Must a church minister be
appointed by the congregation?
1Tim2
v5. For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus,
v6. who gave himself a ransom for all; the testimony to be borne in its own times;
v7. whereunto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Paul was appointed a preacher and an apostle by God. In faith and in truth. No mentioning of ordination or donfirmation by the church.
A preacher is traditionally known to be another title for a Pastor/Overseer.
2Tim1
v1. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus.
Paul emphasised that his apostleship was not initiated by men or according to approval of men. See also 1Tim1v1, 2Cor1v1.
2Tim4
v14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Timothy who was an overseer/pastor, received the gift/charisma through the presbytery/eldership by prophecy.
Not by human effort alone, but through spiritual direction.
Timothy was with the eldership representing the whole assembly rather than receiving the gift directed from the assembly.
This verse suggests authority of eldership to ordain ministers.
More important, it is for all to realise that Christ Jesus is the Head, making initiation and directing acts, and consenting action and agenda.
All ministers are, therefore, selected, elected and anointed by God, and acknowledged later by the congregation. The Lord's anointing carries more blessings and approval and authority than that of men who are to follow His leadership to be blessed.
Yes, it is very true that the church is the body of Christ our Lord. And it is the brethren(brothers and sisters of the assemblies) that make up the church. It is right for them to decide on church affairs and ministerial positions.
The Presbyterian Church(Denomination), thought of being very rigorous in its selection, judgement and approval of, and ordaining its clergy, could missed the reality that it is Christ our Lord who makes the initial and final approval; rather than the assemblies that work the ordination.
Many Denomination would follow the short-fall to declare ordination other than that sustained by the body(congregation) of the church unscriptural/unbiblical, and improper.
John21
v15. So when they had broken their fast, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
v16. He saith to him again a second time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Tend my sheep.
v17. He saith unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
This passage is the origin of the office of pastor/overseer.
In v15 we have Christ commanding or ordaining Peter to feed His lambs. The duty of the pastor/preacher is primarily to teach and to preach, and to set good example; this being regarded as feeding the lambs.
In v16 we have Christ commanding Peter to tend His sheep. This becomes the duty of the pastor/overseer to oversee the flock/congregation, and to administer the people of God.
In v17 we have Christ commanding Peter to feed His sheep. This echoes with v15 in feeding His lambs.
So, it is deduced that the duty of apostle and pastor is that of feeding the flock of all shapes and sizes.
In all three occasions, it is Christ our Lord who did the ordination and commanding. No human interference. No consenting congregation. Not even the circle of apostles. So, it is important to give God the Glory. He initiates and bring to completion. Men to follow. If God is for us, who can be against us? What a great comforting promise. And if you love Him you follow His commandments.
For Christians to be ordained and anointed into ministering positions, they must realise their calling and foundation is in Christ, God of the Universe. They must vow their allegiance to Christ the Prince of Peace.
All other consent is subordinate.
E-mail ordination of clergy is granted under this attitude that the ministers or to be ministers are first and foremost called and ordained by Christ our Lord, and the ministries of the internet churches affirm and support their calling and ministries by granting them their right hands, their legal and material support, encouragement, and tools of edification such as Bible courses, to help them perform their duties and calling in joy and dignity.
Those who deceived the body of Christ by taking false oath and giving false witnesses are trying to deceive God; a very serious offense. May they turn from their error, repent, and be forgiven by God and His people/lambs.
May their remaining offices be a light to the world.
There are e-mail ordained ministers who start out as evangelists without a group of followers/sheep. Paul also admonished Timothy to do the work of a evangelist. It is within the duty and agenda of any overseer to be a evangelist, preaching the Gospel and making converts for Christ.
Some of these pastors would later be confirmed by their gathering of converts. The leader is regarded as pastor who takes care of the feeding and care. He is not just a evangelist who brings sinners through the threshold of salvation. His work does not finish at the introduction to the Saviour.
A person's duty and calling is often confirmed by his acts/deeds. If you truly do the work of a evangelist you are a evangelist. Your faith and faithfullness turn out to be your approval and licence. If you trust and believe in Christ, you are indeed a Christian.
Also, in secular societies/denominations there are ordained pastors who left the position of pastoring churches and got into missions, teaching, charity work/organisation, politics, and other ministerial positions. Nevertheless their title as Reverend remain with them. So a pastor in the secular sense is not necessarily someone pastoring a church(sad to say).
There is also the secular situation of retired clergy. God never retire or dismiss His ministers before their time of departure.
Ever get too tired in serving the Lord of Life and Joy?
Colossians Ch2
v6. As therefore ye/you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
v7. rooted and builded up in him, and established in your faith, even as ye were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
I, Rev. Dr. David C S Lim, ªL§Ó¸Û, can be reached by internet
e-mail 
dcslim@sympatico.ca
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