It is wrong to Ordain new Christians as Ministers

[bishoph]

Originally Posted by Dr. Vaughn

When giving the qualifications to be ordained for ministry.. ;Paul forbids the Ordination of New converts.. those who have only been saved for a few years are forbidden from preaching... I had no idea until I read this scripture

I Tim 3:6 - Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

The meaning of NOVICE in its original - NEOPHUTOS - 1) newly planted

a) a new convert, neophyte (one who has recently become a Christian)

It should be several years after conversion before anyone is allowed to approach the pulpit according to Pauls teachings.

Friends,

I think we have gotten somewhat sidetracked from the original statement made. In the opening post Dr. Vaughn made the statement that "It is wrong to ordain new Christians as ministers." This initial statement I would wholeheartedly agree with. As Dr. Vaughn pointed out the Apostle Paul gave warning concerning this and the destruction that can come from being lifted up with pride because of being elevated too quickly without a strong foundation.

Where I feel Dr. Vaughn has erred would be his subsequent statement, that "It should be several years after conversion before anyone is allowed to approach the pulpit according to Pauls teachings." I do not feel there is any scriptural evidence to build such a case, and in fact, as has already been pointed out, the opposite seems to have happened even in the Apostle Paul's case. I began preaching publicly at the age of 12. I was licensed at 20 but I was not ordained until I was 29.

When one recognizes the call of God on their lives, there is nothing wrong with them being allowed to preach the Word of God, while being trained and mentored in the Word by their pastor. This time of training and preparation is a proving ground of their character, and calling that propels them to ordination. IHO ordination is symbol of maturity in ministry and should be prayerfully administered. Just because someone has a Bible college education does not mean they are qualified to be ordained.