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The Bible says:
Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you (1 Peter 4:11a, NLT).
I believe there is a gift of speaking, and I know I have it. Everyone can and should speak—communication is the source of life for relationships—but there is a distinct difference between personal conversation and public ministry. As one author notes:
Talking is merely a human talent when used for personal pleasure or relationships, but it elevates into a supernatural gift of speaking when intentionally utilized and developed for ministry, counseling, preaching, and teaching.
Every believer has a spiritual gift (and some have multiple). All of us will be called to manifest supernatural gifts during sudden times of need—praying for a sick friend (healing), sharing a public testimony (preaching), or donating beyond our natural ability to a missionary (giving). You get the point. When we step into speaking and all of us will be called to speak in differing situations, the Apostle Paul gives us a flawless boundary line:
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29, NASB1995).
Now, let’s focus specifically on speaking as a supernatural gift of the Spirit. I like the overarching word speaking because it encompasses teaching, prophecy, and preaching. When we step behind a microphone, we are commanded to “speak as though God himself were speaking through us.”
Christian authors describe this responsibility in a few significant ways:
- Diligence: Speaking requires deep research and careful communication to clarify truth accurately.
- Equipping: Visible gifts like preaching are not meant to puff up the speaker, but to equip ordinary saints for their day-to-day ministries.
- Protection: Gifted teachers act as anchors for the church—people deeply motivated by accuracy, historical context, and facts to protect the body from false doctrines.
It’s extraordinary to stand in front of a room, open your mouth, and experience the Holy Spirit completely take over. Fresh ideas and unplanned illustrations begin flowing. Afterward, I’ve often thought, “Wow, where did that come from? It wasn’t even in my notes.”
I remember entering a hall in Siberia filled with 300 young people. The local pastor greeted me and said, “Thanks for coming to speak to us today.” I hadn’t come to preach; I’d come to attend! Nervously, I asked, “How long do you want me to speak?”
He smiled and answered, “One hour!”
I was totally unprepared, but I knew this sudden opportunity demanded a move of the Spirit. I stood up and opened my mouth, then ideas flowed, listeners were convicted, people laughed, and when I finally asked my interpreter how long I had been going, she replied, “Exactly one hour!” It was a total “God-speaking-through-me” experience.
Over 50 years of public ministry, I’ve locked in three ironclad guidelines:
- Keep it concise: Never speak over 35 minutes—unless a Russian pastor demands an hour!
- Partner with God: Always invite the Holy Spirit to guide both your preparation and your live presentation.
- Bring the energy: Speak with genuine passion and joy!
God bless you the next time you speak!
What I imagine while speaking!! Might as well be positive.