In the Early Church, meetings often took place in homes (Acts 2:46). There was no sacred architecture or order of service. It seems that some people behaved as they would when attending a party (1 Corinthians 11:17-22); everybody speaking and few listening. Paul was concerned that the believers should hear the messages of encouragement and instruction. So the church leaders needed to apply some essential disciplines (1 Timothy 4:2-5).
 
Only a few people, who were accepted as being gifted to teach truth from the Lord, were allowed to speak; and then only one at a time. Meanwhile, the others should listen carefully to discern what the Lord was saying. The churches had the Old Testament and some of the apostles' writings, but there was no complete New Testament such as we have. The prophetic speakers should not claim that they could not stop speaking in order to prevent others. Indeed if another speaker wished to address the church, the first speaker should give way. Speakers should not dominate the group but allow the Lord to speak to the hearts of the church.
 
The Lord is the head of the church (Ephesians 4:15). It belongs to Him and He has the right to be heard. It is not a social club where the loudest and most fluent controls the air space. Nor is it a group of independent people who behave as they like: the church is a body and should work together to hear God's Word and to worship Him. Confusion and disorder are the trademarks of Satan not God (James 4:16). Peaceful listening is a good characteristic of God's people.
 
Most established churches today do not have these sorts of problems. However, small groups meeting in the workplace, groups in people's homes or family groups can be undisciplined so that time is wasted. The focus of the meeting can pivot on the needs of one or two individuals, and God's Word is not heard. God's purpose in gathering His people is that they shall know the truth and, in that knowledge, they can worship acceptably. When the social agenda eclipses the Word, or when a few people are allowed to dominate, something is wrong. When we come together we should not strive against each other but make room for each other and settle ourselves under His mighty hand. Spiritual leadership should bring gentle order in which we can hear the Lord and learn to obey.