Is Speaking in Tongues Still Relevant for Christians Today?
- Boundless Team
- Feb 26
- 5 min read
Internal Audience Label: Tier 1 – New Believers Seeking Clarity
Yes—speaking in tongues is still for today. In the Assemblies of God, we believe tongues are a biblical gift that continues: they are the initial physical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4) and can also be an ongoing prayer language that strengthens believers (1 Corinthians 14:2, 14–15).
Why This Matters (and Why We Talk About It)
If you’re a new believer, tongues can feel confusing—or honestly, a little intimidating. I get it. But I’ve learned this: the Holy Spirit isn’t a weird side topic; He’s God at work in us, helping us follow Jesus with power, comfort, and courage.
At FA Memphis and Boundless Online Church, we welcome the Holy Spirit and we teach what Scripture says about Him—warmly, biblically, and without pressure. If you’re in Memphis, you can learn and grow with us in person (https://www.famemphis.org). If you’re outside the area or homebound, you can join us online (https://www.boundlessonlinechurch.org).
Why Tongues Are Still Relevant (A Warm Pentecostal Perspective)
Even if you’re not sure what you believe yet, here’s a helpful way to think about it: tongues aren’t about being “more saved.” They’re about the Holy Spirit strengthening and empowering believers.
In the Assemblies of God, we distinguish between two important truths:
Fundamental Truth #7: Salvation Salvation is received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). If you’ve trusted Jesus, you belong to Him.
Fundamental Truth #8: The Baptism in the Holy Spirit The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience from salvation, given for power to witness and serve (Acts 1:8). We teach that the initial physical evidence is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4).
So yes—tongues are relevant, because the Spirit’s empowering work is still relevant.
The Biblical Foundation (Why We Believe Tongues Still Matter)
On the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:4 says, “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Peter preached right after that moment and made it clear this wasn’t just for one generation:
“Repent and be baptized… and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off…” (Acts 2:38–39)
That phrase—“for all who are far off”—still includes us today in Memphis and the 901, and it includes those joining from anywhere through Boundless Online Church.
Paul also taught on tongues decades after Pentecost (1 Corinthians 12–14). He didn’t treat tongues like a weird footnote—he gave practical guidance so the church could be strengthened in love and order, and he talked about praying “with the spirit” (1 Corinthians 14:14–15).
A Pentecostal (Assemblies of God) Perspective on the Ongoing Gift of Tongues
Here’s the simple, biblical way we teach it:
1) Tongues point to Spirit empowerment—not spiritual status The baptism in the Holy Spirit is given for power to witness and serve (Acts 1:8). It’s not a “rank” and it’s never meant to be used to pressure or divide.
2) Tongues are the initial evidence of Spirit baptism (AG teaching) When believers are baptized in the Holy Spirit, the New Testament pattern shows an initial sign: speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44–46; Acts 19:6). That’s why Pentecostals continue to teach it with confidence and care.
3) Tongues can also be an ongoing prayer language Tongues can be a continuing way to pray and worship. Paul says, “Anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God…” (1 Corinthians 14:2), and he talks about praying and singing “with the spirit” (1 Corinthians 14:14–15). It’s still about relationship with God—never about pressure.
How Tongues Works in the Church (Order Matters)
Scripture never presents tongues as chaos. In corporate worship, Paul gave loving, practical direction so the church would be built up:
Public messages in tongues should be limited and orderly
And there should be interpretation so everyone can understand and be encouraged (1 Corinthians 14:27–28)
At FA Memphis and Boundless, we want the gifts of the Spirit to operate the Bible’s way—with clarity, humility, and love.
Common Misconceptions (Cleared Up with Grace)
“If I don’t speak in tongues, I’m not saved.” You’re not alone if you’ve heard (or feared) that. But it’s not biblical. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). Tongues are connected to Spirit baptism for empowerment, not to whether God has accepted you.
“Tongues is fake / just emotional.” I get why people feel skeptical, especially if they’ve seen manipulation or confusion. But biblically, tongues are a real gift of the Spirit. And Scripture emphasizes that spiritual gifts can operate with self-control and order (1 Corinthians 14:32–33).
“Tongues is the only thing that proves you’re spiritual.” Not true. The Holy Spirit produces fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22–23), and love is central (1 Corinthians 13). Gifts matter, but character matters too—and neither should be used to shame people.
“If I speak in tongues, I’m better than other Christians.” Also not true. Spirit baptism is empowerment for service (Acts 1:8), not a spiritual trophy. If anything, it should make us more humble, more loving, and more available to God.
What This Can Look Like in Your Real Life
If you’re worried about salvation: Let me say it plainly—you don’t have to earn God’s love. If you’ve repented and put your faith in Jesus, you are saved (Ephesians 2:8–9). If you want to talk it through, reach out. We’re here.
If you’re curious about Spirit baptism: Ask God to fill you and empower you (Acts 1:8). Read Acts 1–2 and 1 Corinthians 12–14 slowly. Don’t rush. Don’t perform. Just be open, prayed up, and willing.
If you’ve been hurt or pressured: I’m sorry—that shouldn’t happen. The Holy Spirit comforts and strengthens; He doesn’t condemn. We’ll walk with you patiently.
If you already pray in tongues: Keep growing in maturity—pair the gifts with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). Gifts are powerful, but character matters too.
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FA Memphis Series: so we can make sure we know that these are being posted to Boundless Online Church (www.boundlessonlinechurch.org) Boundless Online Church is an online outreach ministry of FA Memphis Church, here in Cordova, TN.
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