ABSTRACT

This article explores the divine blueprint for church ordination, emphasizing the apostolic model established in Jerusalem as a timeless standard for selecting and appointing elders. Grounded in Scripture and illuminated by the writings of Ellen G. White, it underscores the sacred responsibility of the community to follow God’s pattern of church governance, focusing on the character, qualifications, and divine calling of those set apart for leadership. Through biblical examples and inspired counsel, the article highlights the importance of maintaining this divine order to ensure Christ remains the head of His church.

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION FOR CHURCH ORDER

We gather in solemn assembly, sensing the weight of a divine commission. The air in the simple meetinghouse is thick with the weight of decision, smelling of rough-sawn pine and earnest prayer. Lamplight casts long, dancing shadows across our faces, men and women whose hands are calloused from farm work but whose expressions are softened by a profound reverence. We have come together not for a regular Sabbath service, but for a purpose more solemn, an act that feels as ancient as the apostolic age itself. Before us sits a man, not a novice, but one whose life and labors have been an open book to the community. His head is bowed, his Bible resting on his knees. We are considering him for the office of elder. The inspired pen reminds us, “The organization of the church at Jerusalem was to serve as a model for the organization of churches in every other place where messengers of truth should win converts to the gospel” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 91, 1911). This divine blueprint, rooted in Scripture, guides us. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “God has a church, and she has a divinely appointed ministry” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 52, 1923). This sacred pattern ensures our actions align with heaven’s design for church order. How does this divine model unfold in the practical establishment of church leadership?

APOSTOLIC PATTERN IN ACTION

God’s plan for church order eliminates human guesswork. The foundation of all church governance was laid in the apostolic age, a model we must follow. In Acts 6:1-7, a murmuring arose because the Grecian widows were neglected in the daily ministration. The apostles, prioritizing their spiritual duties, instructed us to select “seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom” (Acts 6:3, KJV) to serve as deacons. This act, marked by prayer and the laying on of hands, established a permanent office to meet practical needs while preserving the ministry of the Word. A passage from The Acts of the Apostles reminds us, “This step was taken in the fear of God, and with the most earnest prayer that the chosen men might be guarded from temptation” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 95, 1911). Scripture further supports this: “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration” (Acts 6:1, KJV). A prophetic voice wrote, “The appointment of the seven to take the oversight of special lines of work, proved a great blessing to the church” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 89, 1911). This model ensures functional leadership that safeguards the church’s mission. What qualifications must a man meet to fulfill such a sacred role?

CHARACTER: THE HEART OF LEADERSHIP

A man’s character, shaped by God’s grace, qualifies him for ordination. Ordination recognizes a life transformed by daily conversion, not professional skill. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1, KJV) emphasizes love as the core of leadership. The inspired pen counsels, “The minister who is a co-worker with Christ will have a deep sense of his own nothingness, and of the need of constant self-denial” (Gospel Workers, p. 56, 1915). Scripture reinforces this: “For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, KJV). In Gospel Workers we read, “The heart must be barricaded by constant watchfulness and prayer” (Gospel Workers, p. 414, 1915). A man’s heart, renewed daily, forms the foundation of his calling. How does this character manifest in specific qualifications for leadership?

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELDERS

Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus outline the divine standard for elders. A candidate must be “blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2, KJV). His life must reflect integrity and self-control, proven in his home. A prophetic voice wrote, “Those who are placed in positions of trust must reveal in the home life the fruits of the Spirit” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 618, 1889). Scripture affirms, “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” (Romans 14:5, KJV), highlighting personal conviction. In Testimonies for the Church we read, “The home is a school where the character is molded” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 136, 1876). These standards ensure a leader’s life aligns with God’s will. How does domestic leadership reflect a man’s fitness for church office?

DOMESTIC LEADERSHIP AS A PROVING GROUND

A man’s home reveals his capacity to lead the church. “One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity” (1 Timothy 3:4, KJV) is essential, for “if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?” (1 Timothy 3:5, KJV). The home tests patience and wisdom. A passage from Testimonies for the Church reminds us, “The family of the one chosen to bear responsibilities should be considered” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 441, 1876). Scripture supports this: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6, KJV). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read, “The home is the first field of labor” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 574, 1890). A man’s family life mirrors his ability to shepherd the church. How does doctrinal soundness complete this divine standard?

DOCTRINAL SOUNDNESS IN LEADERSHIP

An elder must be “apt to teach” and hold “fast the faithful word” (Titus 1:9, KJV) to guard the truth. He must articulate doctrine clearly, exhorting and convincing others. The inspired pen states, “Those who are called of God to minister in holy things should be men who are qualified to teach the truth” (Gospel Workers, p. 15, 1915). Scripture affirms, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV). In The Desire of Ages we read, “The truth must be presented in such a way as to convict and convert the soul” (The Desire of Ages, p. 490, 1898). Sound doctrine anchors the church in truth. How do these principles safeguard the church’s mission?

SAFEGUARDS AGAINST HUMAN AUTHORITY

The divine model protects against centralized power. A plurality of elders ensures accountability, keeping Christ as head. “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” (Ephesians 5:21, KJV) promotes mutual submission. A prophetic voice wrote, “No man’s voice or influence should have greater weight than the Word of God” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 299, 1923). Scripture reinforces, “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4, KJV). In The Acts of the Apostles we read, “The organization of the church was designed to secure the unity of the church” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 185, 1911). This structure preserves the church’s divine mission.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my understanding of God’s divine blueprint for church order through daily Bible study and prayer, allowing these truths to shape my commitment to His church?

How can we present the principles of biblical ordination to diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and relevance without compromising scriptural fidelity?

What misunderstandings about church leadership exist in my community, and how can I use Scripture and Sr. White’s writings to clarify God’s plan for governance?

How can our congregation actively support and uphold the divine model of ordination, fostering a community that reflects Christ’s headship and prepares for His return?