“6 days invisible, 1 day incomprehensible.” That’s how one friend summed up my job as a pastor. It’s certainly a common view of ministry. But underneath the barb, there is a truth: being “incomprehensible” is a problem. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 14, makes it abundantly clear: intelligibility is vital for the church. He gives us three key reasons why.

Ministry and Service are Most Valuable When They Build Others Up

Paul’s primary concern is building others up. He contrasts prophecy with tongues, not because tongues are inherently bad, but because prophecy necessarily builds up the church through understanding. While tongues can be valuable when interpreted, their value is limited if no one understands. The “greater gifts” are those that make God’s Word known in an understandable way, allowing people to grow in their faith. This applies to all word-ministries, including preaching and teaching. If our sermons are so intellectual or convoluted that people can’t grasp the main point, we’re not serving them.

The Church Cannot Be Built by What Cannot Be Understood (vv. 6-19)

If we can’t understand what we’re hearing, it can’t build us up. Paul compares unintelligible speech to aimless noise, like a harpist playing without a tune or a bugler making an unclear call. It’s pointless. The purpose of language is communication, and communicating in a language no one understands makes you a foreigner.

This has significant implications for public worship. The Reformation saw church services shift from Latin to local languages for this very reason – people can’t be built up by what they don’t understand. This principle extends beyond just language. Forms and experiences, like the Lord’s Prayer or communion, are only valuable when we understand their meaning and purpose. While personal spiritual practices are important, we should always prioritize what builds up others, especially their understanding, over what only benefits us personally.

Unbelievers Will Not Come to Faith Through What Cannot Be Understood

The impact of unintelligibility isn’t limited to believers; it actively hinders unbelievers from coming to faith. Paul calls out the Corinthians for their childish use of gifts, explaining that uninterpreted tongues, rather than being a sign of God’s presence, can actually confirm unbelievers in their unbelief. If everything in church is mystifying, how can an unbeliever understand the gospel and trust in Jesus?

Prophecy, on the other hand, conveys God’s Word intelligibly, leading to conviction of sin and belief. It allows unbelievers to see that “God is really among you”.

Are We Intelligible?

This brings us to the crucial question: Are we intelligible? Can someone walk into our church, hear the gospel, and respond to Jesus because of what they see and hear? Do our songs, prayers, and sermons make sense to those beyond our immediate circle?

Paul’s message is clear: we must prefer what builds up others and lean towards what is understandable. We must prioritize simple and understandable communication over complicated or overly intellectual language. We need to explain our practices and content rather than assuming prior knowledge.

For the sake of building up believers and bringing unbelievers to faith, intelligibility isn’t an option – it’s a necessity. People cannot be saved or grow in Christ unless they understand the message.