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Studies and statistics have been cited previously on this board concerning the drop in those having ever spoken in tongues in churches that are affiliated with organizations that teach the initial evidence doctrine.Let's be honest. Could this decline be because more and more of the pastors in these organizations secretly do not believe that tongues are real for the most part

It's because our churches have lost emphasis on Pentecostal distinctives. You can't tell our services in many cases from a non Pentecostal church or a gospel concert

Tongues in private prayer life or a church service

[quote=Da Sheik]Paul seemed more concerned that tongues were in private prayer as opposed to the corporate assembly.[/quote]

Or that tongues in the assembly be interpreted. Tongues edifies the speaker, but not the congregation. Interpretation edifies the congregation. In the assembly, 'Let all things be done unto edifying.

I just heard from my daughter today that my other daughter's church, a Church of God congregation, has given a directive to their prayer team not to speak in tongues during personal ministry time. Was quite surprised. Personally, I'd be fearful to give that directive Live an epiK life!Discover More...www.refocusing.orgA Mission in Formationwww.bluewaterinthekeys.com

I think the OP is right. People judge the validity of the tongues in their congregation by the spiritual maturity of the person manifesting them.I knew one COG pastor who had a lady in his congregation whom he judged to be a nut case. This lady happened to be on the worship team and occasionally should would speak in tongues. The pastor ordered the sound man to turn off her microphone whenever she did that and to turn up the music so she couldn't be heard.

I see very little middle ground anymore. I see 40% chasing the Todd Bentleys, 40% not even having prayer at the altar, and 20% trying to still be sensitive to the Spirit in their services

Glad to be in the 20%! Charles A. HutchinsSenior Pastor SPWCCongregational Church of Godwww.spwc.church

Truth!In a community of over 300,000 we hear folks tell us that our church is rare in that we allow for public altar calls & a divine move of the Spirit to freely operate.No, not all of our visitors like it but we are not trying to imitate the big box church down the road, (no actual implication intended) but we sincerely enjoy a move of the Holy Spirit in our worship services here at FCC Empty nest syndrome is for the birds!Email me at: [email protected] planters are focused on just one thing ...introducing people to Jesus!