Question

[His_will_i_am]

Does this forum only consider people to be ministers who are part of an institutional organization?

I ask because I have a calling which involves leadership, but I've been led away from the institutional systems. But I'm definitely in leadership wherever I'm sent.

[Christian Commando]

What difference would it make, if they did on the Forum or not? God has had me as an Evangelistic "Lay Minister" for nearly 30 years, not being directly under any Denomination, but free to cross the lines of any, in order to help them, or work with them in areas required as called by God.

God calls each of His Ministers according to a "need", as well as a "fit" of a person thru God's Training of them, to fill that need, by way of thier God given abilities.

God Bless!!

[the J Man]

I ask because I have a calling which involves leadership, but I've been led away from the institutional systems. But I'm definitely in leadership wherever I'm sent.

And stay away from institutional systems. God's kingdom is not a system and is to operate under the leading of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, there is a lot of religion in the body of Christ.

[Christian Commando]

Well, I've also had some "Christian college" Courses in my later years. It did help with the understanding of reading and interpreting the main languagfes of the Bible.

But, I will say this, because I questioned enough of the Teacher's teachings at times, I'd fail classes, but when went before the board for my actions, they passed me in the courses.

But, Christian institutions are just like all the rest of the world, run by falable men, including people like you and I. They have thier place in Service for God, just as Churches and each of God's Children.

And rather than speaking against being involved with them, those who do so, should instead go to each of them and work at bringing them to particular Truths' of God.

Remember, God declares all men are equally born in sin. That means, we are no better than those in or at those "institutions"- Admin., Teachers or students alike.

And neither any of you here, nor I, have or understand all Truths' of God, so lets stop speaking down about them, or we'd have few Ministers leading flocks.

"Callings" of God are from God and are not necessarily a contract on paper. Yet, for the unsaved, there are the certifications that can help Ministers get further within the system, when they need to be involved.

God declares all things have thier time and purpose on this Earth. Thus, I say- "Thank God" for institutions when God can use them to train Ministers in just one of His many ways to do so.

God Bless!!

[llewksgood]

In much of my sharing the good news I am preaching in places via radio and internet where I could not be present. I have been thinking recently about doing a series on how to have church for those people who come to faith through my preaching but can't seem to find a place to meet and share in their new experience [an effort to bring the ones and twos together demographically]. I am sure it will raise controversy -- that's why I hesitate.

I don't know what the forum founders believe, but I don't think they would be offended by your "interpretation of the rules" regarding ministry in God's church. The forum is opened to discussion, but not to name-calling, I think.

[Victorious]

Here is where we get into trouble.  In every passage of "appointed" for preaching, teaching, etc.  that I see, it pertains to service in the church and the church as a visible body or congregation. 

It is fashionable today to be a lone ranger who believes they are self-appointed.  God can and does certainly raise up men (and women) who hold the truth and teach autonomously, but this is a dangerous precedent in general (as the many false teachers can attest.)  One of the reason for being involved with a church is accountability.  I would say that if one ventures out without being accountable to other Christian pastors or feels they are above those called in the churches, there is a problem.  The church is meant to function as a body, not as a little finger.

"When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed."  (Act 14:23 NASB)

In any case, those under the teaching of a layman must scrutinize the teaching.

[ex cathedra]

In much of my sharing the good news I am preaching in places via radio and internet where I could not be present. I have been thinking recently about doing a series on how to have church for those people who come to faith through my preaching but can't seem to find a place to meet and share in their new experience [an effort to bring the ones and twos together demographically]. I am sure it will raise controversy -- that's why I hesitate.

I don't know what the forum founders believe, but I don't think they would be offended by your "interpretation of the rules" regarding ministry in God's church. The forum is opened to discussion, but not to name-calling, I think.

Here is where we get into trouble.  In every passage of "appointed" for preaching, teaching, etc.  that I see, it pertains to service in the church and the church as a visible body or congregation. 

It is fashionable today to be a lone ranger who believes they are self-appointed.  God can and does certainly raise up men (and women) who hold the truth and teach autonomously, but this is a dangerous precedent in general (as the many false teachers can attest.)  One of the reason for being involved with a church is accountability.  I would say that if one ventures out without being accountable to other Christian pastors or feels they are above those called in the churches, there is a problem.  The church is meant to function as a body, not as a little finger.

"When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed."  (Act 14:23 NASB)

In any case, those under the teaching of a layman must scrutinize the teaching.

there is a difference between the call of the royal priest hood which all christians belong to .

And the  congregational  call for a trained  pastor  to pastor them .

[pray3r_warri0r]

It is my belief that any member of the church, who by exercising his or her particular gift, enriches and edifies the Spirit filled body of the church can and should be considered a minister of Christ. After all, isn't a minister simply a servant?