Scottish elders would ask of a prospective minister, "Does he have the anointing?" When spiritual discernment is low or nonexistent, people ask such questions as, "Is this person a great orator, or does he or she have great physical health?" But Saint Paul said in 2 Corinthians 10.10 that others complained of him, " his bodily presence is weak and his speech contemptible." Paul is not against good health or excellent speaking skills, but he teaches that these traits are not important for a preacher.
"Does he(or she) have the anointing?" That is important because some are, as 2 Timothy 3.5 states, "Having a form of Godliness, but denying the power thereof." From such ministers we are warned to stay away. We can have orthodox historical Biblical words, to say it another way, but not speak them at the right time and place or with the attitudes God wants us to have. Then even when we speak truth, it will not be for the hearers at that time, and therefore will be trivialized in the minds of the congregation.
To speak words from God for a particular time and place, we must be first of all supernaturally converted to begin to follow Jesus Christ. Then we must be called by God to preach. Finally we must be humbly walking with God in holiness as we prepare and deliver our sermons. Then we will have the anointing, or the clear and powerful witness of the Holy Spirit as we preach. Then Christians who hear us will be encouraged in righteousness, and non Christians who hear us will be drawn to Jesus Christ, the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world when we accept his offer of salvation.
"Does the prospective minister have a history of building up the congregation?" That is not a bad question, but sometimes to preach the gospel under the guidance of God drives folks away, especially when it means to have to give up some sin that is cherished. "Does the minister being considered affirm the Apostle's creed and the Nicene creed?" No one can be Christian who does not affirm these summaries of Christian doctrine, but it is possible to agree in theory without ever being converted or called to preach or walking with God humbly either. The creeds are not calls to repent and to be saved and to be holy, but they are addressed to those who have already done that, otherwise they are useless.
"Is he or she intelligent and with a high level of education?" Again, these are not bad questions, and they are valued by many. Paul was at least as intelligent and educated as anyone of his time. So he was not at all opposed to these traits- to glory in ignorance is no virtue! But Paul had his priorities straight. 1Corinthians 2. 1-5 When I came to you, brothers
and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God in lofty words or wisdom.2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I came to you in weakness and in fear ands in much trembling.4 My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
Comments