Upcoming Ordination in the PCA

Last night, I attended one of my seminary colleagues' ordination service.  He'll actually be a Teaching Elder in my service next week.  As I sat in the congregation, I was overwhelmed by the magnitude of what was transpiring.  I know for some, ordination services are not that big of a deal, but in the PCA it is a difficult process. We are grilled pretty hard in written and oral examinations, as well, the completion of seminary is required (including Hebrew and Greek proficiency).  For me it's been a six year process. 

But beyond the preparation, there is the aspect of being an ordained minister to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I guess last night I was able to process a little more clearly just what was happening (I've been quite preoccupied lately). The minister, Roger Salter, spoke of the depravity not just of mankind but even more specifically of the pastor. Utilizing the text in Isaiah with the angel taking the coal and placing it upon the prophet, he showed how the gospel goes forth through the mouth of the prophet. I guess, one feels so unworthy to be a minister of the gospel.  It's hard enough for me to teach  Sunday School with Emily in the room knowing how I've botched it in loving or serving her the previous evening.  Knowing that God has entrusted you to declare the gospel truths of His Scriptures is daunting to say the least.  But alas, it is all by the grace of God.  One of the hymns we will be singing in my ordination service is Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken.  I've been contemplating these words this week in preparation for my own service.  

Jesus, I my cross have taken, All to leave and follow Thee.

Destitute, despised, forsaken, Thou from hence my all shall be.

Perish every fond ambition, All I’ve sought or hoped or known.

Yet how rich is my condition! God and heaven are still my own.

Let the world despise and leave me, They have left my Savior, too.

Human hearts and looks deceive me; Thou art not, like them, untrue.

O while Thou dost smile upon me, God of wisdom, love, and might,

Foes may hate and friends disown me, Show Thy face and all is bright.

Man may trouble and distress me, ’Twill but drive me to Thy breast.

Life with trials hard may press me; Heaven will bring me sweeter rest.

Oh, ’tis not in grief to harm me While Thy love is left to me;

Oh, ’twere not in joy to charm me, Were that joy unmixed with Thee.

I would like to extend an invitation to you to attend my ordination service this week.  It will be a great day for our family and it would wonderful to have you participate with us.  It is this Sunday, March 9th, at 6 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church.