“Each one has a song, a teaching, a revelation ... “ (1 Cor. 14:26). During our worship times you will notice that various members will attempt to serve one another with various “spiritual gifts.” This builds up one another in love while serving as a training ground for learning how to recognize and respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit throughout the week. This ministry is kept carefully within the guidelines laid down by the Apostle Paul in 1 Cor 14:12-19 & 26-35.
All men, ages 13+, are welcome to speak up without any prior “screening” by others. This is because “the head of every man is Christ,” (1 Cor 11 :2-7 and not some other man.
We encourage all men to find their voice and speak. However, all that is said will be evaluated by the Elders and other mature men of our church as to its faithfulness to the Bible. If any correction or clarification is needed, it will be offered gently and with all due respect. We want everyone to safely learn how to move in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Though Paul does not permit women to participate audibly in the evaluation process (see l Cor 14:31-35), women may still move in the spiritual gifts (e.g. Phillip had four daughters who prophesied (see Acts 21 :9). But because “the head of a wife is her husband” (1 Cor 11 :2-7) we ask that each wife (or single daughter 13+) ask her husband (or father) for his oversight in doing so. Men should stand beside their family members to show clearly that they are taking their responsibility seriously. Our Elders will provide oversight for those women whose husband or father is not present so “all may prophesy.”
Time may not permit everyone to share. So, please allow our Lead Worshipers to regulate the flow of ministry at the Open Mic, and always defer to one another in love.
During our Monthly Celebration, we make time for those who have proven to be faithful and effective in moving in the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their Neighborhood Church to do so for the benefit of the larger gathering. The same guidelines apply in all contexts.