02/25/2026
If a man enters into pastoral ministry not possessing a true call to serve in that office, it can spell disaster on multiple levels for him, those he ministers with, and those he ministers to. And at the same time, congregations get the wonderful privilege of a stewardship to see to it that the kingdom of God advances more and more as local churches are training, calling, and installing men to serve. (These are comments related to a blog post from OPC Pastor Carl Miller.)
The principle of a man’s suitability for serving is key:
-character (is he growing in Christ-like qualities?)
-comprehension (is he growing in sound doctrine? able to set forth God’s truth, to defend the faith?)
-competencies (is he growing with suitable gifts, suitable skills?)
The principle of others having a role in recognizing a man is key, as well: “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty” (Acts 6:3).
In our Orthodox Presbyterian local churches we aim to have our members, those of the general office of believer, recognize the character, knowledge, and skills of men who are suitable to serve in special office (ministers, teachers, evangelists, elders, and deacons). The ordained leadership of a local church, the session, and the ordained leadership of the regional church, the presbytery, have a role to play too.
Picture: Pastor Jeremy Boothby, Christ Covenant OPC in Amarillo, TX