EWG 212-213: "although (Paul) is concerned that the Corinthians should abound in spiritual gifts 'for the building up of the church' (v.12), it is clear that such edification cannot take place unless individuals are instructed (v.19) and encouraged (v. 31)."

This struck me as something that should be so very obvious, and yet, so ignored. If you were to ask a pastor how his church was doing, I would think it would be a surprise to hear anything about the encouragement, or lack thereof, in the church.

Would it be out of line to spend a few minutes at the beginning of each service teaching the people something of this nature, even if it has little to do with the sermon for that day? Could we then make such teaching tidbits a habit, and incorporate all kinds of little practical helps to making the church function more biblically?