'If you don't speak in tongues, it doesn't mean you will not go to heaven' - Presbyterian pastor

A Presbyterian minister has challenged the notion that speaking in tongues is a mandatory sign of genuine Christian faith, insisting that the spiritual gift is not a prerequisite for salvation.

Rev. Eric Nii-Noi Thompson, Head Pastor of the Okplekuku Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, made the remarks during an interview with MzGee, where he addressed growing expectations within some Christian circles that believers must speak in tongues to demonstrate their spirituality.

According to him, a person's salvation is not determined by whether they possess or exercise the gift of tongues.

“If you don’t speak in tongues, it does not mean you will not go to heaven,” he stated.

Rev. Thompson explained that spiritual gifts are bestowed by the Holy Spirit and cannot be produced through pressure or personal effort.

“It is not something that can be forced. The Holy Spirit works according to His own timing,” he added.

His comments come amid ongoing discussions about differences in worship styles between traditional churches and charismatic congregations, particularly regarding outward expressions of faith.

The Presbyterian pastor acknowledged that the Presbyterian Church has historically maintained a more conservative approach to worship but emphasized that the denomination has evolved over time.

“There was a time when we did not clap during worship and we did not use drums,” he recalled.

He noted that practices once largely associated with charismatic churches, including vibrant music, prayer camps and prophetic ministry, have gradually been embraced within Presbyterian worship.

However, he stressed that the church adopts changes carefully and only after assessing whether they align with biblical teachings.

“When new practices emerge, the church takes time to evaluate them in light of Scripture before accepting them,” he said.

Rev. Thompson also spoke on issues relating to personal appearance, including dreadlocks, piercings and tattoos, stressing that the church should focus on spiritual growth rather than immediate judgment.

“God does not love sin, but He loves the sinner,” he said.

He explained that personal transformation is often a gradual journey and that the role of the church is to support and guide individuals through that process rather than demand instant change.

Drawing a comparison to caregiving, he said the church must be willing to welcome people as they are while helping them grow in their faith over time.

According to Rev. Thompson, striking a balance between openness and doctrinal integrity is essential, enabling the church to remain faithful to its beliefs while embracing those seeking spiritual guidance.