Church life is not just about leaders and congregations. If the Holy Spirit gives a gift of prophecy or related gifts involving speaking, it can be a matter of speaking messages in services, even though not a recognised leader. It is not a trivial thing to do this. Just being prepared to speak out is hard enough. The church and its leaders and perhaps its denominational principles might encourage open speaking in services, such as prophesying, speaking in tongues, ‘sharing’ testimonies, praying aloud, singing specially prepared songs, even singing in tongues. Yet having a prophetic gift is tough. Genuinely, the word given might be judgmental. Perhaps it needs discretion on how to give and to whom to say it. In the Bible account, Samuel’s gift first came as a message of severe judgment against his own supervisor, Eli, regarding Eli’s sons. Samuel was urged by Eli to say what God had told him, but Samuel could hardly bring himself to say such a message. Eli had to coax it out of him, and then had a hard time taking that word given by God. Interpreting a message in tongues might seem easy enough if the word of interpretation is given by power of spirit, after all it is hard to doubt such a word as coming from the Holy Spirit if it comes miraculously like that. Yet it might be something beyond what the church is prepared to hear, if church doctrines are immature and not yet fully open to things literally coming from heaven. Heaven is not denominational and does not adhere to human denominational stances, and leaders might be unwilling to hear things which might put them at odds with their earthly church board or overseers. These kinds of word like interpretation of a message in tongues, or a sudden revelation perhaps received while someone else is speaking are instantaneous and sometimes must be spoken immediately in the service. Other times a word does not come in the service itself, but perhaps in a dream, a vision, or a “still small voice” of inspiration well in advance of the service. It might be necessary to mention to the service leader that there is something to ‘share’. This might scare the leader, who does not know what to expect. It can prompt a negative reaction. I give kudos to those who can compose and sing a song in church. It takes confidence in one’s singing voice and some need confidence to accompany it with playing of musical instruments too. Sometimes the courage to speak or sing just comes as part of the Holy Spirit inspiration. Other times it might be lacking, but the sense of urgency might compel the overcoming of nerves. The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to each one, with the holy task of building the Temple which is the church. Not everyone has such gifts for speaking in services or speaking outside of church. Some are gifted with miracles, faith, mercy, service, governing, and the like. Some give worship by listening quietly. Women especially are commanded to remain quiet, listening like Mary at the feet of Jesus, and this is a great ministry. It can all be part of worshipping God the Father in spirit and truth. All done with thanks to Him and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
