After a period of prayerful reflection and research, we have crafted a "Statement on the Public Use of the Verbal Gifts of the Holy Spirit". It reads as follows:
"At Heritage Valley Pentecostal Assembly, we believe in the public use of the verbal gifts of the Holy Spirit in corporate gatherings (ie. Sundy services, etc.). These verbal gifts include prophecy, tongues, and interpretation. These gifts are meant to be profitable and build people up (1 Cor. 12:7; 14:3). At the same time, we realize that the verbal gifts must be exercised properly so that they are beneficial to all. Indeed, the Apostle Paul issued the same decree when he declared that they should be used 'decently and in order' (1 Cor 14: 40).
Indeed for the gifts to be beneficial at Heritage Valley Pentecostal Assembly, we happily align ourselves with the Biblical pattern that allows for freedom yet provides boundaries to keep people safe. We believe that God has ordained pastors/elders to lead, and oversee the local church (1 Peter 5:2; Hebrews 13:17). That oversight extends into our worship services. In essence, our leadership decides when and if a message is appropriate for the service. Here are guidelines we follow:
1. If during a public worship gathering, you sense the Holy Spirit giving you a prophecy, tongues, or interpretation - please go to our Elders identified by their name tags and sitting near the entrance to the sanctuary. *Please note, if you begin to share the "word" before going to the elders first, the pastor/worship leader will lovingly and respectfully interrupt you and kindly ask you to chat with the elders.
2. Upon going to the Elders, they will ask you to chat with them outside of the sanctuary in the foyer of the church so the service can carry on without disruption.
3. Share the thought/"word" with the Elders, so they can discern its spirit and timing of its delivery.
4. The Elders may ask you questions for clarification sake and/or to sense how the "word" may fit into the worship service.
5. If the Elders deem the "word" appropriate, they will communicate with the pastor/worship leader that the individual with "word" be given the opportunity to present it.
*Please note, in order for the Elders to communicate with the pastor/worship leaders that the "word" is to be given, the Elders will go to the sound technician and obtain and hold a microphone. Elders will stand at the back of sanctuary by the sound booth, along with you, and indicate with an upraised hand to the pastor/worship leader that the individual with the "word" be given an opportunity to present it. The Elders may have you wait for a point later in the service when it will flow the best.
6. If you receive a "word" while the pastor/or his designate is delivering the sermon, please follow this same procedure (as outlined in points 1 - 5). Please refrain from interrupting the preaching of the Word.
Lastly, for many individuals who have grown up or experienced Pentecostal or Charismatic churches, this described pattern may divert from their tradition where someone expressed a verbal gift without such guidelines/practices. We fully understand this matter. We appreciate completely that Heritage Valley Pentecostal Assembly's described model may be different from theirs.
*Please note, we are not indicating that Heritage Valley Pentecostal Assembly's approach is perfect, nor is it suited for every church. But it is how we humbly feel God wants us to order our church services. In short, at Heritage Valley Pentecostal Assembly, we welcome the public use of verbal gifts of the Holy Spirit as Scripture teaches, but also "decently and in order" (1 Cor 14:40) as the Bible also advocates. We believe this is a beautiful balance of Biblical truth and sound practice. We are so grateful to obey God and His Word, as we continue to move forward as an Evangelical, Pentecostal church desirous to be and do His will within our assembly and the watching world and community at large. May God be glorified and His Kingdom built in the days ahead.
Sincerely, Heritage Valley Pentecostal Assembly's Eldership Team and Pastor's Council