Short answer

Speaking in tongues is speaking to God in a language you have not learned, given by the Holy Spirit. It began at Pentecost, continues in the church today, and is the biblical evidence of being baptised in the Holy Spirit. It builds up the person praying and, when interpreted, the church.

What the Bible describes

On the day of Pentecost the disciples began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4). The same thing happened when the Spirit fell on Cornelius’ household (Acts 10:44-46) and on the disciples in Ephesus (Acts 19:6). It was a normal part of life in the early church, and Paul himself said, I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you (1 Corinthians 14:18).

What it is for

Paul explains that one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God (1 Corinthians 14:2). It is prayer and praise from the spirit, beyond the limits of our understanding, and the one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself (1 Corinthians 14:4). It is a gift for every day, not only for church meetings.

When someone speaks in a tongue aloud in a meeting, Paul asks that it be interpreted so that everyone is built up (1 Corinthians 14:27-28). Tongues plus interpretation is one of the gifts of the Spirit for the whole church.

What to expect with us

You may hear people praying quietly in tongues during worship at Spring Valley. Do not be alarmed: it is Christians talking to God, just as the Bible describes. Nothing is forced and no one will put you on the spot. If you want to know more, any of our leaders would be glad to talk with you.

Speaking in tongues does not make anyone a better Christian than another. Love is the measure of maturity (1 Corinthians 13:1). But it is a gift the Father loves to give, and we encourage everyone to ask for it.

How this connects across the Bible

The Bible is one story. Here is how this theme runs from the Old Testament to Jesus:

  • At Babel God confused human language and scattered the nations (Genesis 11:7-9); at Pentecost people from many nations hear God’s praise in their own languages (Acts 2:6-11).
  • Isaiah spoke of God addressing His people through people of strange tongues (Isaiah 28:11); Paul quotes it when teaching about tongues (1 Corinthians 14:21).
  • Joel promised the Spirit on all flesh (Joel 2:28); the tongues of Pentecost are the first sign that the promise has come (Acts 2:16-18).
  • Jesus said believers would speak in new tongues (Mark 16:17), and Paul lists various kinds of tongues among the Spirit’s gifts for today (1 Corinthians 12:10).

What we believe at Spring Valley

We believe that speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance is the essential, biblical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and that the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including tongues and interpretation, operate in the church today.

Our full Statement of Faith

Your next step

If you would like prayer to receive this gift, ask us on a Sunday or at a Prayer & Revival Night. Read What is the baptism in the Holy Spirit? if you have not already.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Read the Bible free in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, English and many more languages at bible.com.