I am a retired college history teacher, Ph.D. from Auburn, who is a saved Christian currrently doing volunteer work for the Lord, preaching for a prison, nursing home, and small nondenominational church. Unfortunately small church is costing me money. Therefore, I need some income to continue this; not a lot.
I attend a United Methodist church, and do some volunteer work in it. I wanted to talk to the pastor at the UM church I attend, but didn't know what to ask him.
I am currently ordained by Universal Ministries. I have a lot of public speaking experience, and am studying the Bible, and want to continue this. A person cannot really advertise to preach. The openings from internet job sites are for full-time positions.
My beliefs are basicallly Methodist, Baptist. I wondered if anyone knew a way to get some credentials from an association, so I could spread the Good News, and have enough funds to continue with the nondenominational church
2007-05-26 06:12:19 · 9 answers · asked by Rev. Dr. Glen 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"Luke 17:6" said how difficult it was for a rich man to get in, not on a camel. It reminded me of Matthew 19:24 in which Jesus says "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Taken literally this would seem to be a harsh approach toward persons like Danny Thomas, who spent millions helping thousands of children in his Memphis hospital. After having a change of heart (God forgives) John D. Rockefeller established tremendously needed help for the poor, blacks, and others.
The key to this passage is that the phrase camel going through the eye of a needle is Middle Eastern.All cities of any size during Jesus' day were protected by gates to keep them from being stormed by an enemy army on horses at night. The gates had a small box that an individual with a camel could squeeze through; a couple of guards would attend it.Mustard seed faith can produce income easier than getting inside a camel's bowels.
2007-05-26 09:34:24 · update #1
It is easier for a rich man to get inside a camel than for faith the size of a mustard seed to provide income.
2007-05-26 06:16:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You should get your credentials through proper channels according to the denomination you associate with. It is something you should find out about. Go ahead and make an appointment with your pastor and ask him what to do. He should be familiar with proper procedure. Any credible church doesn't just accept someone off the street as a pastor/preacher without credentials of some kind. That's how the fox gets in the hen house. Denominations have different requirements and you'll have to decide Methodist or Baptist because they are quite different.....I think the easiest would be Methodist though. I wish you the best and God bless you.
2007-05-26 06:20:54 · answer #2 · answered by Joyful Noise 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would first put this out before the Pastor of the church you do attend.
Because you have a calling for this, and experience, I personally see no reason why you cannot be directed into the ordination.
As far as being paid, considering the size and finances of the congregation, you may consider bi-vocational, at least to begin.
It isn't the greatest as you know, with all the work at hand and only so much time in a day but it is a start.
You can try the Southern Baptists, I myself left that denom. as I saw things in the leadership I didn't care for. (in my area)
There does seem to be a wide range of thought in that denom.
Take care.
2007-05-26 06:59:14 · answer #3 · answered by Jed 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since your are over thirty you can find a Methodist, Wesleyan, or Nazarene church that will let you go through their course of study to be licensed as a minister. It does not require you to attend college. In a Baptist church you can tell your pastor you are interested in preaching and he may be able to help you. If you are retired, income should not be a problem. Maybe you should lower your standard of living.
2007-05-26 06:27:29 · answer #4 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What about some "real" credentials? Could you find a theological program or seminary near you with a certificate program? For example, I am in Pasadena, CA, home of Fuller Seminary. Many of the people at Fuller are full-time employees elsewhere, I believe, and just taking some courses.
Furthermore, any affiliation with such an institution would give you some of the credibility you seek, would it not?
2007-05-26 06:19:05 · answer #5 · answered by CarlisleGirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pray the Lord. He will show you. You know that you may have to sacrufice. Put up your own money, store up your treasure in heaven. Other than that, networking with the Christians in your area, and showing them your good works, is the only advice I can give.
2007-05-26 06:21:50 · answer #6 · answered by great gig in the sky 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As crooked as the church is & stupid the majority of this country is you'll have no problem fooling funds from people to do your fraud of christianity
2007-05-26 06:21:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Spread your teachings to families and show them that you are worthy of being called a good doctor.
2007-05-26 06:21:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I hear they're still looking for a replacement for Falwell.
2007-05-26 06:17:57 · answer #9 · answered by S K 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋