Ordination Testimonies?

My ordination council was loaded with seminary prof's, as well as men and women from other denominations. I also had two former CPE supervisors (those folks can ask some personal questions!).

The most challenging question, though, came from Alan Culpepper, Dean of the McAfee School of Theology. "Joshua," he asked, "everyone here knows what you don't believe. Can you tell us, as succinctly as possible, what you do believe?"

Joshua

 

Joshua
Wow!!! How did you respond?

 

Can a deacon ask a question on this Pastor's Corner?

If I'm not out of line, here goes.
Quote from Joshua "My ordination council was loaded with seminary prof's, as well as men and women from other denominations"

Joshua, what kind of Baptist are you and what kind of Baptist Church would allow such a thing as other denominations sitting in council with it?

 

Bob,

I did not have to write a formal doctrinal paper since every member of the council knew me well and had supervised me in some setting that required lengthy reflection on my doctrinal beliefs.

Joshua

 

I'm a member of the Alliance of Baptists (where I am also endorsed as a Chaplain) and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. I did my M.Div at McAfee in Atlanta. McAfee, the CBF, and the Alliance all encourage ecumenism; and are all places that recognize that there are authentic ministers who are not baptists.

It was important to me personally that my ordination council be ecumenical since I recognize that my acountability as a minister is not just to baptist Christians.

Joshua

 

Those in our church know where the ordination canditate stands doctrinely, but ask doctrinal questions to see if the candidate is able to give an answer. The questioning is to determine whether the candidate is mature enough to teach what he believes and grow up baby Christians.

It is one thing to have conviction, but quite another to be able to defend that conviction from a scriptural point of view.

Ernie

 

I was ordained April 11, 1984... I had a my first funeral that morning and not all the preachers showed up that were invited and accepted. The Church vote was 100% to ordain me after the council recommended me to the Church. I seved the Church 14 years after my ordaination.

 

I had a wonderful council of ministers at ordination. I was told I would be asked to tell a little of my testamony......I decided the best way to do that would be to incorporate my experience of grace with the Doctrine of Grace in the sermon I delivered before my ordination. I think that sermon (which included my experience)shortened the actaul examination by the brethren.

I was quit nervous, I did not want to let down my Lord (which I did and Still do every day) and the church which had the mind to ordain me. But the Lord, in His mercy, supplied my every need.

Each time I stand before God's people, I pray for His Spirit upon me to deliver the message He would have me to deliver. For without His Spirit, the things I speak are vain.

I have not been called by a church at this point, nor am I really seeking one. To say I would not like to pastor a flock would not be true. I hope that one day God will lead me to that flock He has for me. Until then, I am content to wait upon the Lord.

Changed like Saul,

Elder Chris

www.pbsermons.org

[ March 25, 2002, 07:04 PM: Message edited by: changed_like_saul ]

 

I am coming up on my 27th anniversary of ordination in June. I, too, had seminary professors and challenging questions. I have enjoyed as well being able to preach others ordination sermons and "lay hands on them."

However, we must remember Paul's words of warning to Timothy, "Lay hands suddenly on no man..."

 

I was ordained, 24 years ago this coming July. It was a very pleasant Appalachian mountain evening, in a very small building that was packed. (I have a huge family) I was questioned about this and that, listened to the prayers, and the sermons. The next day was our annual all day meeting with dinner on the grounds day, communion and foot-washing meeting. I wasn't expecting it, as there were several ministers visiting from a distance, but the older ministers insisted that I take the whole service, which is extremely usual in a Primitive Baptist Church. I felt very blest, very humble, and very happy all at the same time. I can not yet put in words how I felt that day.

After the foot-washing part of the service before the dinner on the grounds part, the whole presbytery that took part in my ordination went outside the historic structure and had pictures taken. Most of the folks in those photos are gone now, and it is difficult to look at them. It was also unique in that it was filmed, which is something that Primitive Baptistts in my part of the world hadn't done before or since. But some anthropologists asked to do it, and we consented. I suppose they thought it might be their last chance, as the rumours of our demise have been circulating for at least 100 years.