Living of the Gospel

Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. —I Corinthians 9:13-14

Ministers should never solicit funds for their own personal use but should have faith in the God that called them to minister. It is vital that ministers not labor for filthy lucre nor for a salary but with a willing heart and mind for the edification of souls.Read more

Sending Forth Qualified Laborers

Around the year 759 BC, Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord asking a question: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8). Who will take the Word of God and share it with people who so desperately need it? Who will sacrifice their time and talents and forsake the world to devote themselves to the cause and work of God? Who will put their reputation and life on the line to speak uncompromising messages from heaven? Who is willing to endure rejection and be despised for the sake of the gospel? Who will embrace the wonderful truths of holiness and hope? Isaiah heard the call of the Spirit and responded: “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8).Read more

The Ministry

Divinely Called

It is the Spirit of God that qualifies and calls apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. The ministry is given for “the perfecting of the saints…for the edifying of the body of Christ. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God” (Ephesians 4:13). Jesus commissioned His disciples, as He still does today, to go into all the world and preach the gospel (Mark 16:15-16). It is a serious commission to minister the Word of God, for eternal souls are at stake. “If a man desire the office of a bishop [elder/minister], he desireth a good work” (1 Timothy 3:1). It is not an office to be taken casually or loosely, but ministry is to be the result of a divine call and the anointing of the Holy Spirit in one’s life.Read more

Ordination

What is Ordination?

Ordination is the recognition of a minister’s call and qualifications by the laying on of hands of other ordained ministers. Paul instructed Titus to “Ordain elders in every city” (Titus 1:5). To “ordain” means to appoint, to arrange, or set in order. Paul told Timothy to “stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands” (2 Tim. 1:6). There are other scriptural examples that demonstrate ordination as the divine appointment of ministers being acknowledged by the church in separating or consecrating the minister to a specific work.Read more

Humanity of the Presbytery

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; —2 Corinthians 3:5

It is a high calling to be part of the presbytery. Ministers are to be qualified, spiritual leaders and examples; and the body of believers is to esteem them highly and to give honor to their God-given position. It is also very important to remember the humanity of the presbytery.Read more