“For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.”
1 Corinthians 14:31

The Vocal Minority
Recently I attended some small group meetings where the same people prayed, taught and led week after week, often for a long time. By the way, what they said was usually encouraging. But, how did this affect the silent majority? For some, it was a good time for a nap. Others felt intimidated because they could never pray that long, so why try? They reasoned, “What will my little one sentence prayer sound like?”

Why is the participation in our gatherings limited to the faithful few? There are many reasons – habit, insecurity, control, or simply immaturity. It’s also easier to function in this way! I think it takes more effort to involve others. Listening is more difficult for some of us. Also, to have open participatory meetings, where everyone is encouraged, is less predictable, messy, requires faith in God, and faith in others. To have such meetings requires self-sacrifice, and a desire for all to grow spiritually. What did Paul say to the Corinthians, whose meetings resembled a three-ring circus?

If I told you that the church in Corinth zealously used their spiritual gifts in their meetings, you would probably assume they were mature Christians. But, sadly, the opposite was true. They were actually immature, arrogant and competitive. Their gatherings looked more like two politicians yelling and arguing with one another than the family of Jesus Christ. Why were some prophesying all at the same time? Why didn’t they interpret the person who spoke in tongues? One brother came drunk, while another gorged himself with food as soon as he arrived! How would you describe your gatherings? Is everyone instructed and encouraged though open participation? What might need to change?

Breaking Free From Me
“The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.” 1 Corinthians 14:32

The Corinthians no longer met together to love Jesus Christ and one another. Paul admonished them to make sure “that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.” He told them that it was worthless to use their spiritual gift if they failed to edify (build up) others. “It is not about you!”

As God’s children, we know that we should be more interested in others and their needs than we are our own. Paul wrote, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than ourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus…” Philippians 2:3-5

Considering others to be more important than ourselves is the foundation for a godly life and a healthy church. Dying to ourselves – our plans, our desires, our reputation, and living for God and others, is a summary of the Christian life.

We can manifest this attitude during our church gatherings by looking for ways to serve others and point them to Jesus. This may mean speaking less and listening more for some of us. Like Paul said, “the spirit of the prophet is subject to the prophet.” It may mean learning how to make it easier for others to speak up. It is God’s will that you help all of your brothers and sisters be encouraged. Next we will discover practical ways to encourage everyone during our gatherings, as well as during the week. After all, we are the church 24-7. Let’s act like it!

Steps to Recovery
“For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not edified.” 1 Corinthians 14:17

How can we recover participatory meetings where everyone’s faith is strengthened? Just as Paul gave practical steps to the Corinthians, we too can recover and change. What has God been teaching you? Do you usually have something from God to give to others? Come prepared! Do others understand what you share? Paul said, “for you are giving thanks,” but it was of no benefit to others because they didn’t understand! Also, if you say something at an inappropriate time, it does not help others. Pray, “Lord, could what I say be helpful to others at this moment?

Spontaneously sharing a verse that God gave you is often appropriate. These are some good questions to ask yourself when you’re thinking about speaking longer. Have I already shared this with my spouse or friends? Did it help them? How do I know? Start small; learn to be effective with one person, before you teach a large group.

Practical Application:
1. Some need to learn to be better listeners. 2. Some need to learn to speak up. 3. Ask questions to promote discussion. 4. Don’t answer every question yourself. 5. Let others speak, even if their theology is not exactly correct. 6. Break up into smaller groups if necessary.  7. Encourage debate in a safe environment. Discuss ideas and avoid personal attacks. 8. Respectfully interrupt someone when unprofitable or lengthy. 9. Speak to anyone after the meeting who was domineering, off-base theologically, or who spoke unkindly. 10. Most importantly, give care to one another during the week. Your meeting is only one aspect of being a church.

Stephen S. Nelson

Missionary in Kiev, Ukraine

Author of the book Secure in an Insecure World
For more information on the book and to find out how you can order, go to this site