1. The Church of GOD is different from the churches of this world in many respects! Most
important, it is governed by GOD through JESUS CHRIST. CHRIST is the Head of the
Church (Col. 1:18). Under CHRIST in GOD’S Government come human leaders GOD
has specially chosen and put in office.
Men (Mankind) cannot choose the ministry of JESUS CHRIST for their vocation, as is
commonly done in other organizations. Rather, JESUS said, “Ye have not chosen me,
but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit…” (John
15:16) JESUS CHRIST, therefore, selects and chooses those who will be ordained into
CHRIST ministry. And CHIRST reveals HIS will in these matters through those who have
already been serving in HIS ministry.
The leading human office in the Church is that of apostle (1Corinthians 12:28). After that
come other offices, including pastors (Ephesians 4:11 – 14). Each office is one of
service. JESUS said that those who serve other the most will be given the higher offices
(Matthew 20: 20 – 28, 23: 11; Mark 10:44).
The ministry is the office of good work! The apostle Paul said, “This is a true saying, if a
person desire the office of a bishop (pastor), that person desired a good work” (1
Timothy 3:1). Paul then went on in verse 2 through 7 to outline some of the basic
requirements that are taken into account in evaluating one’s fitness to serve as a
minister.
One of these requirements is that the person must not be a novice or, as the margin of
many Bibles renders it, “not one newly comes to the faith.” To be a minister, then, a
person must first have served well as a lay member of GOD’S Church. During this time
the person must have grown spiritually so that person would not be filled with pride when
ordained. A person’s readiness and ability to serve in the ministry will be seen by the
fruits that person produces (Matthew 7:16).
Therefore the true Church of GOD ordains only baptized, spiritually mature members
whom GOD is calling into ministry. James cautions brethren, “…be not many masters,
knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” (James 3:1). Teachers and
ministers are going to be held more accountable. More will be expected of them!
Ordination in the Church of GOD follows a period of training and preparation. When
JESUS CHRIST chose HIS disciples JESUS did not immediately make them ministers of
the Gospel. Rather JESUS spent nearly three and one-half years instructing them daily.
The true Church has programs for training persons who fruits indicate that GOD is
choosing them for ministry.
Of course, there are many other ways besides the ministry in which people can serve
the Church. Most important is an attitude of wanting to serve; everyone is able to serve
in some way.
Serving is helping others. If we look for ways to serve we will find them.
Willie A. Douglas