The "Good Ole Boys" Club?

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Look, I am not condemning the need for alliances, fellowships, or organizations. I am just curious as to why someone who has no desire to minister wants a license to do so?

I know. I was just saying why for some people it's important.

Many of these people at one time may have started out in some type of ministerial position or are ministerial wannabes OR ministerial has-beens.

There are some districts now where there is little opportunity for pastoral or ministerial position as we normally think of it because the positions are all filled up and there isn't enough growth in churches or in new churches to fill the demand for placement.

Some of these guys may be sitting for a very good reason. Nobody wants them.

I'm not sure how individual districts do this licensing thing. I think they're (licenses) handed out way too indiscriminately actually.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by JaneEyre

At best, one must hope that a person who does this has good intentions of "someday" beginning to minister. What sickens me is to attend a church where there are so many men sitting around with "nothing to do"... but pay their licensure dues each year. Why pay the dues for a driver license, if you're not going to drive? Would that make sense?

And then those men whine about "not being used."

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by JaneEyre

I don't like using the terms together....Good Ole Boy has the pejorative connotation of back scratching and deception...The term Christian doesn't need Good Ole Boy along with it, in my opinion.

Well we think of "good ol' boys" in different ways.

To me a "good ol' boy" is an easy going, back slapping kind of guy that everybody likes, although I did pick up from PP's post the connotation of a different sort of good ol' boy.

[JaneEyre]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

And then those men whine about "not being used."

I need to go away from the computer. Don't get me started on that one.

[Scott Hutchinson]

A card doesn't make someone a christian Minister nor does it mean that a person is effective in The Kingdom.
I thought persons desired ministerial licenses so they could participate in a org. or fellowship.
If a church has a certain affliation very often they won't use somebody who doesn't pack their card.

[freeatlast]

I have been encouraged to get my license for years. I don't want one.

People have asked when I'm going to pastor? Again I don't want to.

I am called to be a help. Anyone ever hear of helps?

Not many young men coming up that will confess, hey , when I gow up i want to be a help. No license needed.

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by RevDWW

I came to the realization long ago that one can really minister without a license.....or not minister holding one.......

You don't say?

Very true.

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

And then those men whine about "not being used."

The sure cure for not getting used is to become useful.

Hey if the Pastor doesn't find me useful, maybe God will if I ask Him to lead me to someone to teach a bible study or knock a door and bring someone to church. Or visit the sick or those in prison. Seems there are plenty of street corners not occupied by a preachers.

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by freeatlast

I have been encouraged to get my license for years. I don't want one.

People have asked when I'm going to pastor? Again I don't want to.

I am called to be a help. Anyone ever hear of helps?

Not many young men coming up that will confess, hey , when I gow up i want to be a help. No license needed.

That's awesome.

I think part of the whole "wanting a license" is because for so many - especially in the UPC - ministry on the whole is so highly respected. And in the Oneness Apostolic world, UPCI is where it's at so to speak, so it's like a badge of honour or something to have one.

[Scott Hutchinson]

Yes what pay the budget fees if one has no desire to do anything in a org ?
Personally and this might get me in trouble and if it does so be it, but I think there should be more building up of The Kingdom of God than building up of orgs.