We understand the gift of tongues as one of the many gifts of the Holy Spirit, but not as the highest or most important evidence of His work. Scripture does not place tongues at the center of the Christian life, nor does it present this gift as a universal mark of conversion, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, or spiritual maturity.
Because the Bible gives careful instructions about tongues and also commands, “do not forbid speaking in tongues,” we do not want to erase these verses or close the door where God has left it open. At the same time, we take seriously the warnings against confusion, disorder, and counterfeit spirituality, and we believe that every claim of spiritual experience must be tested by the clear teaching of Scripture.
We also recognize that many modern expressions of “tongues” and “prophecy” do not clearly match the pattern we see in the New Testament and can easily become a substitute for sound doctrine and ordinary obedience. For that reason, our posture is one of humble caution: we desire all that is truly from God, but we do not chase after experiences that cannot be plainly grounded in His Word.
We believe that the extraordinary sign gifts in the New Testament were closely tied to the unique, foundational ministry of the apostles and the initial spread of the gospel, where signs and wonders served to confirm God’s revelation. While God remains free to act in any way that pleases Him, and while He continues to answer prayer and work powerfully in the world, we do not expect these signs to function as a normal, ongoing mark of Christian life and worship in the same way they did in the earliest days of the church.
Above all, we are convinced that the Holy Spirit never works against the Word He inspired. Any genuine work of the Spirit will exalt Christ, agree with Scripture, produce holiness, and build up the church in love and truth. We aim to be a church that treasures the Word of God, walks in the fear of the Lord, and depends on him daily.
