Lim here makes a sweeping generalisation about the appropriate place to minister spiritual gifts. Since I’m writing for small country churches, I have to say that I disagree with Lim on this one.
I believe that our small churches, by that I mean say under one hundred members per service, are the perfect place to demonstrate the gifts to build up the faith of the whole congregation. Of course, there will be situations in which this may
be inappropriate but we have leaders to make those calls don’t we? What do you think?
“Although nothing can surpass or take the place of God’s Word, God continually speaks to churches and individual needs. We gather together to hear from God afresh; He speaks to our present situation through His Word and through the body of Christ. If we all come with a readiness to minister gifts and the opportunity is given, then ministry can flow. An ideal place for such ministry is in the small setting, such as a cell group. Tight schedules, large crowds, and shy members militate against such sharing in a Sunday worship service (1 Cor. 14:26).”
David Lim, “Spiritual Gifts,” in Systematic Theology: Revised Edition, ed. Stanley M. Horton (Springfield, MO: Logion Press, 2007), 477. Logos Software edition.