How can church leaders encourage interpretation of tongues in worship settings?

◄ How can leaders promote tongue interpretation? ►

anchoring the study in 1 Corinthians 14:13

“Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.”

why interpretation matters

• Builds up the whole body, not just the speaker (1 Corinthians 14:5, 12)

• Translates Spirit-given utterance into understandable words so “the church may be edified” (14:5)

• Keeps the gathering orderly and clear to outsiders (14:23-25)

foundational attitudes leaders model

• Humility—acknowledge every gift comes from the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

• Love—without it, tongues or interpretation “profit me nothing” (13:1-2)

• Eagerness—“Since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in building up the church” (14:12)

practical steps for encouraging interpretation

• Teach regularly on 1 Corinthians 12–14 so the congregation understands why interpretation is necessary

• Encourage those who pray in tongues privately to ask God for the companion gift of interpretation (14:13)

• Invite testimonies from trusted believers who have experienced interpreting tongues

• Set clear service guidelines:

– Limit tongues to two or three messages, each in turn, with interpretation (14:27)

– If no interpreter is present, guide the speaker to pray quietly (14:28)

• Provide training sessions that include:

– Scriptural basis for the gift

– Times of focused prayer asking God to release interpretation

– Safe opportunities to practice under leadership oversight

• Pair emerging interpreters with seasoned leaders for discernment and feedback

• Affirm accurate interpretations publicly, showing gratitude and reinforcing confidence

• Record and review interpretations for doctrinal soundness (Acts 17:11)

cultivating a discerning environment

• Encourage everyone to “test all things; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21)

• Remind interpreters and listeners that the Spirit never contradicts Scripture (John 16:13)

• Use plural leadership to weigh each interpretation, protecting against error (Proverbs 11:14)

maintaining order and peace

• Follow Paul’s overarching directive: “Everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner” (1 Corinthians 14:40)

• Address misunderstandings promptly and graciously, keeping unity (Ephesians 4:3)

• Keep the focus on Christ’s exaltation, not sensational experience (Colossians 1:18)

summary takeaways

1. Teach the biblical necessity of interpretation alongside tongues.

2. Pray for interpreters and invite the gift to operate.

3. Establish clear, scriptural guidelines for public messages.

4. Foster discernment and accountability in a loving atmosphere.

5. Let every exercise of the gifts aim at building up the church and glorifying Jesus.