Expert: Rev C.Brian Ross - 10/8/2009

Question
My husband, an ordained deacon, and I recently joined the baptist church he attended as a child.  The previous pastor resigned when he was deployed to Iraq.  Since that time another "pastor" has taken over.  My husband has known this man many years and never knew of him to be a religious or spiritual leader.  Although I do not believe you need a piece of paper stating you are a pastor, "the Holy Spirit is sufficient for me"  should there be some kind of formal training or a certificate showing his qualifications?  When asked for it the "pastor" refuses to show it.  Makes me think it doesn't exist.  The other issue is that his adult daughter is the church treasurer and she never attends church.  So many questions lead to doubt but we are determined to help this church grow.  We truely believe God led us here to spread His word.  Many of the congregation sit back and let things be because they do not want to cause confusion.  We do not want to cause confusion, we want to do the right thing.  Any advise?

Answer
Hi Tana

Your question doesn't really come under the heading of Biblical Studies - but I hear your concern, and am happy to offer what little counsel I can.  The immediate difficulty for me is that, living in Scotland, I am not fully informed as to the requirements of any of the Baptist churches in the U.S.of A.  

I would agree that a spiritual leader does not necessarily require academic qualifications.  Some of the finest preachers of the Gospel that I have known have been "unlettered" men.  Having said that, I believe that there must be a recognition, by the fellowship, of the individual's spiritual gifting.  Without wishing to pass any judgement on the gentleman concerned (whom I neither know, nor am ever likely to meet!) the Lord does warn about those wolves who come in sheeps' clothing (Matt.7:15)!  The fact that this man, when asked for his Certificate of Ordination/Authorisation, doesn't state that he does not have one, but simply "... refuses to show it." would certainly make me a little suspicious!

The issue about his daughter as an office-bearer (and, specifically, the treasurer) is, I would have thought, a fully internal one for the fellowship.  It may be that such a matter will have to wait until the next general meeting of the fellowship when (if is anything like a Baptist Church in Scotland) office-bearers will be elected, and the accounts produced - independently audited!

I do not feel that I am in a position to go any further.  However, if there is a denominational 'central office', or the equivalent, you might be well advised to take your concerns there.  If the fellowship is independent, then you might seek further guidance from a trusted friend in a similar church.

I trust that I may have been of some little assistance, and that the Lord will confirm the calling of your husband and yourself.  Remember, too, that although it may well be that "Many of the congregation sit back and let things be ...", the Lord may also have maintained His remnant (see I Kings 19:18), and that, as you stand up for Him, they may be encouraged to stand with you.

May you know His rich blessing, however the situation may work out.  His Sovereign will is sure!

C.Brian Ross (Rev)