1 Cor 14
...
1Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 3But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.

1 Cor 14:12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

1 Cor 14:17 You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.

1 Cor 14:19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

etc.
...
The principle "follow the way of love" (1 Cor. 14:1) is to guide our approach to the assemby of the church. This is the guiding principle Paul called upon when he reminded the elders of the Ephesian church, "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: `It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35 NIV)

The idea is that the individual is actually doing what is best for themselves only when they do what is good for others. Christians are called upon to approach the church with the intention of giving to others, and in that giving is truly blessed.

Heb 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)

In fact, with this attitude toward the assembly, "how can I edify, encourage, and help the group?" we can find blessing and personal growth in churches of any size with varying talent pools and resources -- as the Lord intended.