I understand your point, and I understand the difference between Presbyterian and congregational government,

I was not saying that everyone who holds an ordination should "get in" we all know that there are ordinations that aren't worth the paper there printed on, this being said, Pastor Jerry Has prove himself by his obedience to God in the service to which had been called. Personally I would take the Creed of Christ over man any day of the week. I was unaware that the Church of Jesus Christ's legitimacy was based on years a particular denomination has been in existence (PCA 1973, OPC 1936). Since this is the case, perhaps we all should get our suits on and swim the Tiber(Please understand this last statement is not meant to suggest in any way that the RC are Christian, it was stated to prove the point). Your statement is this quote alone, tells me that this is not a pride issue on the part of Man, but on what man has created. This is a respect issue and from what I have read, it sounds to me as if your saying that we are more legitimate and closer to the Truth because we're older. I hope that this is not the case and please correct me if I'm understanding this wrong.

It is true that I am a Congregationalist, I am because I believe that Church autonomy is biblical (I know this could open another so that's all I'm going to say about that). The point that I was making in regards to "pride" on the part of the church, I think I covered in the paragraph above. this is not a pride issue, this is a respect issue, in regards to the individual who has more than proven himself. Again this is not to say that there should not be an interview and a screening, but I personally would have been insulted, not on the part of pride but on the side of disrespect toward what God has called me to and what the denom would care to or fail to recognize. I would have never subjected myself to what I went through for a second time just for the sake of changing a denomination. I would sooner go the route of Pastor Jerry, this doesn't make me any less a servant of God nor does it make the "perspective" denom better. I truly believe that there is an element of pride on the side of a denomination that would tout there legitimacy based on time.

I think this is where the rubber hits the road. An Ordination IS for life, for if it weren't, I suppose we could ordain for an hour or so, perhaps a year depending on our mood! A man who has been called by God will be set apart by God. There is NO arbitrary time that a man is not ordained, once an ordination takes place its for life. This is not to say that a man can't loose his ordination for willful and habitual behavior that is contrary to scripture, I think we could all agree on that. I have a great deal of respect for all men who have received the call of God and have been fruitful in the ministry they have been called to, whether their Baptist, Presbyterians, Independent, congregational, community, Lutheran etc. I would recognize there Ordination as a "badge" but more specifically "set apart for the work of ministry." Believe it or not, God does work outside the walls of denominations. I suppose we could debate which denominations that have strayed (that is a subject for another time).

Soli,

If you make the decision to move from the SBC (which I would ) and felt led to a denomination that fits more with your reformed theology I would consider only the denominations that recognize your accomplishments for what they are and what God has done through you. There are other options (ARBCA, or even the CCCC). Again let me say that, God has done a good work in you, don't let man make the decision that God's call wasn't good enough. also remember, when you are canidating, their not just interviewing you, your interviewing them.

Blessings,

__________________
Rev. Toby Holland
Director of Evangelism
Wiltsie Community Church (CCCC)
LBC - 1689