Why Can't My Congregation Speak in Tongues Corporately?

Welcome to Living Word Cast!

I’m Pastor Michael Chilcott, coming to you from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This podcast exists to proclaim, teach, and explore the Word of God together. Our goal is to provide sound theological and biblical guidance on all things Scripture, helping you grow deeper in your understanding of the Bible and your relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Whether you’re seeking answers, encouragement, or a closer walk with God, this podcast is here to help you stay firmly rooted in the truth of God’s Word.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a controversial and often misunderstood topic: why can’t my congregation speak in tongues corporately? There is a lot of debate around this, but as always, we will turn to the Word of God for clarity. We’ll examine the gifts of the Spirit, the proper use of tongues in public worship, and the order God desires in His church.

Our key scripture references today will come from 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 14, and Acts 2. We’ll focus on a biblical understanding of tongues in the corporate setting and answer the important question: how should we, as the body of Christ, approach the use of spiritual gifts in our worship services?Let’s begin by looking at 1 Corinthians 12:28-30. Here, Paul addresses the gifts of the Spirit within the body of Christ:

"And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?" (1 Corinthians 12:28-30, ESV)

In this passage, Paul is outlining the diversity of spiritual gifts that God has distributed among His people. Notice the rhetorical questions Paul asks: “Do all speak with tongues?” Clearly, not everyone has the gift of tongues, and therefore, it’s important to recognize that not every member of the congregation will exercise this particular gift.

So, why is this important when we think about speaking in tongues in the corporate setting? If not everyone possesses this gift, it follows that not everyone will be able to participate in a corporate expression of tongues. It’s vital to remember that spiritual gifts are given for the edification of the body and should never become a source of division or confusion.