I tend to let things settle before I respond... Also I have other issues that demand my attention.
You have consolidated my thoughts, thank you.
Did you get to read beyond #68??
It worry's me that modern church seems so self focussed and pouring energy into its vision rather than supporting the callings of its adherents - that is probably a matter for another thread as well.
You will see some of my testimony here...
Jesus's Ministry
I think inner city work has consolidated my belief that we need the gifts operating because without them in that environment you wont last 5 minutes...
We had cases of short term prophesy - example we always used intercessory support and someone would see a 'vision' of a guy sitting on a park bench reading a newspaper. Sure enough when folks went out to share His word, the guy would be there and was all ears for the gospel.
On another occasion a group was worshiping casually in the city square. They were told by Him to wait for someone (they didnt know who) 30 minutes later a guy walks up to them with a big chain aver His shoulder - he was just expelled from his bike gang and was all ears for the gospel.
So we learned to learn by doing, and ended up learning much about moving in the Spirit.
We had a call to the street and as we contested the edge of the kingdom, gifts would come into play that the church knows little about because they are fighting a different battle.