"now here's one for you then.. shouldn't we all serve according to our talents? we know that singing, dancing and playing instruments are all in the bible, but what of the others? the light techs, the sound techs, the cameramen and video editors, the graphics artists and media producers? they all should be allowed to use their talents to glorify the lord.
the problem comes when the church forgets about worship and is only out there to preform and entertain."
Within the Body of Christ, I think that we are all called to use our spiritual gifts to edify the body and bring glory to Him. As I understand the relevant Biblical passages, a spiritual gift is given by the Holy Spirit at the time that the Spirit enters a person's life. It is something different than a talent and the requirements for its use are thus different.
God obviously gives everyone talents, the just and unjust alike. But that is different from spiritual gifts. Someone who is unregenerate might be enormously talented at light shows, but it would be very improper to use his talents within the church precisely because he can't use his talents to God's glory, but only to his own.
Now that I think about it, I'm not sure that singing a solo is on any list of spiritual gifts. It is much more like a talent...a good one and one that requires real work. But I think the church would function just fine without it, because there are plenty of ways to give glory to Christ without invoking that talent. The proper Biblical use of spiritual gifts is one way to do that.
Reminds me of the church I grew up in. Our pastor would not allow "The Lord's Prayer" to be sung as a SOLO.
i was taught to use my talents in concert with my gifts.
the spiritual gifts are: prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, showing mercy, wisdom, knowledge, faith, healings, miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues.
wouldn't leading worship be leading? or singing a solo, encouraging? wouldn't both both demonstrate faith?