Ordination

C4K

If a church has Biblical meetings in which it allows for everyone to have a psalm, a doctrine, a tongue, an interpretation or a revelation (I Corinthians 14:26) and where the saints 'exhort one another' (Heb. 10:25) when they assembly, then we should expect to have been exposed to a lot of a potential overseers teaching over the years.

I am not opposed to examining a man's doctrine.

I do notice, however, that the apostles who planted churches, or their delegates and co-workers, were the ones who appointed the elders in the New Testament, adn not the churches themselves.

 

Maybe we should switch over to a church government thread ?

 

Exactly. In the day and time inwhich we live, vainity and glory-seeking have even invaded the church.

It is relatively easy to 'fake' people off if you watch your step. I know, because I did for the first few years after I was married. I knew enough to fool most people, and I did. Until the Lord got hold of me, anyway.

All ordination really is is a stamp of approval by a church that the man meets certain requirements in regards to being a minister (or deacon). If you want it done like they did it in Acts, you're going to have to find an apostle or two (good luck...unless you are charismatic... ).

In Christ,
Trotter

 

We have raised a few generations of pastors who believe they are qualified to lead a church congregation because they have attended a Bible college or semenary and observed a few churches.

IMO, ordination should occur only after a good solid observation of the applicant in action within the congregation. Character weaknesses and doctrinal should be addressed before the Ordination service. By the time the Council is gathered there should be no issues preventing a positive vote by the gathered members involved.

Rob

 

believe it or not according to historians, when the Bible mentions the laying of hands, there was a short question and answer session to "prove" the validity and sincerity as well as the education of the leader in proposition. Seeing God at work in the life of this leader and seeing the proof of a divine calling caused these men to lay hands upon the individual and pray God's will be done in their lives. (As Paul mentions to Timothy to remember the laying of hands done upon him).

This evolved into having a formal council of elders and receiving a piece of paper at a special service by the catholic Church.

So, in a sense, this tradition does have biblical roots in some small respect.

 

I remember my ordination, the hardest questions were concerning dealing with troublesome members as a Church leader. The reason this was a hard set of questions was becaue the deacon asking was the one giving me such grief at our Church, or at least his wife.

 

"believe it or not according to historians," The obvious next question is "Which ones and where?"