Ordination First Century Style

From Bill Easum

Ordination is undergoing a change. Over the next few decades the traditional approach to ordaining primarily clergy will be replaced by churches who either do not ordain clergy or who ordain ALL of the gifts. Ordination is simply not found in the Scriptures and can not be defended any longer.

The following is an example from one of the new emerging postmodern churches.

Our ordination principle is simple.  We believe that everyone is called and gifted by God to fulfill a special purpose.  We place people in leadership based on call, gift-mix, maturity, and experience (not gender or higher education).  The vast majority of "ministry" takes place by the entire body. Our Home Team leaders are the ones who fulfill the pastoral role.  Small groups ARE the church.  When we gather at the weekend services it is a mix of many small churches (groups) and lots of their seeking friends.  So the "pastors" are in the chairs with the people naturally meeting and greeting, not "on the stage."  There is no stigma that "this" is the "reverend" so and so.  This is Bill or Mary.  They work for such and such a local business (and also know how to love people and develop them into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ as well as any "clergy").  This is instant, natural, appropriate, workable contact with the real pastoral care givers of the church without the stigma.  Of course there are a variety of other serving "roles" people fill: music, cleaning, children, youth, etc.  They, along with the Home Team leaders are all regularly and intentionally affirmed & blessed at our monthly New Community Celebration Service. (We worship God. Give out awards.  Lay hands on people.  Build them up. Pray for one another. Share Communion, etc.)

We put our eggs in one basket with two sections.  We totally focus on reaching seekers and then develop them (in small groups or teams) as God wants.

Some are called as overseers and equippers (leaders of equals).  These are not "clergy" in the traditional sense, but trainers and equippers.  These would be people who may well be called to devote their full-time attention to the task.  We have two full-time folks including myself, and about seven volunteer equippers who pour themselves into others and team leaders.

We never use the term clergy, reverend, or pastor (except in institutional settings with other "pastor" types which is somewhat rare).  I am the community leader and do model pastoral care, but I model training and many other things as well.