Recently a friend asked me for advice. He left an IFB-extreme church to pastor a conservative SBC church. The former pastor now has sent him a letter telling him to send his ordination certificate back because he is no longer an "Independent Fundamental Baptist".
No where on the certificate does it indicate "IFB". My friend has denied none of the true Fundamentals of the faith. Furthermore there is the question of Pastoral authority- does the former pastor have the right to demand this?
Would love your thoughts on this- remember this is a FELLOWSHIP forum. If you want to fight you'll have to start another thread up top.:smilewinkgrin:
The rescinding of ordinations
Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by Mexdeaf, Feb 13, 2010.
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I would send the ordination papers back .... POSTAGE DUE! It is usually the church that ordains people, so it ought to come as a request/demand from the ordaining church. But I would knock the dust of my shoes and never look backk.
He should talk to his church's leaders, tell them what has happened and have them ordain him. Personally, I think they will simply give him a substsitute paper without having to go through another ordination council.
When I left the IFB for a SBC church I wasn't de-ordained, but I was shunned because I had left the "true faith" (my words, not theirs). But to this day some will only politely say "hello" when we see each other at various functions. -
preachinjesus Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Well what recourse does the other pastor have here? Is he gonna come up and fight your friend or just glare at him over the ecclesial divide?
But seriously this is another reason I can't stand fundamentalism. Your friend has done nothing wrong and they want to penalize him. Good grief, we have such bigger things to do. In reality, while I don't know your friends situation, he might do well to return the ordination with a qualifying letter that he hasn't fallen morally or theologically. Then he should line up ordination with a good church and allow that process to take place.
As part of my ordination council I agreed that if I ever had morality or deep theological issues that I would return my ordination to that church. -
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Straight from the Hyles Church Manual:
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I have one of those in a box somewhere...
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PHP:
PASTOR: Larry, do you believe the Articles of Faith adopted by the First
Baptist Church of Hammond
LARRY LOSER: Yes.
PASTOR: If any day would ever come and you would not, would you surrender
willingly your ordination papers?
statement? -
Larry Loser would be in a pickle.
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I am reminded of two toads arguing over who is green enough.
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If the former church wants to play that way then I wouldn't want my ordiantion from them in the first place. I just ask my current church to ordain me.