It is wrong to Ordain new Christians as Ministers - Page 4

Rico · #31 07-17-2008, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bishoph

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.

Wow. You were preaching at 12 years of age? What was that like? Did people take you seriously?

bishoph · #32 07-17-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rico

Wow. You were preaching at 12 years of age? What was that like? Did people take you seriously?

People took all preachers more seriously back then. I remember the first message I preached was basically a "Hell is hot and everybody here is going there" type message. (A product of the era I guess) While I was preaching people began to get up and run to the altar, and I never got to finish the message. To this day, I'm not sure if they were really under conviction, or they were just trying to shut me up. (out of pity) LOL

I have stated many times however, that there is vast difference between preaching and ministering. I preached for many years, before I learned how to minister. Ministering (99% of the time) comes from experience which is something that most young preachers don't have.

Mrs. LPW · #33 07-17-2008, 11:34 AM

No thoughts on Paul's conversion and three years spent in Damascus?

Rico · #34 07-17-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bishoph

People took all preachers more seriously back then. I remember the first message I preached was basically a "Hell is hot and everybody here is going there" type message. (A product of the era I guess) While I was preaching people began to get up and run to the altar, and I never got to finish the message. To this day, I'm not sure if they were really under conviction, or they were just trying to shut me up. (out of pity) LOL

I have stated many times however, that there is vast difference between preaching and ministering. I preached for many years, before I learned how to minister. Ministering (99% of the time) comes from experience which is something that most young preachers don't have.

Very true. There definitely is a learning curve involved with being a minister of the Gospel.

Rico · #35 07-17-2008, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrs. LPW

No thoughts on Paul's conversion and three years spent in Damascus?

There have been a few posts related to your post, Sister. Did you miss them?

Check back a few pages.

Mrs. LPW · #36 07-17-2008, 11:38 AM

Ah, I see. The response was given to Dr's quotes... not mine, so when I skimmed I didn't see anyone who had responded to my own (except you, on my first post)

Thanks!

LUKE2447 · #37 07-17-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Vaughn

Actually the majority of references to the disciples preaching was after his departure.. which means they spent at least 3 years in ministry training.. Jesus himself did not enter ministry until age 30....

I would agree with this and there is reasoing behind this. Life teaches us things. Sure we might have good management skills or whatever but life teaches us so many things that cannot be taught in school or know by nature or over come by talent. We must experience them. 30 is a good starting place.

bishoph · #38 07-17-2008, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrs. LPW

No thoughts on Paul's conversion and three years spent in Damascus?

If you are asking me........... Most theologians place Paul's conversion around 32/33 AD and as has already been quoted in Acts 9:20 he immediately preached Christ in the Synagogues. He preached Christ (Jesus is the Messiah) so convincingly that the Jews in Damascus tried to kill him. He left and went to Arabia where he stayed for 3 years. Arriving back in Jerusalem around 36AD. While not much is written concerning what happened during those 3 years Paul does tell us that he was taught things in the spirit.

#39 07-17-2008, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rico

Bro., I know what he was referring to . He's trying to establish some sort of Biblical mandate that someone wait a minimum of three years from conversion before they preach. I've already pointed out that Jesus sent out the 70, two by two during His ministry. Now he's trying to say Paul was in some sort of training for these three years, when the Bible doesn't say that at all. Paul wasted no time in preaching the Gospel after his conversion. A few days does not amount to three years.

So lets go by your plan RICO - Ordain them after 5 days... gotta love it