Prayer and hearing God
Do I need to speak in tongues to be a real Christian?
Short answer
No. Christians differ on whether tongues are for today, but the Bible says the Spirit gives different gifts to different people, and love matters most.
Speaking in tongues, described in Acts and 1 Corinthians, is praying or praising in a language the speaker never learned. Pentecostal and charismatic churches practise it widely. Others believe such gifts were mainly for the early church. Many sit in between.
Paul is clear: the Spirit gives different gifts to different people, as He decides. “Do all speak in tongues?” No. No gift proves you are more spiritual, and without love even tongues are just noise.
If everyone around you seems to have this gift and you don't, you are not a second-class Christian.
Ask God for the gifts He wants to give, and use yours to build others up.
My verses
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.
Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.