Slain in the Spirit? Spiritual Gifts, Tongues, and the Holy Spirit

In this episode, Pastor Matt Ayars shares a personal story that launches a deep dive into the gifts of the Holy Spirit—starting with the moment his wife, Stacy, unintentionally “slayed” someone in the Spirit. What follows is an honest, engaging, and theologically grounded conversation about charismatic gifts like speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing, and discernment. Pastor Matt unpacks the difference between cessationism and continuationism, explains why Methodists believe the gifts continue, and offers pastoral wisdom on why some gifts—especially tongues—can be divisive in church life. With scriptural insight and practical guidance, this episode offers clarity for anyone wrestling with questions about the Spirit’s work in the church today.Topics Covered:Being “slain in the Spirit”: what it is and what it isn’tUniversal vs. unique spiritual giftsCessationism vs. continuationismWhy Methodists affirm the charismatic gifts but approach them with cautionHow culture shapes our experience of the SpiritThe divinity of the Holy Spirit and His role in the Trinity