A Statement on the Public Use of the Verbal Gifts of the Holy Spirit
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November 23, 2025
Dear Adherents, Members and Visitors of Heritage Community Church …
Over the last few years and then again over the last number of weeks, the Pastoral Team
in cooperation with our church Elders have prayerfully crafted a “Statement on the
Public use of the Verbal Gifts of the Holy Spirit.”
It reads as follows …
At Heritage Community Church, we believe in the public use of the verbal gifts of the
Holy Spirit in corporate settings (Sunday Services, etc.).
Indeed, as taught by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:10, we believe that these verbal
gifts include prophecy, speaking in different kinds of tongues and the interpretation of
tongues.
As well, as declared by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:7 and 14:3, we assert that these gifts
should be for the common good of the family of God and must strengthen, encourage
and comfort others.
Yet, as instructed by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:40, we maintain that the public usage of
these verbal gifts of the Holy Spirit must also be done “decently and in order.”
To ensure that the public use of the verbal gifts are in keeping with Paul’s declaration
that they be carried out decently and in order, Heritage Community Church’s Pastors and
Elders will humbly and lovingly provide the following aspects of leadership in church
settings such as Sunday morning gatherings.
First, if during a public worship gathering, a person senses the Holy Spirit is giving them
a prophetic word, a tongue and interpretation of the tongue, we urge them to go to an
Elder identified by their name tag who will be sitting near the back of the sanctuary.
Second, upon conversing with the identified Elder, we request that the individual and
Elder chat together outside of the sanctuary so that the service can carry on without
disruption.
Third, we ask that the individual share their word with the Elder, so that the Elder can
discern its meaning and intended purpose, along with the timing of its delivery.
Fourth, if the Elder deems the word is Biblically aligned to edify, encourage, comfort and
is appropriate to be shared publicly, the Elder will do the following:
1. Obtain and retain a hand-held microphone from sound personnel;
2. When the time is appropriate, the Elder will accompany the individual to a front
pew of the sanctuary and be seated.
3. This action will inform the pastor or worship leader on the platform that the
individual will be provided an opportunity to share the word.
4. The pastor or worship leader on the platform will decide the timing of the word
and then invite the Elder/individual to share it.
Fifth, if an individual endeavors to deliver a word during the service, without having
either chatted with an Elder, during times of musical worship, communion, prayer, or the preaching of the Word, the Pastor or worship leader will gently, humbly and lovingly stop the person and ask them to respectfully chat with an Elder before moving forward.
If an individual insists on continuing without seeking the Elder’s counsel, the Pastor or
Worship leader will graciously ask the person to be seated, having neglected to follow
community guidelines.
Sixth, for many individuals who have grown up or experienced Pentecostal or
charismatic churches, this direction may differ from their traditions. We fully
understand this reality.
Indeed, as Pastoral and Elder leadership, we appreciate that our approach is not perfect
nor is it suited for every church. In fact, we acknowledge as leadership we may at times
make mistakes in carrying out this practice. Yet, we humbly submit that we feel God
wants us to order our services in this manner according to 1 Corinthians 14:40.
Seventh, we believe this approach will provide us with a beautiful balance between
Biblical truth and wise practice for the verbal gifts of the Holy Spirit in a public setting.
We are so grateful to obey God and His Word as we continue to move forward as a church
grounded in the historic creeds of the Christian faith, of evangelical convictions of faith,
and of the Full Gospel that Christ is the Saviour, Healer, Spirit-Baptizer, and Soon
Returning King.
Indeed, may God be glorified and His Kingdom built in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Heritage Community Church’s Pastors, Council, Elders & Pastoral Team