accepted that one does not become a prophet overnight. If one's gift is recognised and there is a calling, the leaders in the congregation (elders and other prophets or pastors) would confer this calling with a prayer and the laying on of hands in a public event in church. Even then it sometimes takes 15 - 20 years for this gift to take full effect. You grow into it.
Otherwise you get those self appointed prophets going to places prophecying gloom and damnation, but cause more damage and hurt people. The world does not really need that. That is why the church worldwide is a mess and the world we live in is a mess. And that is why I believe there is a place for psychics and christianity and astrology together around the same table.
Once again: These are just my views as I share them from my heart. I do not wish to impose them on anyone, and anyone is welcome to differ with me on this.
Peace and blessings