Pastors, Evangelists and Ordination

In Timothy, Paul refers to laying on of hands, a spiritual gift imparted to Timothy (not sure which one), and this seems to indicate some sort of official inititation or ceremony...

...but is it "ordination"? Where does that word come from? If "ordination" is Biblical, why don't they lay hands on them and impart a spiritual gift? Or do they?

There is so much tradition in churches that many think are clear Biblical teachings, but really are absolutely not, yet may still be "acceptable" and not really "anti-biblical".

Like "altar calls," pews, hymnals, the word "trinity" and "God the Son," claiming that apostles and prophets passed away when the Bible was completed--but evangelists, pastors, and teachers still function today, claiming that laying hands on sick people and ministering healing or casting out unclean spirits is "charismatic" (was Jesus "charismatic"???), saying that a "church" means only a "church building" and no other type of assembly is valid, saying only one version of the Bible is blessed by God and all others are satanic, etc.

Good luck trying to swim through all the traditions and distortions.

I'm studying "pastor," "elder," "deacon," "bishop", etc. right now, too, using Strongs Concordance and W.E. Vines' Expository Dictionary.

 

Ordination is the recognition of the local church that a man demonstrates the gifts and character necessary for the office of pastor/overseer/elder in the local church. It cannot legitimately be done by any body other than a local church.

 

What about a denomination that has bishops or presbryters that ordain but not in the local church? There are many great pastors and Evangelist that are ordained in their denomination bu not by their local church.

 

I'm not keen on the word 'ordination', but accepting it as the setting apart of someone to be pastor I belive it should be a local church responsibility.

There is merit, and a degree of wisdom, in involving a local baptist association in the process as it can help clarify the gifts/ability of the person involved. The wise spiritual council of experienced pastors and other mature christians from other fellowships should not be ignored.

It is a mistake for a college or an association to appoint/ordain a pastor without the positive support of the candidate's home church.

If they do not recognise his pastoral gifts .. do they really exist? With that no local church should support the ordination of anyone they would not be prepared to have as their own pastor. Indeed, in all probability i would think that a man should be an elder or deacon in his church prior to any pastoral role being given.

Similarly, if you feel the call to be an evangelist, surely the local church should see that call evidenced in the life of the person and ordain accordingly.

In no way does this decry the value of good college training .. education is valuble and should be saught on a lifetime basis to enhance the ministry of any pastor (or any christian for that matter)

Regards
Bob

 

As for mail order ordination ??? you jest .. not worth the paper it's printed on. (as distinct from off campus or distance ed. type colllege study) ..
could have me as the "mail-order Dr Bob"

truly frightening.