What is the point of coming together as a church if no-one understands what is going on? I have been in churches where everyone spoke in tongues without translation. In 1991 and 1992 I used to go to The Plymouth Christian Center in England. After being in a number of worship services where everyone spoke in tongues at the same time, I went to the pastor to ask what he thought of 1 Corinthians 14. He read the passage below and said, “That’s not how we do things here.” Within a few months I had been hounded out of the church. I regret how things unfolded, but I do not regret bringing this passage to the pastor. Do you think there was any point to everyone singing and speaking in tongues without interpretation?
1 Corinthians 14: 6-12
6Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
Questions
- What needs to accompany tongues in the Corinthian church?
- What kind of gifts should people in Corinth excel at?
- What simple point is Paul making above?
- How would you respond to a church where people spoke in tongues without interpretation?
- What gift would you seek in a church like Corinth?
Plymothian 
The point to pointless worship was to inflate their own egos. Too often I have seen tongues treated like a circus trick( a pastor told an unbeliever “I can do it right now for you.” Or used to qualify someone’s baptism of the Holy Spirit…. brothers & sisters who don’t speak in tongues are encouraged to “Keep praying for it…” Why? Are Christians that don’t are somehow defective?
What needs to accompany tongues would be knowledge or prophesy.. something useful. Paul said in verse 1 to desire the gift of prophesy, knowledge, a word of instruction.
If I were at a church where tongues were happening without interpretation i think i would leave or i would point out verse 8 ..If the whole church meets in one place and everyone speaks in tongues, and then uninstructed people or unbelievers should come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds?
I agree with your approach entirely. Pointing out verse 8 was exactly what I did in that environment. As I have indicated, it didn’t go so well.