And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints… (Ephesians 4:11-12a)
Notice the words “HE GAVE.” These ministers come fresh from God Himself. They are His own provision to the church for the continuance of ministry. The One who died, rose again, and ascended into heaven is the One who CALLS men & women into the ministry and then GIVES them to the Church. He is the giver of such ministers.
A great truth is implied here; something that is contrary to modern notions about “entering the ministry” and being “ordained.” If “He gave,” then there can be no question that there is NO DIVINE APPOINTMENT into the ministry unless Christ Himself has called such a person. A person may be appointed, elected, or selected by a committee or congregational vote, but if the Giver of Gifts Himself has not called and given this person to the church, then their ministry is merely human effort or ambition. If a person’s desire is to simply achieve a position and be given a title, then it is sheer vanity, and even worse.
It must be pointed out; the emphasis in Scripture is upon DIVINE BESTOWAL, not upon an act of human consecration. Where consecration is urged it is in regard to the gifts ALREADY GIVEN. If the gift and calling are not present, no amount of consecration can bring about divine bestowal.
If you can avoid entering the ministry, then do so! On the other hand, if you are truly called you will feel as if the ministry is the only thing you can do.
Notice the words “HE GAVE.” These ministers come fresh from God Himself. They are His own provision to the church for the continuance of ministry. The One who died, rose again, and ascended into heaven is the One who CALLS men & women into the ministry and then GIVES them to the Church. He is the giver of such ministers.
A great truth is implied here; something that is contrary to modern notions about “entering the ministry” and being “ordained.” If “He gave,” then there can be no question that there is NO DIVINE APPOINTMENT into the ministry unless Christ Himself has called such a person. A person may be appointed, elected, or selected by a committee or congregational vote, but if the Giver of Gifts Himself has not called and given this person to the church, then their ministry is merely human effort or ambition. If a person’s desire is to simply achieve a position and be given a title, then it is sheer vanity, and even worse.
It must be pointed out; the emphasis in Scripture is upon DIVINE BESTOWAL, not upon an act of human consecration. Where consecration is urged it is in regard to the gifts ALREADY GIVEN. If the gift and calling are not present, no amount of consecration can bring about divine bestowal.
If you can avoid entering the ministry, then do so! On the other hand, if you are truly called you will feel as if the ministry is the only thing you can do.
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