Comments on: Commissioning Service Thoughts

By: adamjcopeland

adamjcopeland — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:52:19 +0000

Thanks for the comments, folks. @Libby, yeah, I thought of that. It’s why I didn’t put anything up after ordination. I also considered how things might sound to glbtq folk denied ordination by our silly system. So yeah, thanks for keeping us aware.

@Sarah, thanks for the OK correction — I guess that’s just a rumor at CTS. But Cherokee doesn’t make much sense either. Fun to consider, though. Thanks.

By: Andra

Andra — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:52:28 +0000

Thanks…. I will. I am sorry we couldn’t be with you on Sunday afternoon but I am glad it was a memorable service. Blessings on you and the people of Hallock, MN.
Keep warm.

Mum X

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:46:19 +0000

George is a member of Cherokee Presbytery in Ga, not OK….and yes he has only served in educational/academic ministry. I understand he is generally a regular attendee at meetings, and has been active on committees, etc.

It’s an interesting thought though – the Disciples of Christ ordain people who have a “call” w/o a specific call to serve a congregation. PCUSA ordains only when there is a specific “call” to a ministry – congregation or validated. And those cslled to education or administration or chaplaincy must do those things mentioned in the BOO 6-whatever and elsewhere.

By: libby

libby — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:58:09 +0000

i think it’s easier for you to make statements like that about ordination on the other side of it. ordination is the thing that validates us, our calls, our work, our educations (whether it should or not) and without it it appears the last 4 and a half years of my life, specifically, have been a waste. i was referred to not long ago as “not a real minister”. miss you.

By: adamjcopeland

adamjcopeland — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:13:28 +0000

Thanks, Nancy. Yeah, it was Stroup who I’m not sure served a parish and whose ordination is still with some presbytery in Oklahoma so make if it what you will. I do think it’s a fair question, though — why do retired pastors keep their ordination? It gets at the heart of what ordination is and isn’t.

Re “installation” vs. “commissioning” yes, I’m officially Stated Supply Pastor here due to some weird polity stuff and COM recommendation so that’s dandy. Of course, the Commissioning service was identical to an Installations service say switching those words. Peace.

By: nancy

nancy — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:01:37 +0000

hmmm…was said professor ordained to the calling of higher education? or did that professor become ordained to a call at a specific church and then leave it- but still keep his/her ordination? elders are ordained for life- and, I know, this is a throw back to the Latin church’s pronouncement “sacerdotum perpetuam” – but perhaps it is also a recognition about the claim of God on your life, no matter the vagaries of where you are or where you are serving….
as for polity, I note that you use the term “commissioning”- rather than installation- local? or because it is a designated pastor?