Ordination Service

Photo Essay of the Ordination Service | MARCH 4, 2012

Acts 13:1-3: “Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”

As the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul (Paul), today, He still sets apart ministers of the gospel to preach the good news of Jesus Christ to all the nations.

2 Timothy 1:6-7: “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

The office of elder is a gift of God and an anointing from God. Symbolized by the elders laying their hands, the power and unction of the Holy Spirit falls upon the officer. I realize more than ever my need for the Holy Spirit to empower my preaching and ministry for as Timothy was, I am timid and weak living out of fear rather than God wrought power, love, and self-control. 

2 Timothy 4:1-2: “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”

A common charge for a minister of the gospel yet it never gets old but is stirred afresh in a pastor's heart. Preach the Word is the work of the teaching elder. There is a weighty happiness in this charge to my heart. There is a great joy in me to know Jesus through the Word and proclaim His love and authority to His people. And there is a great responsibility on me from God to be ready at all times, teach it accurately, and use it wisely and winsomely.

Romans 12:10: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Before the benediction, I took the liberty to honor those who have been a great and necessary influence in my call. Firstly, I thanked the Lord God, triune in nature, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Lord granted me the gift of perseverance to stay the course over these past seven years of seminary (5 years), MTW missionary approval (3 years), and ordination (2 years). It was His gospel of “everlasting love” in Christ which sustained my long journey. Knowing my identity and worth was not in me or any accomplishment I achieved, but I was “in Christ” and He was my identity kept me a float. So, when major roadblocks came, and they did, I could say as Paul did, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor. 4:8). I wasn’t crushed because my identity, worth, value, love was security in Christ and nothing could take that away. The  application of the gospel allowed me to deal with the roadblocks, repent of my sin, and move forward in my call.

Secondly, I thanked my church, Christ Community Church. Particularly, I thanked my small groups over the years and my pastor, Rev. Mike Glass. As I said during the ordination service, I came to Christ Community young, arrogant, and immature. I didn’t know a thing about ministry, but I thought I knew everything. Pride was my sin. Yet, my pastor patiently care for me and gave me small bits and pieces of ministry. He spoke words of tenderness or toughness when I needed them. I still remember him sharing 1 Peter 5:5-7 with me. “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” Seven plus years the Lord has worked through my relationship with my pastor so that I could begin to clothe myself with humility rather than the pride I had, and God is faithful “at the proper time” to exalt me to do his work so that He may get the glory alone. 

Genesis 2:18: “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

As I said, seven years ago, I started this journey towards the ministry. I entered seminary a bachelor. And the Lord knew I needed a helper fit for me. The Lord, in His kindness, brought Mandy into my life. Our lives intersected and soon after He made them one.

I had the joy to honor my wife. Proverbs 31:10: “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.” Mandy is my encourager, support, lover, helper and friend. I love you!

Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

And now, finally, the benediction!