The structure of the Christian church in the UK today?

Question

OK bear with me as I don't mean to offend anyone with this question, but I'm not good at putting my thoughts in to words.

I was wondering if you actually have to believe in the words of the bible without question to become a vicar/priest- I've seen a lot of church figureheads on the news recently disputing the stories in the book and offering their own interpretations relating to modern science.

I only ask because I try to lead a 'christian' life, that is as Jesus taught rather than what the modern and, in my opinion, corrupt, church dictates. I would like to therefore become a vicar without being affiliated with the church- is this possible?

Alternatively can I become a vicar through the church and then separate myself from it, whilst maintaining my role as a vicar?

Thanks for your help, please can I only have serious, open-minded and informed answers please- sorry once more if I have offended anyone as it was utterly unintentional (but good christians will forgive!)

My main motive, should you be wondering, is to gain a fotthold in the community from which I can offer help and charity- e.g., a career that is already identified with role by most. Apologies if I have misunderstood anything or not made myself clear!

Answer 1

The Bible claims itself to be God's inspired word of truth and Jesus Christ affirmed it to be. Therefore it ought be accepted as such but questions are healthy within that acceptance.

Stick with your following of Christ as He will lead you aright.

There are independant churches who may accept you to preach and there are also opportunities for lay preachers within some church organisations if that is something you may consider.

My opinion is that it would not be entirely honest to become a vicar with the intention of then seperating yourself. It may have been different if you were already a vicar and the church departed from it's teachings. In any event my opinion is stay away from the Church of England which is full of compromise and worldy influences.

In fact most of the organised churches today are very compromised and follow after modern trends as you yourself have already noticed. You are quite correct that churches generally are corrupted from the truth and follow their own ideas and dictates. They are very man centred and do not truly depend upon the Lord.

Nevertheless God still has His church which is an organism, holding fast to Christ, and can be said to be invisible when compared to the visible churches which are organisations.

Please allow me to say this. If you are not good at putting your thoughts into words, how does this affect the ministering of the gospel that you say you aspire to? It may not debar you, but it is a consideration.

To be a minister requires a call from God and that call normally has to be recognised by other Christians. To receive and identify that call is a vital and the most important requirement. If God is calling you then He will make the way open. Many people want to be ministers but few are actually called by God. It is a serious thing to become a minister if God has not called you. I think that this may be why the churches are in such a wretched condition today. The responsibility is great and some have been reluctant to the call.

It is better by far and much more fruitful to be where God would have you.

Take time to consider before God and prove His will.

Answer 2

There are numerous churches that are non-denominational, one of which I am a member, I lost confidence in "Organised Regilion" many years ago, because of some of their teachings which are not in line with the teachings of our Lord Jesus, or the teaching in the Bible.
The 'Speakers, Brothers, Pastors' etc, are not Vicars as such but have an abundance of knowledge of the Bible and it's teachings, and some have been to Theological College.
When people talk about Christianity or the Church, they often think it's all about Catholics or Protestants, this is in no way true.
May God guide you on the right path.

Answer 3

I am trained in both theology and science. Your question does not offend at all.
I see Christianity and faith as being a practice that far exceeds the mere words of the Bible. I think the doctrines sound in most areas.
However, I realize the Bible is not a complete book in the sense of its treatment of science. I get my science from professional publications and books, my faith from that which comes from a personal, objective relationship with God though Jesus Christ. My personal faith trancends to something above life on this earth and differences in doctrine between the branches of the church. Only God knows which one is totally correct! Between faith and science, science is theory driven, thus its truths are tenative and may be changed by new information, so I see it as a journey of discovery, not the end all of every question!
Faith alone in Christ alone. Let the unclear issues wait until the hereafter.
Charles "That Cheeky Lad"
Happy Christmas, and a good question, an thumbs up from me!

Answer 4

I believe the words of the Bible to be truth and anyone deviating it in anyway is not following the word as God intended.
Yes we are human, but when we become a Christian our Spirit becomes alive and this is with what we serve the Lord, daily giving ourselves to Him. Some of the church still shuns spiritual stuff as it is 'scarey', but that is the place we here God from.
A lot of the church nowadays is built on man made laws and not what Jesus left us. you only have to look at the history a hundred years after Jesus ascended to heaven, to see that.
Keep looking for Him in all you do and ask Him to lead you to the place He has for you.
Remember we are all ministers of the Lord when we accept Him as Lord and Saviour. you don't need any earthly qualification or any special robes to be used by Him. He has already qualified you.

Have a Happy Christmas and a Blessed 2007

<><

Answer 5

The broadest chuch in the UK is almost certainly the Church of England. It encompasses very liberal, and almost Roman Catholic, charismatic and formal congregations. It has pro and anti homosexual attitudes.
(The latter in particular may end up splitting the church.)

Officially any minister must assent at his appointment to "The 39 articles" which define the rules, and the faith, of the church. In practice there is something in place very much like the policy of "don't ask, don't tell" in respect of some of the clauses.

2nd url below for an introduction to ordination in the UK.
If accepted for ordination, training is normally paid for by the church.

The best source of statistical information I can easily lay my hands on the state of Christianity in the UK comes from an atheistic site, but the links and the data appear to be basically sound. Treat with appropriate caution.

Answer 6

Good question -- Jesus and the Church do not touch at any point.

If you want to be involved with the church as vicar/priest, you only need to have one trait -- that of a Bully.

If you want to be close to the teachings of Jesus, read the Sermon on the Mount (Matt ch 5 ---> , I think).

Answer 7

actually science did no such thing because testing for god in a true scientific experiment is an impossible task, however, since the dawn of man, there has always been some belief in a higher being whether they were right or wrong it is still undecided even for scientists, whether we believe or not it does not matter because what god "gives" to humans is the delusion or some would say "hope" of something for the future, and so it will remain until the end of mankind because we are weak like that. besides this is kinda offensive because it is a blatant attack on someones beliefs, granted people have done horrible things in the name of "god" but i dont think you could say this sort of thing in the face of a good person so why say it at all? oh and im not religious at all either, just wanted to get the "facts" straight, though "science" and "facts" are still just fabrications of a human mind trying to put order into the cosmos, or so they say

Answer 8

Interesting question.
I think that if you become a vicar then, no, you cannot try & separate yourself from that. It's part of you. Like police officers are always on duty. Same thing.
I'm not a believer but good luck & thumbs up.

Answer 9

If you have disagreements it doesn't mean you should separate yourself from the church. Even the apostles disagreed with eachother on "issues". Don't become a victim of Satan who wants to divide the church. If you have issues address them knowledgably and lovingly.

As a Catholic I recognize that Satan himself used scripture to tempt Christ. How much more will Satan tempt us in the same way? I do not believe in sola scriptora. No where in scripture does it say we are to abide in scripture alone. In fact, scripture tells us we are to follow the apostles and their ordained ministers through apostolic succession.

Whatever disputes you have with your clergy I recommend you pray for them and confront them privately. The apostle Paul tells us to. They are human and make mistakes or fall into error. God bless you on your journey to the truth and zeal for the faith.

Answer 10

Hi,

Why dont you stop, and just start to ask Christ to reveal to you His plan for your life.

He declares in his word the following:

Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me.

Read the above slowly and do it in your own life, it maybe that He has other plans for you!

Seek His will in all you do, He is more than able to let you know His plan.

"If you look for me in earnest you will find me when you seek me"

I think what you are trying to say is right, I believe in the Word of God entirely, I have been blessed enough to sit under Ministers who have taught the uncompromised word of God no matter what the cost. This has brought Christ closer to me than I ever could have dreamed.

Hope this helps.