LBCF 26:11 reads,
“Although it be incumbent on the bishops or pastors of the churches, to be instant in preaching the Word, by way of office, yet the work of preaching the word is not so peculiarly confined to them but that others also gifted and fitted by the Holy Spirit for it, and approved and called by the church, may and ought to perform it [a].
[a] Acts 11:19–21; 1 Peter 4:10,11”
I recently learned of a reformed baptist church that will formally approve and call four men as what’s being termed “gifted brothers” (i.e. lay preachers). This will occur at a annual meeting and will consist of a vote by church members followed by a prayer of consecration.
Has anyone heard of this before? I’m not wanting this to turn into a debate regarding the legitimacy of lay preaching, but would like to hear of other’s experiences in reformed baptist churches. How have lay preachers been “approved and called by the church”?
Also, is there biblical warrant to have a formal calling and consecration for anything other than elders and deacons?
Thanks for any feedback.
“Although it be incumbent on the bishops or pastors of the churches, to be instant in preaching the Word, by way of office, yet the work of preaching the word is not so peculiarly confined to them but that others also gifted and fitted by the Holy Spirit for it, and approved and called by the church, may and ought to perform it [a].
[a] Acts 11:19–21; 1 Peter 4:10,11”
I recently learned of a reformed baptist church that will formally approve and call four men as what’s being termed “gifted brothers” (i.e. lay preachers). This will occur at a annual meeting and will consist of a vote by church members followed by a prayer of consecration.
Has anyone heard of this before? I’m not wanting this to turn into a debate regarding the legitimacy of lay preaching, but would like to hear of other’s experiences in reformed baptist churches. How have lay preachers been “approved and called by the church”?
Also, is there biblical warrant to have a formal calling and consecration for anything other than elders and deacons?
Thanks for any feedback.