Ordination Council Questions

Because I had a minor local reputation as a sort of a theologian, the council asked some extra questions on the nature of the Trinity, etc. However, two months later, I was sitting on my first council, and the candidate (a young colleague) had one really funny answer. When asked the standard question, "What would you do if a woman came to you and told you God has called her into the pastorate?" [Around here, the answer is "tell her God doesn't call women into the pastorate.} My little red-headed protege pointed over to me and said, "I'd send her to talk to [Major B], and he'd straighten her out..."

In answer to your question, my views have grown and refined over the years, but other than becoming pre-millenial, little has changed in them.

 

The requirements for ordination that MacArthur uses through Grace Community Church are just plain daunting. See the appendix in his "Rediscovering Pastoral Ministry." Sample: they have THREE ordination councils, each covering a specific area of life/ministry.

 

Well, Dr Bob, my ordination was two Sundays ago. I hope your general statments don't cover everyone that has not been to seminary as you have. I have not been to seminary or formal internship. It almost seems that according to your course of events, mine may have been a sham too.

Let me assure you that not all ordinations are like the one you witnessed. I was thoroughly tested. Not just by questioning, but by a test of consistency; meaning that I am not new to the faith, and have demonstrated my faithfulness to God in the eyes of my (several - due to military moves) congregations.

I have mentioned to some that I am at times intimidated by the knowledge of some of the pastors on this board in particular. In fact, I've been advised by some trusted pastors that preachers have a habit of actually trying to impress each other with their knowledge. One thing's for sure though. I'm not intimidated or fearful at all concerning the gospel, and my clear call to proclaim it. Please give that some thought before you make such a general statement. I realize my need for further training, and will willingly submit to the task.

There are several on this board who faithfully pastor churches without having had the benefit of seminary. I am one of them. Be careful not to allow your stature to overshadow your less-educated, yet faithful brothers in ministry.

 

Dr. Bob and USN (Swabbie)

Here is the problem in a nutshell.

1. Many churches, especially SBC churches are small to medium, small town or rural, "family chapel" churches. If you check the rolls, you will see the same last names appearing for generations. As many as 75% of the SBC congregations fit this description. Most of these will not ever have a seminary-trained pastor, though churches like this which are not far from a seminary will probably have a succession of seminary students for pastors. The churches are there; they are rough to pastor, but they have been the breeding ground for many young people who go off to do great things from the Lord. And, they are not going anywhere and are not likely to change much.

2. The second part of the problem: uneducated men in the pulpit (uneducated in the sense of not sufficiently well-versed in Bible, Theology, or pastoral work). Bible colleges help some; external degree programs may help, but this pool of men is where the bulk of SBC churches will get their pastors. What is really tragic is that it takes more training and experience to pastor these churches than it does to pastor larger ones. That is one reason these churches have such a rapid turnover.

USN, before you begin your pastorate, read "Seven Churches Not in Revelation," by Gene Mims (Lifeway), and "The Wounded Minister," by Guy Greenfield, Baker Books. Had I read them before I pastored MY family chapel, life would have been a lot easier.

 

Your point (#2) is very well taken. For my part, I am under a plan to get needed education while on the job. I will not likely do it as quickly as a dedicated full-time seminary student, but I will get the education none the less.

Also - my apologies to the originator of this thread - my earlier response didn't really address his question, so I'll do that now, since it's fresh in my mind:

I was asked several questions concerning the nature of God, including God the Father, Christ Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I was also asked about the nature of mankind, and how we might be reconciled to God. I was asked questions on the ordinances of the church, scriptural qualifications of leadership, personal thoughts about ministry and my family, I gave my testimony of conversion, as well as my testimony of being called. I was asked about my faithfulness in attendance and leadership in the past.

Looking back at the questions, they would be not so hard to answer sitting here at my desk. They were considerably more difficult standing in front of my entire congregation during questioning. I will say though, that I wasn't surprised or shocked by any of the questions asked. They were all in line with things I'd already considered in the years leading up to my surrendering to the call.

 

wow. great info. I am concerned about that comment Major. I am well versed in the Bible by studies I have done. The problem is many churches are doing "honorary ordinations" as I believe Dr Bob would say it... I was told by my pastor that most men who are "licensed to preach" are not prepared for that job. I think that looking and determining if someone is ready should be on an individual basis. An ordination counsel is not going to provide enough information about the man who feels called. Only personal knowledge of the person and experience with his charactor can allow you to guage him. The lack of schooling will be taken care of by the Holy Spirit if he is truly called by God.