Online Ordainment

[joshmurdoch84]

I am not still married my divorce was final may 2007

 

[RisingSpirit]

I think once married, always married.

 

[Norah63]

The OP was about his age, previous marriage with two children, now has one with a fiance.
What did others think about on line ordination.
I agree with the one who said, it's a good money maker for some. That about sums it up.
Any christian is able to spread the good news, don't need papers, or to be paid to do that.
Our life style preaches volumns already, that is why we should live a holy life. It shows that we
honor God and His Word.
Just observing is not judging.

 

[revrobor]

I think once married, always married.

That may be your opinion but you need to know there are Biblical grounds for divorce.

 

[Chaplain David]

Hello Everyone I wanted to let everyone know that I am new here, My name is Josh and I am 28 with three kids two from my ex wife and one with my Fiance. Here is my question. I am being called into the ministry. Its a strong call and God is wanting me to become ordained. I was wondering what everyone's thought on online ordainment was. I feel that this is how GOD is wanting me to get ordained no matter what I am doing online I always end up looking at different ordainment sites online. Please Feel free to speak open and freely. God Bless and Thank You

Hello Josh,

Are you talking about ordination without an educational component or an online seminary or bible school that grants ordination after some good study to prepare you to be a pastor? God bless.

 

[RisingSpirit]

That may be your opinion but you need to know there are Biblical grounds for divorce.

I was surprised to read Piper say no divorce no matter what at his website. I may believe the remarriage isn't that necessary should go single afterwards.

After all all of those stuff are coming from Moses.

 

[joshmurdoch84]

But if you find the one that GOD has put on this earth for you, you should be able to remarry after being divorced.

 

[RisingSpirit]

But if you find the one that GOD has put on this earth for you, you should be able to remarry after being divorced.

God hates divorce so I doubt He'll create that event for you.

 

[joshmurdoch84]

So If I marry someone I think I love and she cheats on me and I get divorced and find someone else down the road I shouldn't be able to marry that person if we are in love

 

[OldStudent]

! Tim 3 is referring to the practice of polygamy which was common in Timothy's day even among some Christians. "Must be the husband of one wife" has nothing to do with divorce. Even if it did if there was Biblical grounds for a divorce it's a non-issue.

I understand we don't have enough information in Josh's post to know if the divorce had Biblical grounds. He later updates that his wife broke the covenant so Biblical grounds apply. Remarriage - remarriage would seem to be acceptable. Please don't take was follows in harsh voice. Having a child by a woman not his wife IS a problem. Spare me the charge of "judging." I am not consigning his destiny. Adultery is a matter to be repented of and corrected. God wrote it in stone. It is wise that we note God's plan and design. I am sorry the black and white of print may seem harsh. With the information we have in Josh's posts he has some things to set right first.

It may be that Paul was addressing polygamy in writing to Timothy. Does it make a difference if polygamy is parallel (two or three at a time) or serial (one after the other)? Both are breaches of God's image in us. It seems that God has harsher language for divorce. If remarriage followed death of the spouse then there is less of an issue.

 

[Norah63]

Thank you OldStudent for putting it plainly. Having a child by a woman not his wife IS a
problem. Isn't it strange that hardly anyone noticed or seemed to have a thought about that? The sad sign of the times. Divorce and re-marriage or not, or living arrangements are just supposed to be overlooked.
When I mentioned that wouldn't he think of marrying the mother of his last child, there was not a response. And If a person is not convicted about a situation of this kind there is no help for the situation.

 

[RisingSpirit]

So If I marry someone I think I love and she cheats on me and I get divorced and find someone else down the road I shouldn't be able to marry that person if we are in love

no, her cheating on you also makes you commit adultery as well. Sorry. Sometimes what it seems bad may be designed by God so something good will happen, later, in the future. Maybe committing adultery is to show that mankind really are totally deprived and can't be perfect, ever. Even though you love the other, we are not to get away with causing our partners to cheat. You see, it may not be her fault to cheat. The problem may lie in denials of being responsible and being part of the problem.

 

[revrobor]

God hates divorce so I doubt He'll create that event for you.

But He DOES allow divorce for adultery and desertion.

 

[RisingSpirit]

But He DOES allow divorce for adultery and desertion.

because of the hard hearts of men. I wouldn't want God to see my stone heart so I'll stay single for both of our pleasures.

 

[hopeinGod]

A friend of mine, Dr. Samuel Greene, the pastor of Narrow Way Ministries in Jacksonville, FL at Narrow Way Ministries earned a PhD through an online Bible College.

 

[Disciple3]

Hi Josh, welcome to CF!

In my personal opinion, I feel like online ordainment is a shortcut. The calling of pastor or priest is not just a lifestyle of self sacrifice, but it's also one of wisdom, knowledge and understanding about what it means to be a Christian. That includes understanding of biblical interpretation and exegesis, hermeneutics, Christian history, etc. It also means understanding the significance of the Sacraments. Christ left the Apostles Holy Tradition, the Scriptures wouldn't even arrive on the scene for at least a few more decades and the canon as we have it today for a few more centuries. Understanding why the Sacraments and Holy Tradition is important is a key component of our Christian existence and something that would most certainly be applied by the office of the pastor (or priest).

I would strongly suggest exploring your seminary options, not only will it be an immense asset for you throughout your years as a pastor, but by virtue of attending seminary it will test your mettle to see if this is really a calling for you. Simply bypassing all of that and receiving an online ordination won't really confirm much, and it may give you a tool before you have a full understanding of how to wield it. I knew a guy who tried to start a church here in town while simultaneously attempting to obtain an online ordination, but the whole thing fell apart. He was convinced that the Lord was calling him into a pastoral role, but as it turns out, the commitment to it wasn't there which was reflected early on in the fact that he wanted an easy and quick "means to an end". Once things had gone past the neat frills and excitement of a new church, he had no theological or sacramental substance to work with and it died off as a glorified bible study. Contrast him with a friend of mine who after years and years realized he was called to ministry, and God laid the groundwork for him to move away from his kids (whom he shares custody with his ex-wife and which was no easy feat) so he could attend Fuller Theological Seminary (an outstanding institution), and it's turning out to be an incredible experience!

Some will say that you don't need any education or you don't need the "doctrines of men" a common, although misguided, pejorative term regarding Tradition that many anti-institutional Christians like to throw around but frankly the further away from those things a leader wanders, the more off-base they become theologically until they reach the point that they're merely leading a glee club or some kind of crazy tent meeting like some of the nuttier Christian leaders we've seen over the years.

Im out of my league here because im not a pastor, teacher or anything that i know of, but i like to consider myself a wannabe disciple, a follower of Christ and His apostles/disciples, or whatever they were. (sorry i get confused over those titles sometimes)

But if i may, i would like to comment on these things. Thank you.

In my personal opinion, I feel like online ordainment is a shortcut. The calling of pastor or priest is not just a lifestyle of self sacrifice,

Agreed. We as followers of Christ are all called to share in the Lords sufferings and a pastor or bishop should surely do this, leading by example. And we are called to flee from covetousness which is idolatry, again pastors, teachers and bishops should lead by example.

but it's also one of wisdom, knowledge and understanding about what it means to be a Christian. That includes understanding of biblical interpretation and exegesis, hermeneutics, Christian history, etc. It also means understanding the significance of the Sacraments.

As far as wisdom, knowledge and understanding goes and what it means to be a Christian, i agree. One significant thing about the sacraments that should be observed by all christians and taught daily in my opinion is found in 1Co 11:27-28, the emphasis being verse 28. And baptism is something i'm going to avoid talking about, but i will say we need to be born again, i'm sure that's more than agreeable.

Some will say that you don't need any education or you don't need the "doctrines of men" a common,

Education is good but the leading of the spirit is more important, in my opinion. And maybe there are some doctrines of men that are useless, i really don't know though but if there are doctrines of men in the church today then it sure wouldn't be the first time we had doctrines of men taught as though they were from God.

 

[revrobor]

Hi Josh, welcome to CF!

In my personal opinion, I feel like online ordainment is a shortcut. The calling of pastor or priest is not just a lifestyle of self sacrifice, but it's also one of wisdom, knowledge and understanding about what it means to be a Christian. That includes understanding of biblical interpretation and exegesis, hermeneutics, Christian history, etc. It also means understanding the significance of the Sacraments. Christ left the Apostles Holy Tradition, the Scriptures wouldn't even arrive on the scene for at least a few more decades and the canon as we have it today for a few more centuries. Understanding why the Sacraments and Holy Tradition is important is a key component of our Christian existence and something that would most certainly be applied by the office of the pastor (or priest).

I would strongly suggest exploring your seminary options, not only will it be an immense asset for you throughout your years as a pastor, but by virtue of attending seminary it will test your mettle to see if this is really a calling for you. Simply bypassing all of that and receiving an online ordination won't really confirm much, and it may give you a tool before you have a full understanding of how to wield it. I knew a guy who tried to start a church here in town while simultaneously attempting to obtain an online ordination, but the whole thing fell apart. He was convinced that the Lord was calling him into a pastoral role, but as it turns out, the commitment to it wasn't there which was reflected early on in the fact that he wanted an easy and quick "means to an end". Once things had gone past the neat frills and excitement of a new church, he had no theological or sacramental substance to work with and it died off as a glorified bible study. Contrast him with a friend of mine who after years and years realized he was called to ministry, and God laid the groundwork for him to move away from his kids (whom he shares custody with his ex-wife and which was no easy feat) so he could attend Fuller Theological Seminary (an outstanding institution), and it's turning out to be an incredible experience!

Some will say that you don't need any education or you don't need the "doctrines of men" a common, although misguided, pejorative term regarding Tradition that many anti-institutional Christians like to throw around but frankly the further away from those things a leader wanders, the more off-base they become theologically until they reach the point that they're merely leading a glee club or some kind of crazy tent meeting like some of the nuttier Christian leaders we've seen over the years.

By your standard most of the disciples would have failed.

 

[Gnarwhal]

Im out of my league here because im not a pastor, teacher or anything that i know of, but i like to consider myself a wannabe disciple, a follower of Christ and His apostles/disciples, or whatever they were. (sorry i get confused over those titles sometimes)

You may not be out of your league, if you're called to lead then the way will be paved. Education is part of that though, it's a symbol of our commitment to the office God's calling us to and it's also a means by how God can train up leaders.

Agreed. We as followers of Christ are all called to share in the Lords sufferings and a pastor or bishop should surely do this, leading by example. And we are called to flee from covetousness which is idolatry, again pastors, teachers and bishops should lead by example.

Indeed.

As far as wisdom, knowledge and understanding goes and what it means to be a Christian, i agree. One significant thing about the sacraments that should be observed by all christians and taught daily in my opinion is found in 1Co 11:27-28, the emphasis being verse 28. And baptism is something i'm going to avoid talking about, but i will say we need to be born again, i'm sure that's more than agreeable.

Indeed, the Sacraments aren't just crucial, they're the very means by which God dispenses his grace to us.

Education is good but the leading of the spirit is more important, in my opinion. And maybe there are some doctrines of men that are useless, i really don't know though but if there are doctrines of men in the church today then it sure wouldn't be the first time we had doctrines of men taught as though they were from God.

Well, for one, what you have just said is a common false dichotomy that anti-institutional Christians love to create (no offense to you, I'm not saying you in particular like to throw it out there). By the nature of that statement, it's inferring that education and the Holy Spirit are mutually exclusive and so a person must be uneducated to receive knowledge and wisdom from God.

The reality is, God created us with cognitive faculties. We have brains, we would be remiss to overlook or intentionally diminish the importance of this gift.

Also, as far as traditions go, there's a distinction made in Scripture between the traditions of men and the Tradition (capital "T") of God, aka Holy Tradition. Which is the deposit of faith that Christ delivered to the Apostles, and which the Apostles and their successors spread throughout the world.

I would say take heart, none of us can say what God's plan is for you but if it is indeed to pastor (and/or teach) a community of believers, then the way will be made for it to happen.

By your standard most of the disciples would have failed.

Who said anything about my standards? Education has always been a part of the Christian story, reducing and rejecting bettering ones self through education (whether you're pursuing a calling into the pastorate or not) is downright negligent.

 

[revrobor]

Few of the disciples were highly educated. They were fishermen, farmers, tax collectors. Jesus didn't ask to see their degree when He called them. The problem with the church today is they are being led by men who are highly educated in the traditions of men.

 

[joshmurdoch84]

Few of the disciples were highly educated. They were fishermen, farmers, tax collectors. Jesus didn't ask to see their degree when He called them. The problem with the church today is they are being led by men who are highly educated in the traditions of men.

Revrobor Your a smart person. I would like to add you to my contacts on here if thats approperate