Pastor John,
Is it acceptable for the body of Christ to speak in tongues during a prayer meeting to speak in tongues if an interpreter is not present to interpret? And is it ok to speak in tongues simply because the Pastor or prayer coordinator asks us to. Please explain. I just finished reading your book “Speaking in Tongues at Spirit Baptism” and could not find the answer. I remain confused. Thank you in advance.
Elizabeth S
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Hi Elizabeth.
First, it is altogether acceptable for the body of Christ to speak in tongues when they come together. The fact that “he who speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God” (1Cor. 14:2), is often used to silence God’s people, but it is actually a great reason for the body to speak in tongues together. After all, are we not all supposed to speak to our heavenly Father when we meet? An interpreter is needed only if someone is delivering a message to the assembly in an unknown tongue.
Secondly, I don’t know what a “prayer coordinator” is, so I cannot say what he/she ought to do. It sounds like another one of those useless religious titles that Christians make up so that men can claim authority to do something that the Spirit alone is supposed to do. I would ignore instructions from such persons.
Finally, I never had a pastor who would tell the congregation to speak in tongues. The congregation I was raised in did plenty of that without being told to. I am a foreigner to the kind of religion you describe, and I feel thankful for that. Pray about the religion to which you have submitted your soul.
I hope that helps. God bless you as you continue to seek the knowledge of God. The saints here send you their love.
Pastor John