Ordaination - The authors veiw point

As I prepared to read my email yesterday (April 17, 2009), I was astonished to see an email from an old friend of mine who lives in Washington State. He and I met in 1989 in a Theological school. Although both of us are in the US, we have not talked for a long time now. In the email he give me his phone number for me to call him. But he had indicated that he googled my name and found me in the Internet. We discussed many issues among them Ordination. He told me that he was ordained last year (2008) something he was so much excited to share.

After the phone conversation that lasted for a good 43 minutes and 42 seconds, I was left asking myself what is ordination? It leaves the candidate feeling changed and renewed. My own ordination was May 14th, 1994. I could identify with my friend who was full of joy as he shared the experience of ordination. I had no option but to write this short article about ordination.

Considering the role played by the ministry throughout the history of the church, references to ordination are very few in the New Testament. The term itself ORDINATION or its verb ORDAIN, do not occur at all in the Bible. However we have terms like Appoint, Chose etc.

The twelve Disciples of Christ were chosen to be near him and to be send fort to minister. The New Testament uses different names, but all mean the same. Luke uses “Made” however; the most important thing is that Jesus prayed all the night before making his choice though there was no ordination ceremony as we know it.

The evangelist John too refers to an occasion when the risen Christ breathes to them (John 20:22) but this is different from ordination.

After Judas betrayed Jesus, Mathias was chosen to replace him but no ordination mentioned. The disciples cast lots and he was enrolled or numbered with others (Acts 1:26). As seen in many parts of the Old Testament prophets, Kings and others were called directly by God, though same are said to be from work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12), here the word ministry may mean service.

We can here say that the essential thing about ordination is the laying on of hands with prayer because as Paul the apostle puts it in the letter to Timothy (1 Tim 4:14), that “do not neglect the gift you have which was given to you by the prophets, utterances when the council of elders laid hands upon you.”

From this we get three most important points about Paul’s idea of ordination as explained in Timothy, for the appointed servant of God Timothy. First, he was given charisma the spiritual gift needed for the work of ministry. Secondly this came by prophecy and finally, it came with lying on of hands by the elders.

As I conclude these thoughts, it is important to note that the essential thing about ordination is the divine gift which nothing can compensate lack of it. But there is also the outward act, the laying on of hands.

Therefore, I can boldly assert that ordination is a solemn affair and it may be that words “do not" be hasty in the laying on of hands (1Tim 5:22) is a divine gift and an essential rite to set aside an individual for the service of God.

Book Review - Adventures of Evngelism

Rev Gary Paul Lukas. Adventures of Evangelism. USA: Xulon Press, 2006. 246 pp.

Rev. Gary Paul Lukas is former chaplain of Broadway. His other published works include: Into the Highway and Hedges, Seven Years in Sodom a biography. Gary has over thirty years of experience in the ministry of witnessing in the most situations imaginable. Gary is a trained church usher. In this book Gary tries to bring Christians into the walk of faith. He points out in this book that Christian life is a life of adventure as one trust God and sees Him in action. Gary is a veteran in evangelism, a veteran who won’t retire.

In this book the author opens with the argument that there is no visible witnesses of the church of Christ who are ready to make a stand on their faith. He is quick to point out that the reason why the church is silent or absent is because evangelism is not a priority. The author is aware that the world intimidates the average Christian and a host of unfounded fears are planted in the hearts of believers. The author makes an appeal by pointing out that if the church allows the enemy to continue to have his way, she (the church) will not be the Salt and the Light of the community.

According to the author Christians are to take the gospel out in warfare, and the gospel weapon which places Christians on the offensive. He asserts that Christians should work hard to see that as many Christians as possible are liberated from the tyranny sins which hold them captive. The author uses his chaplaincy skills by pointing out that, to be successful it will always require that someone pray and then determine to do something regardless of how little or big. He (the author) advices Christians to stop complaining and work with what they have, build from there, be faithful and see what God can accomplish through them.

Since this is a book about evangelism, the author uses the skills of evangelism to teach his readers the rules and goals to evangelism. He further points out that “we are called to be faithful witnesses and available to serve him anyway he may lead us." On this point the author continues to advice that every Christian should be as clear in starting the vision. He asserts that faithfulness is import in accomplishing what God has called one to do. The author cautions his fellow Christians that they are not responsible for the obedience of those they are evangelizing, but are responsive for their own obedience. He observes that many pastors are wary of irresponsible evangelists and incidents occur.

In this book the author tries to reach the church by advising that instead of the efforts being directed at those out of the church, the church may find that her message may also be for those in the church. He points out that more and more in the day, the message of repentance and turning to Christ as Lord and Savior is definitely needed inside the church walls. He observes that there is more compromise on the side of Christians and most Christians cease walking in holiness before the Lord and fall prey to the deceptions of the enemy. He further observes that today it is shocking to hear time and time again of falling away from the grace of God, church leaders and the many things Christians are involved in. The author asks a rhetoric question as to why Christians and pastors hold the same opinions, goals in life, and loose standards of morality?

As the author narrates his story of how the church should live to be the Light of the World, he is faced with the challenge of highlighting to his readers, whom he assumes are all Christians, a few pathways to follow during evangelism. One he want his readers to realize that they are to be successful but notes that it may take a long time, by which time he points out that someone has to pay the price. Secondly he advices that his readers have to be prayerful as they make their choice. Thirdly, he points out that they have to be purposeful and communicate to others who may wish to help or join. Finally he points out that the purpose/goals set forth will more clearly help one to define what specific ways one can get involved in the ministry.

The author seems to have traveled around the world in the name of evangelizing. He narrates his experience in the United Kingdom where he has been witnessing. In page 70 the author gives his encounter with a guy that he was witnessing to and he assures him that he has come all the way to London from US for him. While this statement may not be true, he quickly advices his readers that, if you are like many Christians who want to witness but do not know where to start, simply go where the people are. This explains why he had to make the statement above. He further suggests to his readers that they should look for places where people congregate and where they will get the audience is they want to evangelize.

In this book the author is aware of cultures and sub-cultures which he acknowledges that have barriers and every evangelist should recognize. He asserts that in evangelism these cultures can not be ignored but the gospel should be presented to them too. He points out that every culture must surrender to the authority of Christ.

In several pages of this book, the author becomes intentionally historical to outline some of the culture and traditions that can become a hindrance to the gospel. He narrates the International events in New Orleans US, The Carnivals, Carnival of the Caribbean, Carnival in the Anguilla a small island west of Puerto Rico, The Carnival of the Trinidad, and the celebrations in Europe among others. The author points out that God is grieved with the sin so publicly accepted in America and other societies mentioned above. He advices his Christian readers that one should take time to keep aware of what is occurring of influencing people in the community.

The author has taken a lot of time in explaining himself and the history behind his argument. However, it is the opinion of this reviewer that the author would have taken more time to explain in details of the adventures of evangelism, and taken less time and pages with the historical events. This reviewer suggests that it were better for the author of this book to write a second volume of the events and show how they become a hindrance to evangelism. The historical events narrated in this small book, especially the Carnivals are import to know but only if they follow with the author’s thoughts.

In conclusion the author prays for his readers, and hopes that they have been challenged in their hearts to take to gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world. The review hears these words in a personal way, having read and taken time to review this small book. The reviewer recommends this book to all pastors, evangelists and those Christians who have the burden of spreading the word of God to the nations. In reading this book, the review better understand the theme and the argument the author is presenting. The reviewer feels that this is an important book to have on ones shelve. I value this book for its examples and teaching that it exposes to its readers. The reviewer personally knows the author and will make some suggestions for a later edition.