Ordinations

[Carrye]

What is the meaning of "ordination" for Baptists? What implications does it have? Is being a pastor a vocation/calling, or a profession?

 

[BT]

What is the meaning of "ordination" for Baptists? What implications does it have? Is being a pastor a vocation/calling, or a profession?

Awesome question!

 

[GreenEyedLady]

A pastor is someone called by God, just as the Catholics would say that priests are called by God.

Its the same process between the 2 men. They both have to go to school, and then start a ministry somewhere, whether it be missions, evaglism, or pastoring a church. After schooling and a couple years of expieriece, the Called man is then ordained by an elder pastor.
I hope this is what you were asking for.
GEL

 

[Carrye]

A pastor is someone called by God, just as the Catholics would say that priests are called by God.

Its the same process between the 2 men. They both have to go to school, and then start a ministry somewhere, whether it be missions, evaglism, or pastoring a church. After schooling and a couple years of expieriece, the Called man is then ordained by an elder pastor.
I hope this is what you were asking for.
GEL

Yes, that's exactly what I was looking for. Does ordination have any effects, either spiritually or practically? For example, Catholics believe that ordination is sacramental in nature (I know Baptists wouldn't agree with this, but just for the sake of an example) and so the soul is irreversibly changed. Ordination allows a priest to perform certain roles, like consecrating the eucharistic elements. Again, I know that Baptists don't have this equivalent, but am wondering what effects are the result, and if no effects result, what the need for ordination is.
... in a way it's similar to my question about baptism a while ago.

 

[theseed]

What is the meaning of "ordination" for Baptists? What implications does it have? Is being a pastor a vocation/calling, or a profession?

The Bible teaches that we should not endorse ourselves. By having others endorse or ordain someone, it establishes, offically that it is God's will for that person to be in vocational ministy.

Traditionally and usually, and generally, Baptists don't ordain women.

 

[Carrye]

The Bible teaches that we should not endorse ourselves. By having others endorse or ordain someone, it establishes, offically that it is God's will for that person to be in vocational ministy.

But having someone else endorse us could just mean looking for a friend to affirm us - I'm just playing devil's advocate here, looking for a more indepth response.

Traditionally and usually, and generally, Baptists don't ordain women.

LOOK, Look, another thing we agree on!!!

 

[GreenEyedLady]

Yes, that's exactly what I was looking for. Does ordination have any effects, either spiritually or practically? For example, Catholics believe that ordination is sacramental in nature (I know Baptists wouldn't agree with this, but just for the sake of an example) and so the soul is irreversibly changed. Ordination allows a priest to perform certain roles, like consecrating the eucharistic elements. Again, I know that Baptists don't have this equivalent, but am wondering what effects are the result, and if no effects result, what the need for ordination is.
... in a way it's similar to my question about baptism a while ago.

Pretty much I think, I am not sure, but I think that you have to be ordained to Baptise someone. You have to be ordained to hold The Lords Supper.

 

[theseed]

But having someone else endorse us could just mean looking for a friend to affirm us - I'm just playing devil's advocate here, looking for a more indepth response.

It has to be the deacons, and the pastor--other ordained people.

 

[RED that's ME]

Don't have a lot of time to spare here just leave a quick answer....

Ordination is a process that a pastor/preacher/missionary goes through. It is not something that is taken lightly or quickly. The person going through the ordination process is questioned about their beliefs what the Bible says on many subjects in great detail and depth. Their lifestyle is also looked at and see if it compares to I Timothy 3:1-7. The ordination process is not done just by another pastor but a group of pastors who are ordained ministers themselves who fully check out the person before they give their blessing for his ordination.

 

[theseed]

I do not believe in ordination because I believe that the Bible teaches that the Holy Ghost will bring out leaders from the local congregation.

Regards,

How does that refute ordination? Many ordianed people do come from thier church congregation?

 

[BT]

Yes, that's exactly what I was looking for. Does ordination have any effects, either spiritually or practically? For example, Catholics believe that ordination is sacramental in nature (I know Baptists wouldn't agree with this, but just for the sake of an example) and so the soul is irreversibly changed. Ordination allows a priest to perform certain roles, like consecrating the eucharistic elements. Again, I know that Baptists don't have this equivalent, but am wondering what effects are the result, and if no effects result, what the need for ordination is.
... in a way it's similar to my question about baptism a while ago.

There is also a legal aspect (at least in Canada), you must be ordained to perform weddings.... it goes with having a license...

 

[theseed]

Actually, it they can be both. Paul was a very educated man.

And the Bible does teach ordination. It teaches that we should not endorse ourselves. If it was not biblical, do you think Baptists would do it?

Do you think we should let any and every jo smo be pastor?

 

[theseed]

believe the Holy Ghost will do what is right. In the Brethren churches they have no ordained clergy because we believe that the Holy Ghost will empower speakers when they are needed. Yes Paul was an educated man but it was not this that made him an apostle!

Yes, and the bible still teaches that we should not endorse ourselves. If it is from the Holy Ghost, then others will recognize it.

After all, anybody can lie about thier calling.

 

[BjBarnett]

Yes, and the bible still teaches that we should not endorse ourselves. If it is from the Holy Ghost, then others will recognize it.

After all, anybody can lie about thier calling.

i was just about to ask "what if there lieing?"

 

[TexasCatholic]

i was just about to ask "what if there lieing?"

Honestly, I don't think you're going to get people falsely professing a calling to the ministry. It isn't as if people are being picked out of the crowd. They come forward and feel their own calling from the Holy Spirit. The ordination process is simply an affirmation.

I happen to agree that they should be educated. If they're going to be teaching the flock of their church, then they should be considerably more educated on matters of Theology and Scripture. Otherwise, they are doing a disservice to the believers in their church.

Oh, and I think you meant "what if they're lying?" ... huge pet peeve! "they're, there and their. Three different words, three different meanings.

-James

 

[BjBarnett]

Oh, and I think you meant "what if they're lying?" ... huge pet peeve! "they're, there and their. Three different words, three different meanings.

lol sorry

 

[Iollain]

Yes, that's exactly what I was looking for. Does ordination have any effects, either spiritually or practically? For example, Catholics believe that ordination is sacramental in nature (I know Baptists wouldn't agree with this, but just for the sake of an example) and so the soul is irreversibly changed. Ordination allows a priest to perform certain roles, like consecrating the eucharistic elements. Again, I know that Baptists don't have this equivalent, but am wondering what effects are the result, and if no effects result, what the need for ordination is.
... in a way it's similar to my question about baptism a while ago.

Heya Clskinner,

Can you tell me what sacramental in nature and what it is to have the soul irreversibly changed.

 

[Carrye]

Heya Clskinner,

Can you tell me what sacramental in nature and what it is to have the soul irreversibly changed.

I would love to, but I don't know that I can do it in here. Can someone help me out with the etiquette here?

Of course, you're more than welcome to PM me or to bring your question to OBOB if this isn't the proper place for it.

 

[RED that's ME]

Ordination of Ministers

INTRODUCTION
​

The ordination of ministers is generally accepted among Baptists as a necessary function of the local church. Recognition of the fellowship of churches is provided through the ordination council. As the number of churches and pastors multiplies, the need also grows for some uniform principles and practices. Churches need guidance in evaluating prospective pastors that come from a variety of denominational backgrounds and schools. The following recommendations are intended to help the churches as they call and ordain pastors. While these recommendations are not binding, they will be conducive to good order and effective service.

I. ORDINATION STANDARDS
​

1. <LI class=body>Spiritual. An experience of conversion, a divine call to the ministry, a consistent Christian walk, a vital concern for the conversion of men and upbuilding of the church at home and abroad - these are essential elements in the candidate’s experience. <LI class=body>Doctrinal. All prospective pastors should affirm their unequivocal adherence to an evangelical doctrinal position based on the Scriptures as the Word of God. The Affirmation of Faith adopted by the Baptist General Conference can serve as a guide in these matters. <LI class=body>Educational. In view of the growing demands placed on pastors, chaplains and missionaries, it is advisable that graduation from a four-year college course followed by a standard Master of Divinity course in seminary, or its equivalent, be recommended. The ministerial calling requires the best training, comparable in quality and intensity to that of other professions. <LI class=body>Denominational. All ministers of the Baptist General Conference should be convinced Baptists who accept historic Baptist distinctives in all matters pertaining to church order and practice. Men coming from non-Conference backgrounds, and especially non-Baptists, are advised to take some recommended courses from Bethel Theological Seminary or complete certain prescribed reading.
2. Practical experience. It is advisable that a graduate from theological school spend at least one year after graduation engaged exclusively in preaching and pastoral work before being ordained. A license to preach and serve as a pastor will permit him to fulfill his pastoral duties without restriction during the year or more before ordination. Exceptions to this rule will be made when the candidate has had adequate pastoral experience before and during his seminary course, or when he must seek early ordination to satisfy requirements for missionary service or chaplaincy. This requirement, if applied, will help churches and candidates to determine fitness for the ministry. Any uncertainty as to call or other obvious disqualifications should bar a man from ordination regardless of sincerity or educational attainments.

II. ORDINATION PROCEDURE
​

1. <LI class=body>Preliminary examination. In a typical case, the man to be ordained is the pastor of the ordaining church and his qualifications are usually well-known. When a member other than the pastor seeks ordination the church should make sure that he is a worthy candidate before calling a council. In any case, assistance in determining qualifications can be had from trusted pastors in the area or the district executive minister. <LI class=body>Calling of a council. The church will vote at a duly announced meeting to call an ordination council and to ordain the candidate upon a favorable recommendation by the council. The candidate should always be a member of the ordaining church. The churches are invited to send their pastor and two other members as delegates or messengers to the council. <LI class=body>Meeting of the council. After organizing itself the council will examine the candidate with respect to his spiritual experience, call to the ministry and view of Christian doctrine. The council should take its responsibility seriously and examine the candidate carefully. The outcome of the examination will be a recommendation to the church either to ordain or not. Occasionally a conditional recommendation is made, suggesting that the candidate be ordained on the condition that he fulfill certain requirements. An example of such would be the completion of recommended readings or study courses. In some instances the council may recommend that ordination be postponed until certain remedial steps are taken. Grave departures from traditionally high standards call for forthright refusal to recommend ordination.
2. The public service of ordination. This service is usually held the same date as the meeting of the examining council, and certain advantages are claimed for the practice. On the negative side is the unfair pressure on the council which a previously announced ordination service exerts. An interval of a week or more would seem desirable. The following parts are usually included in the ordination service: Introductory details, such as reading of Scripture, prayer, special music and reading of recommendation of the examining council (no vote need be taken by the church at this time on the ground that the church has previously voted to ordain upon receiving a favorable decision by the council); Ordination sermon Charge to the church Ordination prayer Hand of fellowship Charge to the candidate Benediction by the ordained. Participants in the service are usually invited beforehand by the candidate or the church. Care should be taken to preserve the authority of the local church in the ordination service. The church will plan and direct the service with whatever help it needs from visiting ministers.

III. REVOCATION OF ORDINATION
​

Should a minister be found living a life unbecoming a servant of the Lord or proclaiming teachings contrary to the Word of God and Baptist beliefs in general, the church may call a council to hear the charges and the minister’s defense. Upon recommendation of the council the church will then revoke the minister’s ordination certificate and announce the revocation in the denominational press. It should be understood that such action can be taken only by the church of which the minister is a member.

IV. LICENSE
​

A license to preach should be issued by the local church to those who desire to prepare for the gospel ministry. This should be done only after the pastor and board of deacons have ascertained the candidate’s divine call and qualifications. Similarly a church may license its pastor as a preliminary step to ordination at a later date. A license usually recognizes a man’s call to preach and serves as a letter of recommendation. Authorization to perform marriages and other functions of a minister may be conferred upon theological students who will become student pastors.

V. RECOGNITION OF PREVIOUS ORDINATION
​

1. <LI class=body>When ministers ordained in other fellowships become pastors of Baptist General Conference churches the local church can take the following steps:
   a. Call a recognition council similar to an ordination council.
   b. Upon recommendation of the council, proceed with a public recognition service.
2. Reordination is encouraged for one whose background is widely divergent from that of our Conference. In such case the usual ordination procedures will be followed.

Resource: http://www.bgcworld.org/pservice/ordin.htm

 

[Carrye]

That was very informative, thank you. The section on the revocation of ordination answered the bulk of my questions. If I may try to rephrase to make sure I understand:

Ordination isn't a "divine" sort of thing for Baptists - it's more of a graduation/certification/official sort of thing? I guess I'm just comparing it to what I know about what Catholics do. After a deacon or priest's ordination, the effects of the ordination can never be taken from him. He may be removed from his duties, but he will always be ordained.

This seems not to be the case with Baptists, correct?