Ordination

Introduction: Today we have the joy of celebrating the ordination of pastor TC Kinney. I want to begin our time by reading a portion of God’s word from I Timothy 3:1-7. Today we are not performing a ritualistic ceremony that somehow passes the rights and privileges for the office of pastor to TC. We are not just going through formal organizational traditions in order to make TC something that is is not. Rather, ordination is simply this… Jesus’ church recognizing Jesus’ work. What does that mean? Jesus is responsible to make a man ready to be ordained for pastoral service. It is our responsibility as members of Christs’ body to recognize that work of Christ. How does God make a man ready for shepherding and how do go about recognizing that work? The goal of our time together is to answer this questions from God’s word.

Called by God

For conversion

II Timothy 1:8-9 “The calling of conversion is a work of God”

2 Timothy 1:8–9 ESV

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

T.C., Have you welcomed the good news of the gospel, showing evidence of your conversion by turning away from sin and trusting in Christ alone for your salvation?

Members of Hillcrest, do you recognize the work of God in calling TC to be converted?

For service

I Timothy 3:1 “The desire to serve as an elder is a work of God.”

1 Timothy 3:1 ESV

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.

The prophet Jonah as an example of God changing desires.

T.C., Do you desire the noble task of the office of overseer?

Members of Hillcrest, Do you recognize the work of God in calling TC to desire the noble task of the office of overseer?

Gifted by God

To teach

I Timothy 3:2 “Able to teach” The ability to teach God’s word is a gift from God. (Romans 12:7) Doesn't mean that all teachers are pastors, and that all pastors teach in the same way. However, if a man is called to desire the office of pastor, he must be able to teach. And that ability is something that God gives. Also, this doesn't mean that teaching is the only ability, or gift that a pastor may have. For example; in I Timothy 4:14-16 the apostle Paul tells pastor Timothy to…(Read) An elder/pastor must at least be able to teach God’s word. And whatever other gifts he may have then he should use those for the glory of God and the building up of the body.

1 Timothy 3:2 ESV

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

Romans 12:7 ESV

if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;

1 Timothy 4:14–16 ESV

Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

This teaching part of pastoral ministry is so important that Paul charges and warns Timothy in II Timothy 4:1-4 . And TC, I extend this charge and warning to you, as well as myself by reading it again for our reminder.

2 Timothy 4:1–4 ESV

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. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

TC, By the power of the Holy Spirit who has gifted you, will you teach the whole counsel of God’s word found in the 66 books of Holy Scripture?

Members of Hillcrest, Do you recognize the gift of God in TC to rightly teach the Word of truth?

Fulfill your ministry

1. II Timothy 4:5, TC , we have recognized Gods calling and gifting in you. He is leading you and will provide the opportunity for you to shepherd His flock. With thankfulness and great expectation for how God is going to pour you our for His service we commision you to fulfill your ministry..

2 Timothy 4:5 ESV

As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

2. How? I Peter 5:1-4

1 Peter 5:1–4 ESV

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Conclusion: Brother, there is great joy in being called to under shepherd the body of Christ. Often, that joy will come in the form of suffering. Bearing burdens. Heart wrenching prayer. Often it will come from encouraging words from members, witnessing the spiritual growth in new converts and old converts, being invited into key moments of people’s lives where you get a front row seat to the activity of God. However, the major blessing and joy of serving in the office of shepherding elder is that when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. As Christ preservers through you to bring about His good purposes, you will be used up… and this is for your good. Your King will not abandon you, Your Shepherd will not leave you alone, Your Savior will make you ready to receive the joy of your salvation! A crown of glory.