To My Facebook Friends

To My Facebook Brother in Christ….

In your 3-part teaching, “What Is The Church” (posted on Facebook) you invited readers to watch a video of your 2013 ordination. Having never witnessed an ordination I didn’t pass up the opportunity. I was never aware of a Scripture supporting ordination, but hey, maybe I can learn something; I do consider myself to be teachable.

My misgivings regarding ordination are plenteous. As Christ’s church is divided – not by Lord Jesus but by christians – into the salaried and non-salaried, the titled and non-titled, the licensed and non-licensed, it is also divided into the ordained and the non-ordained. “Is Christ divided?” (1Cor.1:13)

Also, the word ordained or ordain, in reference to christians, is not to be found in the KJV, NKJV, NASB and most other translations. Also, the ‘ordained’ within evangelicalism disagree on many issues, sometimes vehemently; is this not adequate evidence the ordained do not have exclusivity on truth?…. that their teachings are far from infallible? With these concerns I guardedly listened to the video. I share my impressions for your consideration….

Much of the language of the presider, who I assume was the ‘chief pastor’, cannot be found in NT writings (i.e., “ordination service”, “special position”, “reverend”, “our seal”, “our representative”, “official board”, “voted”, “certificate”). I learned a long time ago non-Scriptural words are needed to validate non-Scriptural applications. Other words mentioned in the video are found in the Bible, but seemingly misapplied. It is suggested now that you are ordained you are “set apart”. Aren’t we all? Are some christians more “set apart” by Jesus than others? The presider charged you, just like Paul charged Timothy. I too have been charged…. by none other than the Lord Jesus…. and so has every born-again. It was said you have been ordained because you have been “called into the ministry”. Who hasn’t been so called? The congregation is to hold you “accountable”, and yet the only reference to accountability is unto the Lord Jesus.

The presider admonished you to walk uprightly, to obey New Testament’s mandates applicable to leadership (and all), even specifically mentioning some of these mandates. However it was assumed that one of those admonitions of Paul was to be ignored. What admonition? “Nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you…. to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.” Can you see the cherry-picking?

The video reinforced, not weakened, my suspicion that ordination was building on the sand of tradition, that it is contrary to the words of Jesus – “You are all equal as brothers and sisters” (NLT). It has been said that while there certainly are clergy in the church, there are no laity. We are all “kings and priests”. We are all called into “the ministry of reconciliation”. We are all gifted. Yes, there are leaders in the NT, but not organized leadership! Yes, there are elders, but not a board of elders! Yes, there are pastors, but not salaried pastors!

Thanks for listening. I certainly wish you an abundance of “treasures in heaven.” Pleased to have you as a social media friend.