Maybe I'm Too Harsh

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by Barb

I concur...she's a softie and it's good advice.

Ha! I got you guys all fooled real good, eh?

[chaotic_resolve]

Originally Posted by Rico

Um, the bible does talk about not using a novice.

But what's the context? I can pull anything out and say it's about one thing, and be taking it completely out of context.

[Rico]

Originally Posted by chaotic_resolve

What about Paul. I mean, the dude helped to KILL early apostolics! Yet, I read no such waiting period for this man.

CR, you are painting yourself into a corner here. I don't have a Bible program on this computer, but I do know the Bible says not to use a novice.

[Rico]

Originally Posted by chaotic_resolve

But what's the context? I can pull anything out and say it's about one thing, and be taking it completely out of context.

The context is in ministry. Those used up front are part of the church's ministry team.

[chaotic_resolve]

To note . . . my parents had a platform "Involvement Policy." They also had a penalty for anyone who signed the policy and did something that was against the agreement. It wasn't an exact 6-month sentance, but depending on the seriousness of the action, there was a penalty.

I never could receive a straight answer on why they did it.

Originally Posted by chaotic_resolve

What about Paul. I mean, the dude helped to KILL early apostolics! Yet, I read no such waiting period for this man.

I never said this was an ironclad rule of thumb. If you will re-read my post you will see that it is a general guideline that scripture does posit for the church.
Consider: if someone came in who was a pedophile, would you really want that individual to teach SS to the 5-6 year olds? Wouldn't it stand to reason to wait and see if the person is genuinely walking in faith and desiring to continue further in truth for the deliverence of their soul?
It is basic common sense and bibliacl in essence.
Further, there are those amongst us now who never had to wait. Their call to ministry began immediately. They often did go through a lot of training in the meantime, which is also part of the proving of a ministry.
My wife and I didn't get into real active ministry for ten years after coming to truth. There were (and still are) things that God was proving in our lives.

[Whole Hearted]

Originally Posted by chaotic_resolve

Is there a Biblical precedent for the 6-month time frame . . . or any time frame for that matter? I'm pretty sure there's none, but I'd like to know what this is based on.

I don't think it is good for a sinner to come to church and see someone on the platform that they saw three weeks ago in a bar, or someone who has come to a fully understanding of holiness yet.

[chaotic_resolve]

Originally Posted by Rico

CR, you are painting yourself into a corner here. I don't have a Bible program on this computer, but I do know the Bible says not to use a novice.

It does refer to a novice . . . for the office of a BISHOP. In doing a quick reference check, there's only that one scripture that mentions novice. And again, it's for the office of a Bishop, which I would definitely agree shouldn't be for a novice.

[Rico]

Originally Posted by chaotic_resolve

It does refer to a novice . . . for the office of a BISHOP. In doing a quick reference check, there's only that one scripture that mentions novice. And again, it's for the office of a Bishop, which I would definitely agree shouldn't be for a novice.

Right. But it's not that big a stretch to apply those same principles to anyone wanting to be used in ministry. For one thing, it's like living in a glass house and there is a lot of pressure on people in ministry. Someone that is new to the faith should not have to deal with those kinds of pressures. It's a perfect recipe for disaster. Give people time to get established, strengthened, and settled in the faith before using them in ministry. It just makes sense. Six months is a good timeframe for letting someone test the waters of ministry, but in my opinion it should only be in supporting roles rather than full blown leadership.

[chaotic_resolve]

Originally Posted by NobodyImportant

I never said this was an ironclad rule of thumb. If you will re-read my post you will see that it is a general guideline that scripture does posit for the church.
Consider: if someone came in who was a pedophile, would you really want that individual to teach SS to the 5-6 year olds? Wouldn't it stand to reason to wait and see if the person is genuinely walking in faith and desiring to continue further in truth for the deliverence of their soul?
It is basic common sense and bibliacl in essence.
Further, there are those amongst us now who never had to wait. Their call to ministry began immediately. They often did go through a lot of training in the meantime, which is also part of the proving of a ministry.
My wife and I didn't get into real active ministry for ten years after coming to truth. There were (and still are) things that God was proving in our lives.

Originally Posted by Whole Hearted

I don't think it is good for a sinner to come to church and see someone on the platform that they saw three weeks ago in a bar, or someone who has come to a fully understanding of holiness yet.

I understand what you're both saying, though the example was a little extreme. I'm not meaning to be a jerk or anything with the question, just wondering if there was scriptural precedent.

I believe it should depend on the position a person wants to be in. For teaching positions, of course there should be time for study, knowledge and growth before becoming a teacher. However, I don't feel the same length of time is needed for a greeter, usher, musician, singer or technician (sound/video/lighting).

Originally Posted by Whole Hearted

I don't think it is good for a sinner to come to church and see someone on the platform that they saw three weeks ago in a bar, or someone who has come to a fully understanding of holiness yet.

Continuing to play the devil's advocate here . . . and using WH's point, I still ask, what about Paul? What did the early Apostolics feel about a man who helped murder their friends and brothers in the church . . . when now he's writing Epistles to them which give them warnings and exhorts them on how to live as a Christian?