Is it too easy to get ordained in many of our churches?

[Mark H. Stevens, Th.D]

Many of today's most prominent preachers would be labeled heretics hundreds of years ago because MOST clergymen were devout Theologians and serious students of scripture. Today ordination papers and licenses are given to anyone that says they are called to preach. I agree that being Spirit-filled and called is the first priority of being a preacher, but ALSO there has to be training…SERIOUS TRAINING! A lack of understanding of just the basic Bible doctrines of the faith can lead to the types of abuses I am talking about. Martin Luther was able to stand up to the lies of Rome because he was filled with the knowledge of the truth. I am a Pentecostal preacher, I believe in the Charismatic Gifts of the Spirit, but that doesn't negate the fact that we must have a scholarly approach to the scriptures and its teachings.

[Archbishop Trevor 'Elihu' Greene]

So very true! I have seen a few known Bishops (names withheld) online advertising ordinations and "expansion of their fellowship".

Nowadays, you can get one with two proofs of purchase from a Kellogg's Cereal box!

[Evangelist Altha Fugett]

Snap Crackle and Pop? aw naw, let me go get my oil

[Mark H. Stevens, Th.D]

Recently in our jurisdiction they had a young man fail the written exam, but they let him re-take it, it has been a struggle here in NJ, I am the Dean of the CH Mason Bible Institute and in the last 2 years I have convinced the Bishop to make it mandatory to have completed 2 years of Bible Training before being ordained, it isn't as much as I would personally like but it is a start.

[Evangelist Altha Fugett]

I was scared to death when I went to board, I have seen many Evangelist and Ministers flunk out, the older ones didn't have to go through what we go through. The boards make it harder when you don't go to ALL SAINTS College, and they still suggest that you follow up with it, after you past.

I do admire them for the way they test, everyone can't test, there were those that asked for the oral test, and those of us that took the written test.

It was broken into three parts 1. Our own church history 2. Our doctrine 3 and Theology and then we had to learn Protocol

[Mark H. Stevens, Th.D]

I wish our people would realize that "power" comes by surrendering to the will of God and NOT the title you have...in my opinion there are TOO MANY "Apostles" and "Bishops" pontificating and looking for men's praises!

[Evangelist Altha Fugett]

Well let the wheat and tare grow together and HE will do the seperating

[Mark H. Stevens, Th.D]

True....however false prophets are to be EXPOSED! Read how Paul dealt with heretics and fakes!

[Archbishop Trevor 'Elihu' Greene]

Evangelist, that was spoken like a true Evangelist!! I must say though, that both you and Bro Mark make a good point here.

[Mark H. Stevens, Th.D]

When hold our clergy to Biblical accountability a lot of the nonsense in the pulpits will stop!

[Evangelist Altha Fugett]

I agree with Bro. Mark, but we have to realize nothing is getting pass God, He is still in control, fret not

[Mark H. Stevens, Th.D]

Jesus is the most talked about man in history, and sadly the most misunderstood and misrepresented. Jesus was a Jewish carpenter who was also The Son of God. To some it seems quite contradictory for God to subject himself to such a humble existence. The Jews expected the Messiah to be a warrior and not a humble servant. Even Christians forget that Jesus was the ultimate example of servitude. Remember Peter’s reaction when Jesus wanted to wash his feet? Peter knew that God was kneeling before him and it was hard for him to understand how the Messiah could wash his feet.