The problem I have when attending a Pentecostal service is that why is it only then that God speaks through a member of the congregation? And, why does it seem to always be the same person, or between one or two persons at the church? If talking in tongues was being directed by God's hand, I'd think it would be up to Him on who He chooses for His vessel.
Far to many . . . even Pentecostals . . .
fail to follow the Scripture about fear of man is a trap. Far too many fear what others might think--especially if they speak amiss, speak from the flesh etc.
Some of it is poor teaching. Some of it is too much performance anxiety and focus on performance rather than encouraging the people to grow in the exercise of their gifts including the freedom to fail and learn and grow.
IF a half dozen or so folks are reliable and humble and spiritual etc. . . . especially in a small congregation . . . . that would be sufficient.
In large congregations . . . the operation of the gifts is routinely better in small groups but should not be prohibited, imho, in the largeer group as Calvary Chapel reoutinely does. There are ways to keep it healthy and wierd newcomers from crashing the service inappropriately.
Alas, in too many congregations . . . a few folks are routinely depended on . . . and/or . . . tend to expect to be used and may tend to hog the role when they should be training up others to flow in their gifts. I don't know that Holy Spirit always anoints such as much as they seem to think. Leadership should be on top of that sort of thing. Many times they aren't. Sometimes they perpetuate stereotypic stuff when Holy Spirit has been trying to broaden, loosen up the congregation for a long time.
In my church, there is one person who speaks out a lot about visions (dreams) that he has. I just think that is this one person's "gift". He is a very artistic person, and he loves to write music. I think he can visually interpret a lot of the Bible.
He is a nice guy, and I like when he shares his visions with our church. Most of the things he says would sound like "I see a river of water flowing over someone and washing away their sin." They are very generic. It's not like I see a disaster hitting Los Angelas.
Some people at my church are artistic and paint beautiful pictures about spiritual things.
I see painting real pictures and "painting" pictures with words as real gifts from God. I can't do either. It's not the gift God has given me.
That's why I think you see the same person doing the same thing. I don't think I would ever speak in tongues or paint a picture. However, I have a special needs daughter. I think my gift is to take care of her. Not everyone can do that.
I have had it explained to me that some will not yield to the Spirit. God may be speaking to several in the congregation, but some just will not respond, especially publicly. I have had people tell me that they knew they were supposed to either give a message in tongues or interpret it, but were too afraid. Hope that helps.