Q4. Slow to Ordain

[Diane D.]

We need to treat the responsibility for replacing church officers even more seriously than people we hire because of the need to understand/validate that they represent the best beliefs in the church and therefore will be a good influence.  Sinch the church responsibilities affect others attending, they have the power to influence their eternal futures as well.  It is a serious responsibility.

Rather than hiring right away, take the time to know the individual, checking them for how they speak, how they deal with others, how they translate their beliefs into actions.  In this way, the candidate will show a consistent picture of who they are over time;  their true selves.

[crissy464]

Give them the opportunity to prove themselves
            The whole church shares in a leader's sins if they appoint him without knowing him well. When a leader's sin becomes public, the whole flock shares equal responsibility with those who laid hands on him. A structured process is of utmost importance when appointing leaders in the church.

[Zanele Tlhakanelo]

Paul said that because if you lay hands on the people you do not know, you will be partaking in their sins. It is important to study a person's behavior before ordaining him/her to hire office. The same warning was also given about new converts not to occupy office but studying and taking time but also listening to the small still voice will guide in terms of ordaining the right people.

The danger is that you may ordain people who do not share the same principles with you are have different perspectives about the Word of God. Some people do not believe that the Holy Spirit must be consulted in giving guidance and directions and want to do things in a haphazard manner.

To not be hasty in ordaining people. Try to understand them better and know their giftings because it can cause harm if a person is given a ministry that he/she does not understand or is uncomfortable to handle. Always ordain people according to the gifts given them by God.

[Clelie]

Paul advice not to be in haste to replace an elder is for the reason of avoiding compromise . The candidate for eldership should be taken seriously or else the church would be sharing in the sin of an unknown or unworthy replacement. 

[Sister Evelyn]

Q4. (1 Timothy 5:22-25) Why does Paul say "Don't be hasty in the laying on of hands"?

Paul says that a church should never be in a hurry to choose it leaders, especially a pastor, because major problems or sins might be over looked.

The dangers in doing so is when ordaining people whose lives we don't really know deeply we can share in their sins.

We can lessened this first the person must be called by God through the Holy Spirit, meet the biblical qualifications, and then be confirmed by the body of believers who are in charge with the approval process.

[t-c]

Q4. (1 Timothy 5:22-25) Why does Paul say, "Don't be hasty in the laying on of hands"? What are the dangers in doing so? How can these dangers be lessened?

I think that Paul is saying to really get a good look and observe them closely in all types of situations. Watch how they act when they are under pressure. See if their “walk” lines up with their “talk,” before considering them for a leadership position in the church or welcoming a repenting backslider back into fellowship.

You, Timothy, share responsibility for their sins. And the wrong people in leadership roles.

By taking your time as you observe those considered for leadership. Get to know them as well as enlisting others to help with this task. And above all else, pray for God’s will for these important decisions.

[Jonathan Edwards]

Aiding and abetting someone not ready nor fit for the ministry is wrong.   Apostle Paul knew all well that candidates for the ministry still have development issues : home life, secular issues, personality defects and more important:  doctrinal issues.   The Ephesian church couldn't not afford more problems by allowing those unfit candidates to be ordained.   Many came out of "mystery religions", and carried over gnostic pagan ideas.  Not saying that they were not sincere; they needed more time and catechesis before ordination.

Today, we see this horrific situation.  Current pastors and church workers in much trouble.   Divorced, separated or charged for serious crimes.   Even went through the seminary formation and received academic degrees.   Many churches had to pay out millions of dollars due to lawsuits incurred due to pastors, deacons and church workers acting in ungodly fashion.

[Old Jerry]

We should not be hasty in laying on of hands because we don’t know the person. If they are just trying to be in charge and don’t have the interest of the congregation in mind, then they aren’t interested in teaching the good news. But if we get to know the person or they have been in the congregation for a while then we will know their motive.

[hanks]

Q4. (1 TIMOTHY 5:22-25)

Why does Paul say, "Don't be hasty in the laying on of hands"? What are the dangers in doing so? How can these dangers be lessened?

Paul is warning us not to be too hasty in recognising newcomers to the church without getting to know their character first. We should use caution in, for example, accepting wealthy or prominent people. They need to prove themselves as being acceptable first. The lesson is that the church should take the time to judge a person’s true character before accepting them and appointing them to any senior position. He points out that the sins of some men are quite evident. But then there are men whose sins are no so obvious; it is not clear that they are living in sin, only to be shown up later. With time, however, a man’s true colours will emerge for all to see.