Track to Ordination

The predominantly, but decreasingly Lancashire-based Free Methodist denomination held an important event this spring. It ordained its ministers. Individuals from Lancaster, York and elsewhere around the country attended a large gathering at Preston in order to be ordained. Many of these people were already pastoring churches, so it is not clear what difference this ceremony achieved. Some regard it as official recognition or accreditation. Others think it makes them a 'proper reverend’ (which, incidentally, is a courtesy title, so anyone can call themselves it whenever they wish). The FM church advertises its ordination and ministry training ‘tracks’ by which leaders in presumably independent churches and ministries can acquire the recognition they require:

Free Methodists can offer you a journey towards ordination. Those who are exploring a call to ministry in the Free Methodist Church will begin this journey in one of three ways: Relationship, Referral and Recruitment. During the journey a mentor will be assigned to the person as a resource for their journey encouragement and to help facilitate reflective learning.

The Order of St Leonard, a curious organisation claiming to combine Wesleyan, charismatic and liturgical Christianity, and led by extrovert 'Bishop-Abbot' David Carr, is somehow also linked to the Free Meths. While claiming to be a ‘lifestyle’ rather than a denomination, the Order advertises its ordination products:

OSL ordains Deacons and Presbyters, according to a person’s theological education and experience. All applications are considered on individual merit, providing a vocational route to ordination.

FEES: On acceptance for Ordination, a fee of £240 is payable to cover administration, interviews and Ordination ceremony, certificate and lapel badge.  Annual relicensing is required (for continuing credentials) at £240 per annum. 

It generously adds:

Means-based reductions or waiving of fees may be possible.

240 quid a year to remain ordained and accredited by this Order; this seems like a fine business model to me.

You may have guessed from my tone that I do not recognise ordination, and I do not care for large organisations and denominations other than the local church. Should the good folk at Martin Top see fit to remove me, I shall no longer be a pastor, or be ordained, or anything else. Anyone who thinks that they remain a ‘pastor’ or ‘minister’ long after they have ceased pastoring and ministering for their local church is carrying over elements of Roman Catholicism which the Reformation sought to dispel. Consequently, I think that ordination does not really exist; the closest it comes to reality is when a local church appoints its pastor, and for that period of time he serves as an elder, perhaps alongside unpaid, fellow elders, he is commissioned to lead that flock. It is God who ordains, not denominations or bishops, and only for a period of usefulness. The kings of Judah had busily ordained priests, and much good it did them: