Several weeks ago, my good friend Mark, posted on District Conference and that one of the highlights was the ordination service. As I mentioned yesterday, we were “kicked-out” of the conference center we usually met in and had our conference at one of the local churches. I think it added to the specialness of the ceremony.
Dr. Earle Wilson hit a homerun as he preached the ordination message. It had something for the ordinands, the already ordained and lay people. He preached from 1 Peter 5 about the role of a minister; to be fishers of men, women, and children and to shepherd the flock. What is the role of a pastor?
1. To tend the flock of God — which is more than feeding. We live in a non-agrarian culture, so it’s hard to understand what some of that means. The full range of the shepherd’s care is: to guard, guide, rebuke, and discipline. Dr. Wilson reminded all of us pastors that the congregation is not ours — it is God’s. It is God’s church. He also reminded the laypeople that it’s not their church — it is God’s. It is not ours to manipulate. The pastor has to remember both the worth and the weakness of the flock.
2. Be careful/Be watchful — the shepherd’s care for himself. Tend to yourself, he reminded us. Christ is our example. We are to remember our model and that is Christ. We were warned to avoid the Lordship Syndrome which 1)Desires respect w/o submission 2) Desires recognition without service 3) Desires reward w/o suffering. The remedy for this is to remember that there is a cross at the center of ministry. We are also reminded to remember the moods — If you think too highly of yourself — humble yourself. If you think too lowly of yourself — say “Get behind me Satan” — I have the greatest calling in the world. What else to we need to remember? Don’t forget where you are — You are in enemy territory — and don’t forget whose you are — The work is God’s and you are God’s.
3. The Chief Shepherd’s care for the shepherd — Cast you cares on Him, He cares for you.
That was probably one of the best ordination sermons I have heard in the past seven years, including my own.
After the message the candidates for ordination were asked a series of questions. As they were asked the questions, I silently read them to myself and renewed my ordination vows. Two questions were especially probing.
- Do you cordially accept our Articles of Religion and Membership Commitments, and agree to declare and defend them? And do you recognize your responsibility and cheerfully accept your obligation to promote and support The Wesleyan Church and all institutions and ministries approved by the Wesleyan Church?
- Will you with diligence minister the doctrines, sacraments and disciplines of Christ, being always ready to challenge strange doctrine which is contrary to God’s Word wherever it may arise?
Those questions were asked along with the reading of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians which reads, “to prepare God’s people for works of service.” I came away reminded of my task as a minister of the Gospel to…take authority to preach the Word of God, to administer the holy sacraments, and to perform the duties of an ordained minister in the Church.
This year Parkway broke the 1,000 barrier in attendance. The congregation and staff at Parkway were wonderful hosts and helped out our district in short order. 
