Chapter 8, “The Examination and Ordination of a Candidate” pp. 44-50
The call to ministry is not validated by an ordination. The ordination precedes a call, or at least an ordination exam does. Walther views the ordination as very important since it affirms that the call will be issued to an appropriate person. Elders should be carefully examined (1 Tim. 3:10, 2 Tim. 2:2), as Walther observes on p. 44. Walther quotes numerous other theologians who assert the ordinand must be questioned well to evaluate doctrine, ability to communicate doctrine, and a godly life.
On p. 47, based on the qualifications of doctrine, Walther condemns “the so-called licensing system.” Either people are fit for the pastoral office or not.
No comments:
Post a Comment