Thanks for asking for clarification. I think you’re trying to make the 1 Cor. 141 Corinthians 14
[14:1]Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual
gifts, especially that you may prophesy. [2]For one who
speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one
understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
[3]On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to
people for their upbuilding and encouragement and
consolation. [4]The one who speaks in a tongue builds up
himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
[5]Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to
prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one
who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that
the church may be built up.
[6]Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues,
how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation
or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? [7]If even lifeless
instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give
distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? [8]And
if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready
for battle? [9]So with yourselves, if with your tongue you
utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know
what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.
[10]There are doubtless many different languages in the
world, and none is without meaning, [11]but if I do not
know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to
the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. [12]So with
yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the
Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
[13]Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray
for the power to interpret. [14]For if I pray in a tongue,
my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. [15]What am I to
do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my
mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will
sing with my mind also. [16]Otherwise, if you give thanks
with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an
outsider say "Amen" to your thanksgiving when he does not
know what you are saying? [17]For you may be giving thanks
well enough, but the other person is not being built up.
[18]I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of
you. [19]Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five
words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten
thousand words in a tongue.
[20]Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be
infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. [21]In the
Law it is written, "By people of strange tongues and by the
lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even
then they will not listen to me, says the Lord." [22]Thus
tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers,
while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for
believers. [23]If, therefore, the whole church comes
together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or
unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of
your minds? [24]But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or
outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to
account by all, [25]the secrets of his heart are disclosed,
and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and
declare that God is really among you.
[26]What then, brothers? 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.
[27]If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at
most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret.
[28]But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them
keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.
[29]Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others
weigh what is said. [30]If a revelation is made to another
sitting there, let the first be silent. [31]For you can all
prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be
encouraged, [32]and the spirits of prophets are subject to
prophets. [33]For God is not a God of confusion but of
peace.
As in all the churches of the saints, [34]the women
should keep silent in the churches. For they are not
permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law
also says. [35]If there is anything they desire to learn,
let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for
a woman to speak in church.
[36]Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are
you the only ones it has reached? [37]If anyone thinks that
he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that
the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
[38]If anyone does not recognize this, he is not
recognized. [39]So, my brothers, earnestly desire to
prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. [40]But
all things should be done decently and in order. (ESV)

passage say too much. It seems to me that Paul’s primary point is that prophetic words should be evaluated, not that they should be free and spontaneous. He was addressing a situation where numerous people were speaking at the same time, and the result was confusion. His instruction that the first prophet should stop speaking when a second person received a revelation was intended to bring order. Previously everyone would just speak at the same time. Therefore, I think the pre-screening of prophecies that are intended to serve the church is in line with the spirit of what Paul is saying here and in 1 Thess. 51 Thessalonians 5
[5:1]Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers,
you have no need to have anything written to you. [2]For
you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord
will come like a thief in the night. [3]While people are
saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden
destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a
pregnant woman, and they will not escape. [4]But you are
not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you
like a thief. [5]For you are all children of light,
children of the day. We are not of the night or of the
darkness. [6]So then let us not sleep, as others do, but
let us keep awake and be sober. [7]For those who sleep,
sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at
night. [8]But since we belong to the day, let us be sober,
having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a
helmet the hope of salvation. [9]For God has not destined
us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord
Jesus Christ, [10]who died for us so that whether we are
awake or asleep we might live with him. [11]Therefore
encourage one another and build one another up, just as you
are doing.
[12]We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor
among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
[13]and to esteem them very highly in love because of their
work. Be at peace among yourselves. [14]And we urge you,
brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted,
help the weak, be patient with them all. [15]See that no
one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good
to one another and to everyone. [16]Rejoice always,
[17]pray without ceasing, [18]give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
for you. [19]Do not quench the Spirit. [20]Do not despise
prophecies, [21]but test everything; hold fast what is
good. [22]Abstain from every form of evil.
[23]Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you
completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be
kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[24]He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
[25]Brothers, pray for us.
[26]Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
[27]I put you under oath before the Lord to have this
letter read to all the brothers.
[28]The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (ESV)

. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s wrong when churches allow people to speak out spontaneously. I simply wouldn’t interpret as the only way to communicate prophetic words in the church. Hope that’s helpful.

My question, I think, is whether PRE-screening those contributions undermines the apparently free and spontaneous nature of them, as described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 141 Corinthians 14
[14:1]Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual
gifts, especially that you may prophesy. [2]For one who
speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one
understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
[3]On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to
people for their upbuilding and encouragement and
consolation. [4]The one who speaks in a tongue builds up
himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
[5]Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to
prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one
who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that
the church may be built up.
[6]Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues,
how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation
or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? [7]If even lifeless
instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give
distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? [8]And
if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready
for battle? [9]So with yourselves, if with your tongue you
utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know
what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.
[10]There are doubtless many different languages in the
world, and none is without meaning, [11]but if I do not
know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to
the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. [12]So with
yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the
Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
[13]Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray
for the power to interpret. [14]For if I pray in a tongue,
my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. [15]What am I to
do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my
mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will
sing with my mind also. [16]Otherwise, if you give thanks
with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an
outsider say "Amen" to your thanksgiving when he does not
know what you are saying? [17]For you may be giving thanks
well enough, but the other person is not being built up.
[18]I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of
you. [19]Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five
words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten
thousand words in a tongue.
[20]Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be
infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. [21]In the
Law it is written, "By people of strange tongues and by the
lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even
then they will not listen to me, says the Lord." [22]Thus
tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers,
while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for
believers. [23]If, therefore, the whole church comes
together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or
unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of
your minds? [24]But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or
outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to
account by all, [25]the secrets of his heart are disclosed,
and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and
declare that God is really among you.
[26]What then, brothers? 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.
[27]If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at
most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret.
[28]But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them
keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.
[29]Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others
weigh what is said. [30]If a revelation is made to another
sitting there, let the first be silent. [31]For you can all
prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be
encouraged, [32]and the spirits of prophets are subject to
prophets. [33]For God is not a God of confusion but of
peace.
As in all the churches of the saints, [34]the women
should keep silent in the churches. For they are not
permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law
also says. [35]If there is anything they desire to learn,
let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for
a woman to speak in church.
[36]Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are
you the only ones it has reached? [37]If anyone thinks that
he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that
the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
[38]If anyone does not recognize this, he is not
recognized. [39]So, my brothers, earnestly desire to
prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. [40]But
all things should be done decently and in order. (ESV)

. The sifting process there seems to take place POST-contribution.

And again, I understand that doing it like that can be a lot messier and more difficult for the leadership, but I’m operating on the assumption that there is a reason (whether I understand it or not) that it was done that way.

Am I misunderstanding the text, or if I understand it correctly, am I misapplying it?

My struggle with this is really exegetical and not practical. I guess I just don’t see the screening process in the text. Forgoing some sort of screening would potentially increase the need for public correction (which is never pleasant), but seems to me to be more faithful to what Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 141 Corinthians 14
[14:1]Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual
gifts, especially that you may prophesy. [2]For one who
speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one
understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
[3]On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to
people for their upbuilding and encouragement and
consolation. [4]The one who speaks in a tongue builds up
himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
[5]Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to
prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one
who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that
the church may be built up.
[6]Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues,
how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation
or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? [7]If even lifeless
instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give
distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? [8]And
if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready
for battle? [9]So with yourselves, if with your tongue you
utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know
what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.
[10]There are doubtless many different languages in the
world, and none is without meaning, [11]but if I do not
know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to
the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. [12]So with
yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the
Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
[13]Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray
for the power to interpret. [14]For if I pray in a tongue,
my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. [15]What am I to
do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my
mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will
sing with my mind also. [16]Otherwise, if you give thanks
with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an
outsider say "Amen" to your thanksgiving when he does not
know what you are saying? [17]For you may be giving thanks
well enough, but the other person is not being built up.
[18]I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of
you. [19]Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five
words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten
thousand words in a tongue.
[20]Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be
infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. [21]In the
Law it is written, "By people of strange tongues and by the
lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even
then they will not listen to me, says the Lord." [22]Thus
tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers,
while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for
believers. [23]If, therefore, the whole church comes
together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or
unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of
your minds? [24]But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or
outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to
account by all, [25]the secrets of his heart are disclosed,
and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and
declare that God is really among you.
[26]What then, brothers? 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.
[27]If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at
most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret.
[28]But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them
keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.
[29]Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others
weigh what is said. [30]If a revelation is made to another
sitting there, let the first be silent. [31]For you can all
prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be
encouraged, [32]and the spirits of prophets are subject to
prophets. [33]For God is not a God of confusion but of
peace.
As in all the churches of the saints, [34]the women
should keep silent in the churches. For they are not
permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law
also says. [35]If there is anything they desire to learn,
let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for
a woman to speak in church.
[36]Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are
you the only ones it has reached? [37]If anyone thinks that
he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that
the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
[38]If anyone does not recognize this, he is not
recognized. [39]So, my brothers, earnestly desire to
prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. [40]But
all things should be done decently and in order. (ESV)

.

On a practical note, however, I think that the errors you describe above could probably be avoided with good leadership, whether there was a screening process in place or not. The real question, for me, is whether this (or any) particular practice conforms to the Biblical pattern.

Having said all that, though, I fully realize that I could either be misunderstanding the text, or that this text may not be normative for all meetings. I welcome any other thoughts you might have in response.

And, finally, I really do appreciate this post. I plan to share it with my pastor, as it addresses a subject we’ve discussed a number of times. Thanks again!

Thanks for stopping by and for your question. I’d start by saying that what is described in 1 Corinthians 141 Corinthians 14
[14:1]Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual
gifts, especially that you may prophesy. [2]For one who
speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one
understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
[3]On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to
people for their upbuilding and encouragement and
consolation. [4]The one who speaks in a tongue builds up
himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
[5]Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to
prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one
who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that
the church may be built up.
[6]Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues,
how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation
or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? [7]If even lifeless
instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give
distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? [8]And
if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready
for battle? [9]So with yourselves, if with your tongue you
utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know
what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.
[10]There are doubtless many different languages in the
world, and none is without meaning, [11]but if I do not
know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to
the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. [12]So with
yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the
Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
[13]Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray
for the power to interpret. [14]For if I pray in a tongue,
my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. [15]What am I to
do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my
mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will
sing with my mind also. [16]Otherwise, if you give thanks
with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an
outsider say "Amen" to your thanksgiving when he does not
know what you are saying? [17]For you may be giving thanks
well enough, but the other person is not being built up.
[18]I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of
you. [19]Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five
words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten
thousand words in a tongue.
[20]Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be
infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. [21]In the
Law it is written, "By people of strange tongues and by the
lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even
then they will not listen to me, says the Lord." [22]Thus
tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers,
while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for
believers. [23]If, therefore, the whole church comes
together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or
unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of
your minds? [24]But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or
outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to
account by all, [25]the secrets of his heart are disclosed,
and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and
declare that God is really among you.
[26]What then, brothers? 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.
[27]If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at
most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret.
[28]But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them
keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.
[29]Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others
weigh what is said. [30]If a revelation is made to another
sitting there, let the first be silent. [31]For you can all
prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be
encouraged, [32]and the spirits of prophets are subject to
prophets. [33]For God is not a God of confusion but of
peace.
As in all the churches of the saints, [34]the women
should keep silent in the churches. For they are not
permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law
also says. [35]If there is anything they desire to learn,
let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for
a woman to speak in church.
[36]Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are
you the only ones it has reached? [37]If anyone thinks that
he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that
the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
[38]If anyone does not recognize this, he is not
recognized. [39]So, my brothers, earnestly desire to
prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. [40]But
all things should be done decently and in order. (ESV)

isn’t meant to be our only model for prophetic ministry. Paul was bringing order to an unwieldy, disorderly situation. But he doesn’t command all contributions to spontaneous and unscripted. In smaller groups that kind of spontaneous ministry is more manageable and appropriate.

But as a church grows, the pastor(s) are responsible to insure that what takes place serves the entire church. We’ve found that when contributions aren’t well led, there can be a number of negative effects. People can contribute from sinful motives, they can make contradictory or unscriptural points, the preaching of the Word can be neglected, and people can tend to develop a mentality that exalts spontaneous experience over objective truth.

Spontaneity is a characteristic of prophecy, but what comes spontaneously at one moment doesn’t have to be shared right away. Timing is another aspect of the Spirit’s leading. He may bring something spontaneously to mind in our devotions that he wants us to share with someone later in the week.

Let me know if that’s helpful.

Thanks for your helpful and humble comments. I think the question of prophecy has to do with whether or not God ever speaks to us situationally or circumstantially, in ways that aren’t canonical, but are nevertheless, truly him speaking to us. I understand how some could see this as leading to a gross subjectivism, but the right response to abuse of a gift isn’t disuse, but proper use.

Paul himself said we “prophesy in part” and “see through a mirror dimly” ( 1 Cor. 13:9, 121 Corinthians 13:9
[9]For we know in part and we prophesy in part, (ESV)

). In commenting on how Paul viewed prophecy in the Corinthian church, Max Turner, professor of NT Studies at London School of Theology, writes, “[Paul] may have expected prophecies to give direction in situations where neither Scripture, nor gospel, nor tradition could do so, or to set particular Corinthian events, practices or spiritual states in heavenly perspective. Through such prophecies the risen Lord might be expected to reveal how he perceived the church’s condition in general and in particular, and to give it spiritual direction” (The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts, p. 215). Al Allan said above, Paul obviously didn’t expect the New Testament prophecies to be “home runs” every time, or else they wouldn’t have to be tested.

I’ve known people who have had a remarkable track record for sharing accurate prophetic words. I’ve known others who are consistently “off.” But no one has been close to 100% right. I don’t expect them to be. But neither do I expect that the Spirit will never speak to us for our upbuilding, encouragement, and consolation ( 1 Cor. 14:31 Corinthians 14:3
[3]On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to
people for their upbuilding and encouragement and
consolation. (ESV)

). The fact is, the Holy Spirit gives numerous gifts to the members of the church for the edification of the body. Why limit ourselves to a few?

I do agree that careful oversight is critical to this process, but the type of screening you describe in Step 3 seems foreign to the text in 1 Corinthians 141 Corinthians 14
[14:1]Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual
gifts, especially that you may prophesy. [2]For one who
speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one
understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
[3]On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to
people for their upbuilding and encouragement and
consolation. [4]The one who speaks in a tongue builds up
himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
[5]Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to
prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one
who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that
the church may be built up.
[6]Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues,
how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation
or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? [7]If even lifeless
instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give
distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? [8]And
if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready
for battle? [9]So with yourselves, if with your tongue you
utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know
what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.
[10]There are doubtless many different languages in the
world, and none is without meaning, [11]but if I do not
know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to
the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. [12]So with
yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the
Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
[13]Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray
for the power to interpret. [14]For if I pray in a tongue,
my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. [15]What am I to
do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my
mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will
sing with my mind also. [16]Otherwise, if you give thanks
with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an
outsider say "Amen" to your thanksgiving when he does not
know what you are saying? [17]For you may be giving thanks
well enough, but the other person is not being built up.
[18]I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of
you. [19]Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five
words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten
thousand words in a tongue.
[20]Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be
infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. [21]In the
Law it is written, "By people of strange tongues and by the
lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even
then they will not listen to me, says the Lord." [22]Thus
tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers,
while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for
believers. [23]If, therefore, the whole church comes
together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or
unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of
your minds? [24]But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or
outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to
account by all, [25]the secrets of his heart are disclosed,
and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and
declare that God is really among you.
[26]What then, brothers? 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.
[27]If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at
most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret.
[28]But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them
keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.
[29]Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others
weigh what is said. [30]If a revelation is made to another
sitting there, let the first be silent. [31]For you can all
prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be
encouraged, [32]and the spirits of prophets are subject to
prophets. [33]For God is not a God of confusion but of
peace.
As in all the churches of the saints, [34]the women
should keep silent in the churches. For they are not
permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law
also says. [35]If there is anything they desire to learn,
let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for
a woman to speak in church.
[36]Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are
you the only ones it has reached? [37]If anyone thinks that
he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that
the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
[38]If anyone does not recognize this, he is not
recognized. [39]So, my brothers, earnestly desire to
prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. [40]But
all things should be done decently and in order. (ESV)

, where the contributions are clearly spontaneous and unscripted.

I don’t mean this next question to sound like a challenge. I’m genuinely interested in your answer. How would you justify, Biblically, a departure from the apparent pattern in 1 Corinthians 141 Corinthians 14
[14:1]Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual
gifts, especially that you may prophesy. [2]For one who
speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one
understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
[3]On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to
people for their upbuilding and encouragement and
consolation. [4]The one who speaks in a tongue builds up
himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
[5]Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to
prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one
who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that
the church may be built up.
[6]Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues,
how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation
or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? [7]If even lifeless
instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give
distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? [8]And
if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready
for battle? [9]So with yourselves, if with your tongue you
utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know
what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.
[10]There are doubtless many different languages in the
world, and none is without meaning, [11]but if I do not
know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to
the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. [12]So with
yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the
Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
[13]Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray
for the power to interpret. [14]For if I pray in a tongue,
my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. [15]What am I to
do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my
mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will
sing with my mind also. [16]Otherwise, if you give thanks
with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an
outsider say "Amen" to your thanksgiving when he does not
know what you are saying? [17]For you may be giving thanks
well enough, but the other person is not being built up.
[18]I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of
you. [19]Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five
words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten
thousand words in a tongue.
[20]Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be
infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. [21]In the
Law it is written, "By people of strange tongues and by the
lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even
then they will not listen to me, says the Lord." [22]Thus
tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers,
while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for
believers. [23]If, therefore, the whole church comes
together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or
unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of
your minds? [24]But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or
outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to
account by all, [25]the secrets of his heart are disclosed,
and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and
declare that God is really among you.
[26]What then, brothers? 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.
[27]If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at
most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret.
[28]But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them
keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.
[29]Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others
weigh what is said. [30]If a revelation is made to another
sitting there, let the first be silent. [31]For you can all
prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be
encouraged, [32]and the spirits of prophets are subject to
prophets. [33]For God is not a God of confusion but of
peace.
As in all the churches of the saints, [34]the women
should keep silent in the churches. For they are not
permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law
also says. [35]If there is anything they desire to learn,
let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for
a woman to speak in church.
[36]Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are
you the only ones it has reached? [37]If anyone thinks that
he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that
the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
[38]If anyone does not recognize this, he is not
recognized. [39]So, my brothers, earnestly desire to
prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. [40]But
all things should be done decently and in order. (ESV)

?

I think another line from your post is helpful with respect to Kyle’s question:

This is one of the ways we obey the command to test prophecy ( 1 Thess. 5:20-211 Thessalonians 5:20-21
[20]Do not despise prophecies, [21]but test everything;
hold fast what is good. (ESV)

).

In my experience at Covenant Life and in other contexts where prophecy is practiced carefully, there is a clear distinction that is constantly drawn between the kind of prophecy which God intended to be canonized as Scripture and the kind of prophecy that is practiced in every day interaction between believers. There never is any question that prophecy inspired by God for the purpose of inscripturation was always a “grand slam.” But there is also room for a lesser level of inspiration which issues in prophecy which is often less clear and certain. Therefore I often heard at CovLife and elsewhere qualifying statements such as, “I believe this is from the Lord, but I am not absolutely sure…” etc.

If all prophecy at all times had to be a “home run” there would really be little need for “testing.” It would seem it would be clear when we are hearing something that was intended to be written into a book as authoritative as the Bible.

Yet it makes perfect sense to me that God would move people to prophecy without giving 100% clarity so He can move on others in the body, especially leadership, to develop prophetic gifting and watch over the flock.

Hope this is helpful.

Allan

Thanks again.

My biggest hesitancy in accepting modern-day prophecy as an operational gift is reflected in the following sentence from your post: “They may all not be “home runs” but people will be encouraged when God speaks to and through them.” It seems to me that Scripture is completely void of any instance of God speaking “to and through” somebody and it being less than a “home run.” When God spoke to someone in the Scriptures, it was clear and unavoidable. Moses didn’t have to learn how to hear God before he was spoken to from a bush. Paul did not have training in operating in the Spirit before Jesus stopped him in his tracks on the way to Damascus. When Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles were given a directive by God, there was no need for interpretation of what God had said, or any question as to whether or not God had truly said it. God spoke to people, the people understood, and responded (either obediently or disobediently, as in Jonah). I have not read a compelling case for Biblical examples, or instruction, regarding New Testament prophecy as something less than reliable.

The difficulty is that I also feel the standard cessationist position is largely an argument from one verse ( 1 Cor. 13:81 Corinthians 13:8
[8]Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass
away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it
will pass away. (ESV)

) and from relative historical silence regarding true and trustworthy Biblical prophecy (and the problem of the closed biblical canon; if prophecy today were the same nature as prophecy in biblical days, wouldn’t we need to re-open the biblical canon, which is forbidden in the Bible itself?).

In other words, I’m not fully convinced by the argumentation on either side of this issue, and am thus not sure of where to land. Any help you could offer, and/or resources to which you could point me, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your continued service to Christ and his body through your worship ministry and through this blog.

Grace,

Kyle