SPECIAL TOPIC: ORDINATION

SPECIAL TOPIC: ORDINATION

I must admit that I bring some frustration to this topic. I have a theological bias against the "clergy/laity" dichotomy that has developed in Christianity. I believe that all believers are called and gifted for maturity and ministry (cf. 1 Cor. 12:7,11; Eph. 4:11-12). All believers are saints and ministers! They are all saved to serve!

The Reformation concept of "the priesthood of the believer," first articulated by Martin Luther, misses the biblical point—all believers are to function as priests (cf. Exod. 19:5-6; Num. 16:3). Biblically it must be "the priesthood of believers"!

Now, in saying this I also realize that God calls believers to lead believers (cf. Num. 16:11). There is no question that some are called and equipped to direct, guide, motivate, exhort, and organize the people of God (i.e., Eph. 4:11).

However, these leaders are not special believers, or privileged believers, but servant leaders (see SPECIAL TOPIC: SERVANT LEADERSHIP, cf. Matt. 18:1-4; 20:20-28; 23:11). Modern ordination tends to depreciate several biblical truths:

all believers are servant ministers
all believers are gifted for ministry

Ordination has developed from an unofficial affirmation of giftedness and a prayerful commitment to a specific ministry task (i.e., Acts 13:1-3) into an elaborate, high-walled elitism! This concept must be changed; this paradigm must be reevaluated; this unbiblical development must be challenged! Modern Christianity has based so much tradition and elitism on such a small biblical base (i.e., Acts 13:1-3; 1 Tim. 4:14; 5:22; 2 Tim. 1:6; please read each of these in context to see how much church tradition has added to the procedure and intent). So, where is the authority for this modern practice, in clear NT passages or in denominational traditions?

Diversity and ambiguity in the NT illustrate the lack of organization in the first century church. The early church was much more dynamic and regularly used the spiritual gifts of local believers (cf. 1 Corinthians 14). The modern church must regain and reemphasize the role of the laity. Leaders are meant to be "player-coaches." The Church must regain the ministry of every Christian! The NT is simply not written to advocate or delineate a governmental model (i.e., polity) or ordinational procedure.

SPECIAL TOPIC: CHURCH POLITY