Appointing interpretation of tongues

[tturt]

Know some churches have an appointed believer to interpret tongues during their services. If you know of this approach, would you elaborate.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

Other than translators of specific languages, no. I haven't seen someone claiming to have the gift to interpret any language. I'm interested how that works.

 

[tturt]

It's one of the Biblical purposes of speaking in tongues.

"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." I Cor 12:4

I Cor 12 states some of the manifestations of the spiritual gifts

"To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:" (I Cor 12:10)

Regarding the interpretation of tongues:
---"I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying."
---"Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret."
---"If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
---" But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God." (I Cor 14:5, 13, 27, 28).

There's 6500 languages & some are unusual such as clicking sounds. The believer that gives the interpretation has not learned that language.

It's an interpretation of what's been spoken to be interpreted - not a translation.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

It's an interpretation of what's been spoken to be interpreted - not a translation.

Remind the believers of these things, charging them before the Lord to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin. (2 Timothy 2:14)

 

[ARBITER01]

Know some churches have an appointed believer to interpret tongues during their services. If you know of this approach, would you elaborate.

We don't have one person specifically with that ministry, we have a few. A person giving the tongues message may also have that ministry, so The Holy Spirit may operate that ministry through them also if there is not another there in the service with that ministry.

I could see a church appointing such a person, but it is really up to The Holy Spirit how He chooses to operate the gifts in a given service.

 

[ARBITER01]

There's 6500 languages & some are unusual such as clicking sounds. The believer that gives the interpretation has not learned that language.

That's the more rare operation of the gift. The gift is meant for Edification, Exhortation, and Comfort, so the language normally conforms to the overall crowd, but The Holy Spirit can provide it in different languages to sort of witness to a visitor there.

In my personal opinion, going off what The Holy Spirit witnessed and taught to me, that's what happened over in Acts 2. The human languages heard by utterance of The Holy Spirit were a combination of the interpretation of tongues and the gift of prophesying operating.

 

[Richard T]

I have seen tongues and interpretations in I would estimate in at least 20 churches over the years. I have yet to hear of a "designated" interpreter though the tendency is the pastor, or someone in leadership associated with interpretations in the past. I believe the Holy Spirit gives the meaning to whoever they choose with the gift of interpretations and so it could be one of several in most churches. It is possible too that more than one person could have the interpretation, but whoever starts first will continue, the other will remain silent. My understanding is that an interpreter does not necessarily interpret word for word. I say this because sometimes the tongue might be too long for a word for word interpretation. The whole idea of prophecy or tongues and interpretation is to give God's heart and mind on some matter to that church. Tongues is an act of faith, it sets the ball rolling, where another picks up the interpretation. Tongues in themselves are a sign too. The first time I went to a Pentecostal church and heard one, I could sense the power and legitimacy. I can say they were instrumental in bring me back to God, because I had to take notice and I wanted to see and learn more. A genuine tongue in a service can be a sign to unbelievers, (I Cor 14:22)
The tongue giver typically if not always, will have a prompt from the Holy Spirit, much like someone with a prophecy. This is not a random event based on human will but the Holy Spirit does it as He wills. I can say too that likely the Holy Spirit does desire this at times but the church body is uninterested, untaught, or just does not believe in the gifts for today. Failure to have some moment (s) of silence during worship too will hinder the ability for the gifts to operate. It would be rare for a tongue or prophecy to be initiated when singing or preaching is being done. Excessive use of the gifts too is not called for. The other parts of the service such as teaching and worship are important (Announcements or extended offering collections often grieve the Holy Spirit).
This is a bit more than you asked and certainly some might disagree but this has been my experience in Assembly of God, Foursquare, and earlier Charismatic churches. The bible itself leaves quite a bit of latitude in how all this occurs in practice. The same gifts very within different people, because administrations and varieties in the same category exist. The key is the pastor and his authority in regards to what he believes and how it should occur and who he may trust. I would argue the church in general, even Pentecostal./Charismatic ones are too religious. I like the scripture that allows for members to be engaged and responsive to what the Holy Spirit wants to do. I have seen complete strangers give teachings or prophecies in this type of church. The Holly Spirit can orchestrate everything perfectly, but most cannot yield at that level. If you can't yield though when prompted then you can't learn discernment, because we discern through use. God bless!

1 Corinthians 14:26 (KJV)
26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

Hebrews 5:14 (KJV)
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

 

[tturt]

Agree with what you've posted including "I have seen complete strangers give teachings or prophecies in this type of church."

That's the purpose of the thread to try to understand those who have appointed interpreters.

Tongues are a sign - To unbelievers By believers
"Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not:" "And these signs shall follow them that believe; ...they shall speak with new tongues; (I Cor 14:22 and Mark 16:17)

 

[tturt]

In regards to post #4.

The words are tested. Only once in decades was the interpretatio off in my experience. Attended a convention & there was an interpretation of tongues that had a portion, a fragment that was off. Without anyone saying anything,, the congregation just continued to quietly wait on the Lord, praise and pray. Then there was an accurate message which was received. No one got upset with the 1st interpreter and he/she could have been learning to be used in that gift.

Testing:
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11

"Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." I Thess 5:19-21

In regards to II Tim 2:14 Has there been quarrels after interpretations? Or is it being an interpretation usage offensive instead of it being a translation?

 

[Gregory Thompson]

In regards to post #4.

In regards to II Tim 2:14 Has there been quarrels after interpretations? Or is it being an interpretation usage offensive instead of it being a translation?

It's a matter of being too particular with the use of words, it's a common problem in bapticostalism. When certain words are used, it tends to trigger a sermon that doesn't really address what was said or help .. at all.

 

[Richard T]

Agree with what you've posted including "I have seen complete strangers give teachings or prophecies in this type of church."

That's the purpose of the thread to try to understand those who have appointed interpreters.

Tongues are a sign - To unbelievers By believers
"Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not:" "And these signs shall follow them that believe; ...they shall speak with new tongues; (I Cor 14:22 and Mark 16:17)

So you have seen "appointed ministers" for interpretation? Seems like it is putting God in a box but it is better than not allowing a tongue at all. Perhaps in some of the churches I visited where there were tongues I was unaware? But I have never heard or known myself of a pastor that does that. I have never heard that taught either.

One area though that is sometimes off the rails to me, is worship which has moved in some places to be entertainment. Kudos to all the good churches out there though where the pastor is doing their best. I think the next wave of the Spirit will break a lot of barriers. I just have been fortunate to see so many different things of the Spirit. I imagine you too must have been captured by God to want to understand this aspect.

 

[tturt]

This isn't about meaningless words nor starting a quarrel

Next response. It wasn't a teaching.. Just stated prior to services beginning.

Wondered if my thoughts on this subject previously had put God in a box.

A possible explanation to the OP question, God can/ has told leadership in advance of a service. Since He can / has provided guidance on what Biblical topic to preach, songs, etc. He can / has said whose going to be in attendance, who needs to be ministered to & for what, etc

Have known of churches who had numerous members who were given prophetic words. Resulted in some using the system of telling the Associate Pastor who presents it to the congregation. So wondered if making the announcement about which one would interpret tongues at the beginning of the service was an avenue to begin to utilize / train / equip those believers in this gift

 

[Richard T]

It wasn't a teaching.. Just stated prior to services beginning.

Wondered if my thoughts on this subject previously had put God in a box.

An explanation to the OP question, God can/ has told leadership in advance of a service. He can guide what Biblical topic to preach, songs, etc. He can / has said whose going to be in attendance, who needs to be ministered to & for what, etc

Have known of churches who had numerous members who were given prophetic words. Resulted in some using the system of telling the Associate Pastor who presents it to the congregation. So wondered if making the announcement at the beginning was an avenue to begin to utilize / train / equip those believers in this gift

I never thought a pastor would try to know everything in a service including who might exercise gifts, and I guess I am supportive of that as long as there is some room for spontaneity. God surely can prepare them for most of what is going to come. I think the Holy Spirit can lead the worship leader to the right songs for that service and certainly the pastor needs to know what message God desires. I think all that is needed for part of the service is to just trust God and give Him some time, in the moment. I base that off Jesus, who until the power left him, did not know he was being used as a conduit for healing. He did not know who touched his garment. Some ministers thing that God calls an audible at times, even changing the message. To me perhaps 90% could be scripted but the 10% audible is what are the needs of the people that day? What stands out that would be great to address and should that be addressed in the service or afterward/another time? Healing, encouragement, deliverance, certain prayer, or salvation? A sensitive person in the person can feel some of that, I do not know if it is a gift or just guidance from the Holy Spirit? Can you get all that before a service, even for strangers? It seems possible, but sometimes in the moment brings the compassion that will break the yoke? I am not a pastor but i am thinking anyone sensitive in the spirit can get glimpses of things in every service.
I once went to a particular church to their Sunday PM almost anything goes meeting. A woman asked for prayer for her child going to surgery. There were 8 or so people that after the regular prayer had the exact same scripture for the women. I might have been 9th but I was a chapter off and had not found it yet. lol. Praise God though for services where God is speaking and the people are in unity. If the pastor is caring and listening then Praise God, he is responsible before God and it is totally up to him. If God is moving and there is no leaning to make a change, then perhaps if it is not broke, don't fix it applies?

 

[tturt]

Yeah, have to allow the Holy Spirit to lead.

You know while on earth Jesus asks questions such as "And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful,...? Matt 8:26 & "And he said unto her, What wilt thou?" Speaking with the mother of the Zebedee brothers who came with her two sons
(Matt 20).

Believe He knew the answers before He asks. Because "Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." (John 5:19)

 

[ARBITER01]

A possible explanation to the OP question, God can/ has told leadership in advance of a service. Since He can / has provided guidance on what Biblical topic to preach, songs, etc. He can / has said whose going to be in attendance, who needs to be ministered to & for what, etc

Have known of churches who had numerous members who were given prophetic words. Resulted in some using the system of telling the Associate Pastor who presents it to the congregation. So wondered if making the announcement about which one would interpret tongues at the beginning of the service was an avenue to begin to utilize / train / equip those believers in this gift

It doesn't seem inspirational to me if someone is designated the interpreter beforehand.

For a few years around 2010 we were having 2-3 tongues messages with 2-3 interpretations a service. GOD wasn't telling who was doing what from what I remember, it was all inspirational at the moment.

There were times when someone may not provide all the message, where they sort of cut off The Holy Spirit before He was finished, and immediately another would be prompted by The Holy Spirit to finish the message, but it was all inspired/controlled by The Holy Spirit. Even preaching could be inspired during that period of time. The Holy Spirit would give a word for our pastor to speak and when he spoke it The Holy Spirit took over the sermon.

 

[tturt]

Had only seen the appointing of an interpreter a couple of times & wanted to learn about it.

Thanks for the responses. We know we need to follow the Holy Spirit's guidance during the service and otherwise.