Stop Waiting for a Revival. Start Using Your Spiritual Gifts.

In the landscape of modern Christianity, there's an elephant in the room that many are hesitant to address: the controversial spiritual gifts. These gifts, often misunderstood, not practiced, or simply uncomfortable for many, include tongues, prophecy, and even less discussed gifts like celibacy and martyrdom. But what if these very gifts, in their controversy, hold the key to revitalizing our faith and communities?

The gift of tongues, for instance, is often shrouded in mystery and misconception. It's crucial to distinguish between the tongues mentioned in Acts 2, which empowered believers for ministry, and the gift of tongues described in 1 Corinthians 14, meant for personal edification and encouragement. Picture a group of pastors praying in tongues on the island of Iona - an experience described as emotional, weird, and yet profoundly right. This mysterious gift, when understood correctly, can be a powerful tool for intercession and personal spiritual growth.

Prophecy, another oft-misunderstood gift, isn't about predicting the future but rather about "declaring the wonders of God in a language others understand." It's about bold proclamation and building up the church. As we delve into 1 Corinthians 14, we find Paul's instructions on how to exercise these gifts in worship:

"What should be done then, my friends? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up." (1 Corinthians 14:26)

Paul goes on to provide guidelines for speaking in tongues and prophesying in the church setting. He emphasizes order and interpretation, ensuring that these gifts serve to edify the entire congregation, not just the individual.

But here's the crux of the matter: how many of our modern church services truly reflect Paul's instructions? When was the last time you attended a service where individuals freely shared hymns, lessons, revelations, or interpretations of tongues? The reality is that most of our worship experiences today bear little resemblance to the dynamic, participatory gatherings Paul describes.

This discrepancy isn't necessarily wrong, but it does highlight a significant limitation in our current approach to corporate worship. While valuable in their own right, our large Sunday gatherings often lack the intimacy and individual participation that smaller, relational gatherings provide.

Despite its growing numbers, the early church in Jerusalem maintained a balance. They met together in large gatherings but also "from house to house," fostering relationships and allowing individuals to grow in their gifts. This dual approach enabled them to experience both the power of collective worship and the intimacy of small-group discipleship.

Here's a challenging thought: if our only worship experience is a 60-90-minute service on Sunday morning with a larger group (over 25 people), we're missing out on the full spectrum of what God intends for His church. The controversial gifts bring life to our faith communities—not through polished performances or charismatic preaching but through the activation of God's gifts to each believer.

So, what's the solution? Do we need to overhaul our Sunday services completely? Not necessarily. But we must regularly worship in spaces where believers can exercise their gifts in smaller, more intimate settings. Face-to-face, smaller gatherings enable us to activate our gifts and experience the dynamic of God's Spirit in ways that large gatherings often can't accommodate.

This is the heart of Pentecostal spirituality—not just emotional experiences or supernatural manifestations, but the growth, binding together, and discipleship that occur when believers regularly cultivate their gifts with one another. We are hard-wired for connection, not isolation. Getting lost in a big crowd, no matter how entertaining or inspiring the service, is not the apex of discipleship. It also is a poor definition of success for any church.

The truly controversial aspect of spiritual gifts isn't in their expression, but in their neglect. When we fail to create opportunities for mutual edification and the exercise of diverse gifts, we rob ourselves and our communities of the life-giving power these gifts were meant to bring.

So, what's the next step? Consider joining or starting a small group. Whether it's a Bible study, a group focused on specific life stages or challenges, or simply a gathering of believers committed to growing together; these smaller settings provide the perfect environment for discovering and developing your spiritual gifts.

Remember, the goal isn't to create more religious activities or to replace our corporate worship experiences. Instead, it's to complement them with spaces where every believer can participate, contribute, and grow. As Paul exhorts us:

"Pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy." (1 Corinthians 14:1)

When we pursue these gifts, we are not seeking supernatural experiences for their own sake. We are seeking to embody and connect with what God speaks to each of us and, in turn, build up the body of Christ.

Reflect on these questions: Are we settling for a spectator faith or actively pursuing the gifts God has given us? Are we creating spaces in our faith communities where every believer can contribute and grow? The controversial gifts call us back to a more vibrant, participatory faith - where every believer is empowered to play their unique part in God's grand design.

The controversy is that “revival” has always been offered to us. The misery question is whether or not we will grow into it.