Theology of Ordination Committee Votes

[Gregory Matthews]

On July 23, 2013, the Theology of Ordination Committee voted, 86 - 8, to send the following doucment to the Annual Council, in prepration for the 2015 General Conference:

Quote:

CONSENSUS STATEMENT ON A SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST THEOLOGY OF ORDINATION

RECOMMENDED, To adopt the document, “Consensus Statement on a Seventh-day Adventist Theology of Ordination,” which reads as follows:

In a world alienated from God, the Church is composed of those whom God has reconciled to Himself and to each other. Through the saving work of Christ they are united to Him by faith through baptism (Eph 4:4-6), thus becoming a royal priesthood whose mission is to “proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Pet 2:9, NKJV). Believers are given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18-20), called and enabled through the power of the Spirit and the gifts He bestows on them to carry out the Gospel Commission (Matt 28:18-20).

While all believers are called to use their spiritual gifts for ministry, the Scriptures identify certain specific leadership positions that were accompanied by the Church’s public endorsement for persons who meet the biblical qualifications (Num 11:16-17; Acts 6:1-6; 13:1-3; 14:23; 1 Tim 3:1-12; Titus 1:5-9). Several such endorsements are shown to involve “the laying on of hands.” English versions of the Scriptures use the word ordain to translate many different Greek and Hebrew words having the basic idea of select or appoint that describe the placement of these persons in their respective offices. Over the course of Christian history the term ordination has acquired meanings beyond what these words originally implied. Against such a backdrop, Seventh-day Adventists understand ordination, in a biblical sense, as the action of the Church in publicly recognizing those whom the Lord has called and equipped for local and global Church ministry.

Aside from the unique role of the apostles, the New Testament identifies the following categories of ordained leaders: the elder/supervising elder (Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Tim 3:2-7; 4:14; 2 Tim 4:1-5; 1 Pet 5:1) and the deacon (Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:8-10). While most elders and deacons ministered in local settings, some elders were itinerant and supervised greater territory with multiple congregations, which may reflect the ministry of individuals such as Timothy and Titus (1 Tim 1:3-4; Titus 1:5).

In the act of ordination, the Church confers representative authority upon individuals for the specific work of ministry to which they are appointed (Acts 6:1-3; 13:1-3; 1 Tim 5:17; Titus 2:15). These may include representing the Church; proclaiming the gospel; administering the Lord’s Supper and baptism; planting and organizing churches; guiding and nurturing members; opposing false teachings; and providing general service to the congregation (cf. Acts 6:3; 20:28‑29; 1 Tim 3:2, 4-5; 2 Tim 1:13-14; 2:2; 4:5; Titus 1:5, 9). While ordination contributes to Church order, it neither conveys special qualities to the persons ordained nor introduces a kingly hierarchy within the faith community. The biblical examples of ordination include the giving of a charge, the laying on of hands, fasting and prayer, and committing those set apart to the grace of God (Deut 3:28; Acts 6:6; 14:26; 15:40).

Ordained individuals dedicate their talents to the Lord and to His Church for a lifetime of service. The foundational model of ordination is Jesus appointing the twelve apostles (Matt 10:1‑4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16), and the ultimate model of Christian ministry is the life and work of our Lord, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45; Luke 22:25-27; John 13:1-17)

[Johann]

The president of TED presented recently at Newbold College the results of a study on ordination that will be presented to TOSC.

In his presentation Bertil Wiklander said he is so convinced that male and female pastors should receive the same kind of ordination in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, that he is willing to die for his conviction.

Are you willing to die for yours?

Read the article on this link:

<http://adventist.org.uk/news/2013/2013-buc/ordination-the-ongoing-search-for-understanding>

[Tom Wetmore]

This is important to understand from the report by Wiklander -

"The concept of ordination is not found in the Bible and emerges in the second and third-century as the Roman church mirrored what was done in the Roman Empire's legal and civic system. This Roman Catholic concept was not fully challenged during the Protestant Reformation and unbiblical practices remained. "In the New Testament", said Dr Wiklander, "there is no term for ordination as a process of induction to church leadership. It is a pagan practice."

[Johann]

The report will be available when it is published, probably by January.

[Johann]

This is important to understand from the report by Wiklander -

"The concept of ordination is not found in the Bible and emerges in the second and third-century as the Roman church mirrored what was done in the Roman Empire's legal and civic system. This Roman Catholic concept was not fully challenged during the Protestant Reformation and unbiblical practices remained. "In the New Testament", said Dr Wiklander, "there is no term for ordination as a process of induction to church leadership. It is a pagan practice."

Do we find this pagan concept anywhere in Scripture?

[Victor]

Don't get to hung up of the 'pagan' bit of the report. It is simply part of the historical context. The Biblical context, which he explained in great depth and which will be made available when published in January. I promise it will be worth the wait. I was impressed by what I heard in the lecture, both the the academic standard of the research, but also the humanity and passion that came through in the conclusion.

[olger]

The question is far from settled, brethren. TOSC has yet to reach a conclusion.

Until then, it would be wise to forego celebratory assumptions.

`G

[olger]

Calling ordination pagan, overlooks the examples and injunctions of Paul in Scripture, which he applies to worthy men.

"The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint* elders in every town, as I directed you. [6] An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. [7] Since an overseer* is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. [8] Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. [9] He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it" (Titus 1:5-9).

[debbym]

organization and order is not the process of giving people power over other people.

in the community of faith, we are living a different principle, the principle of heaven. It is teamwork with everyone exercising the various gifts and increasing in their gifts as the they have faith, and serve. And recognizing their gifts of the Spirit and supporting each individual in their gifts.

i recall a statement of insight from sop, the reason the Spirit does not work more among us is the lack of confidence in what God can do in one another.

[M. T. Cross]

This is important to understand from the report by Wiklander -

"The concept of ordination is not found in the Bible and emerges in the second and third-century as the Roman church mirrored what was done in the Roman Empire's legal and civic system. This Roman Catholic concept was not fully challenged during the Protestant Reformation and unbiblical practices remained. "In the New Testament", said Dr Wiklander, "there is no term for ordination as a process of induction to church leadership. It is a pagan practice."

Well it looks like y'all are gettin something right

[Felix Florimon]

This is important to understand from the report by Wiklander -

"The concept of ordination is not found in the Bible and emerges in the second and third-century as the Roman church mirrored what was done in the Roman Empire's legal and civic system. This Roman Catholic concept was not fully challenged during the Protestant Reformation and unbiblical practices remained. "In the New Testament", said Dr Wiklander, "there is no term for ordination as a process of induction to church leadership. It is a pagan practice."

[olger]

It would appear that not all divisions are as excited as the three divisions (NAD, TED and SPD) who are pushing for WO, and that they may sit on the fence and not be as fully engaged because for them it is a non-issue. They are not in favor of it, although I am well aware that there are those who believe the contrary is true. It is a well known fact that even within those three avant-garde Divisions there is prominent opposition to WO.

I surmise that if it were left to the entire membership within those three divisions (let alone the other 10 Divisions where it is a foregone conclusion) WO would not carry. Case in point. Not long ago a person I know asked the members of one of the churches in England how many were in favour of WO. Without exception they all were opposed to it: men and women! Yes, it's not a very scientific way of doing things, but neither can it be discounted altogether. Something else. When the WO issue was raised in the South England Conference-wide ministerial meetings, there was unease and none of the overwhelming support for it either, bearing in mind that the vast majority of our pastors are not English. When a woman pastor was commissioned at one of our camp-meetings, some pastors did not participate and many members absented themselves. Commissioning is in point of fact a political form of ordination of women, or ordination "through the back door.

The WO issue has the potential to split the church in ways we could perhaps not have imagined, unless the Good Lord steps in by 2015.

g

[joeb]

Well, Olger, the church will appear as if it is about to fall. It's looking more and more like that all time from what I see. I've never been interested in the politics of the church, only in its mission to spread the word of God, and its mission to correctly represent God on here on earth in our individual lives. This looks like an issue that many would use to split the church though as those pushing it would happily run those opposing it out.

This is as divisive now as Righteousness by Faith was in 1888, and true Righteousness by Faith still is today.

[CoAspen]

Quote:

This looks like an issue that many would use to split the church though as those pushing it would happily run those opposing it out.

This a disrespectful point of view and uncorroborated against those who support WO, in fact it has been denied many times! The constant repeating doesn't change the actual facts.

[CoAspen]

Too many assumptions and personal, hopeful projections to even address. Not much change from previous postings!

[olger]

I agree JoeB (rhymes).

Let us stand for truth and rest in Him.

[Gibs]

Ordination of men by men mean nothing, God only can know and ordain those only who have His Spirit of Truth. I predict the churches of men will fall deeper and deeper, but He has one that will not and has not, Read please!

Mt 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it .

OK, why did men start many others? No need was there?

1Jo 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

1Jo 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

[Tom Wetmore]

Quote:

This looks like an issue that many would use to split the church though as those pushing it would happily run those opposing it out.

This a disrespectful point of view and uncorroborated against those who support WO, in fact it has been denied many times! The constant repeating doesn't change the actual facts.

Let's call it for what it really is. Just as the fear-mongering slippery slope to homosexual ruin, this is a strategy of threats, intimidation, and essentially a form of extortion. It is not a prediction. It is a threat, plain and simple.

In other words, it is holding the threat of ripping the church apart over our heads if we continue on this path of progress and gender equality in ministry. If it is going to cause a split in the church, who exactly is going to leave if WO is allowed? Will it be those who are in favor or opposed? Quite obviously, those that have been pressing for WO for 40 years still stay with the church, even without achieving their goal. So now if the tide turns, the threat is that this will result In a rift that causes the church to split apart. Who does the splitting at that point? Quite obviously it would be those unwilling to accept the decision to allow WO. So who exactly is causing the split? Those making this threat.

A prediction? No, just a self fulfilling prophecy.

[olger]

Good points Jackson, and welcome back!

`G

[joeb]

Let's call it for what it really is. Just as the fear-mongering slippery slope to homosexual ruin, this is a strategy of threats, intimidation, and essentially a form of extortion. It is not a prediction. It is a threat, plain and simple.

In other words, it is holding the threat of ripping the church apart over our heads if we continue on this path of progress and gender equality in ministry. If it is going to cause a split in the church, who exactly is going to leave if WO is allowed? Will it be those who are in favor or opposed? Quite obviously, those that have been pressing for WO for 40 years still stay with the church, even without achieving their goal. So now if the tide turns, the threat is that this will result In a rift that causes the church to split apart. Who does the splitting at that point? Quite obviously it would be those unwilling to accept the decision to allow WO. So who exactly is causing the split? Those making this threat.

A prediction? No, just a self fulfilling prophecy.

LOL.... A threat to break up the church? Hardly. I'm someone who thinks this entire issue is a tempest in a teapot. It's cooked up to create division, as are many other issues in this church. Who cooks this stuff up? The devil, and his agents in the church agitate this stuff.

All that needs to happen to cool this entire fire down is for all of us to live like God has said we need to. We all need to fully surrender self to God, and when that happens there will be no issues like this. And, as long as we don't do that, there will be more and more divisive issues arising for the church to focus on instead of spreading the Gospel and rightly representing God--showing who He really is. The love of God in the heart, the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, stops all divisions. Don't believe it? Read your Bible.

Stop focusing on peripherals. Start focusing on the real solution. Political solutions for spiritual problems only show the lack of primitive Godliness, the lack of faith in God, the lack of God's love in us for our fellow man, and only work as well as any mickey mouse patchwork does to repair anything.

[Tom Wetmore]

But really all of what you have said can be said from both sides of the divide. "All God's children just got to love Him and one another." We'll yeah, of course... But what does that look like? And how does that healed division look like from one side or the other?

That is about as helpful as declaring that peace on earth is the solution to war. Well yeah, duh!

The surest way to solve to all life's questions is to stop asking so many questions. The solution to world hunger is for everyone to eat three meals a day. To concur death, stop dying.

Do you really think avoiding the question really answers it?

Maybe, just maybe, the way to cure the division is to stop avoiding the conflict and just meet it head on.

[olger]

Maybe, just maybe, the way to cure the division is to stop avoiding the conflict and just meet it head on.

Agreed!