Ordination and Apostolic Ministry. The pattern for this response to the call is provided in the development of the early Church. The apostles led in prayer and preaching, ordered the spiritual and temporal life of the community, established leadership for the ministry of service, and provided for the proclamation of the Gospel to new persons and in new places. The early church, through the laying on of hands, set apart persons with responsibility to preach, to teach, to administer the Sacraments, to nurture, to heal, to gather the community in worship, and to send them forth in witness. The church also set apart other persons to care for the physical needs of others, reflecting the concerns for the people of the world. In the New Testament (Acts 6) we see the apostles identifying and authorizing persons to a ministry of service. These functions, though set apart, were never separate from the ministry of the whole people of God. Paul states (Ephesians 4:1-12) that different gifts and ministries are given to all persons.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21816-MN-302-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference