“When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.”
1 Corinthians 14:26 (NLT)
The church isn’t a one-man operation. Paul paints a picture of a gathering where multiple people bring their gifts—singing, teaching, revelation, tongues, interpretation—each role building up the body. This echoes 1 Corinthians 12: the church is made up of many parts, working together in one accord.
When the church functions this way, everyone is strengthened—including the teacher. But when we neglect spiritual gifts or limit participation to a few, our gatherings risk becoming ineffective. Paul’s vision is clear: a church operating in its God-given gifts draws people in, encourages faith, and equips believers.
Verses 34–35 are often misunderstood. They aren’t excluding women from speaking in church—1 Corinthians 11:5 clearly shows women praying and prophesying publicly, with proper head covering. Verses 11–12 remind us that in Christ, men and women are equal and interdependent in the body. Paul’s concern here is order—not gender restriction. Interruptions or side questions aren’t spiritual gifts. There’s a place for discussion—just not during the service. Afterward, questions can be asked respectfully, often starting within the home.
Let’s pursue churches that function as God intended—many parts, one purpose—so that when people walk in, they leave stronger in their faith, not weaker.