question about pastor

[pamjane]

i have a question, and i'd like some advice. i'm troubled by something that's happened at my church the past couple of sundays (2/3 sundays that i've been to this church since may).

my pastor has spoken in tongues up on stage, in front of the whole congregation. i thought that possibly last week he interpreted the tongues afterwards (although he had never operated in the gifts of tongues or interpretation before), so i didn't let it bother me that much. it happened again this week, though. this week there was definitely not an interpretation; he was praying and praising in tongues (not for an extended period, but for just a couple of seconds). it didn't seem like an accident, like he just forgot to turn his mic off or something. he was praying out loud towards the congregation at the time. it seemed deliberate. based on a reading of 1 corinthians 14, this worries me.

i've had a bad experience before with a church who abused the gift of tongues, and the experience really freaked me out and actually turned me off from the gifts of the Spirit. i wouldn't want this to happen to any nonbeliever or new believer who visited our church.

what do you guys think? do you think my worries are founded? do you have any scripture that can help me out? what do you think i should do about it?

thanks so much.

love in Christ, pam

[ted]

Well, I'd be worried.

It seems to sneak in, doesn't it?

t.

[Kabowd]

God is not the author of confusion, and your spirit is troubled. I'd say you have reason to be concerned. Check out what 1 Corinthians 14 has to say about the gift of tongues and orderly worship, then pray and approach your pastor (privately) with your concerns.

[Leonard]

Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Well Sister, the Bible says to be sure there are interpreters before a service is interrupted with a message in tongues. Still, overall since the gift is evidently new to this guy, I don't expect him to do everything 'just so' until he's more adept.

As long as you're in a solid denominational church, I think the church (and YOU) will be OK.

With a blessing,

Leonard, a sinner

[Guest danswife]

I don't feel that anybody is up to evil here.

However; your pastor should know that

some of his flock would be upset by his actions,

if he is functioning in the spirit, right?

[stevehut]

It's very clear in the Bible, if you're not going to interpret, then you shouldn't speak in tongues in the church. Looks like your pastor is experimenting with something new (for him).

[Speechless]

however, of course, if he was in prayer, he does not need an interpreter, his prayer is between him and God.Is it possible that he just forgot to turn off his mic?? absolutely. but pamjane, if you are uncertain of any of this, then, ask your pastor. i'm sure he will explain anything that you are uneasy about.

[Botz]

I guess sometimes if one is just full of the Holy Ghost... tongues sometimes bursts forth in praise or exultation...I hardly think this is anything to worry about....unless you cannot live a godly life without crossing every T and dotting every i...but have a word with the Pastor I'm sure he must be an approachable guy.

[gypc]

Take your bible with ya and talk to your Pastor about this. If you are married, take your husband and let him explain the situation. If not, make sure the Pastors wife is there.

Be very careful and in much prayer that you show the utmost respect while talking.

Tell him all your convictions concerning this.

In his love,

Brian

[pamjane]

thanks very much for your input, guys.

i think i may wait it out for another week or so. i'd be really nervous about approaching him, simply because i'm a college kid and i never went to church back home (so i've not had much interaction with pastors before). i know pastors shouldn't intimidate me, but they do. sometimes it's hard to remember that they're just regular people.

please pray that God will give me the courage to approach him if i do need to.