Christ Has Instituted the Public Ministry To Bless the Church

Abstract

Throughout history, it has been God’s will that there be a public ministry of spiritual teaching and oversight, through which God guides and blesses his people spiritually. In the NT era, we have the public ministry of the means of grace instituted by Christ, and through this ministry Christ brings marvelous blessings to his church.

In the synods of the former Synodical Conference, however, there has been intense discussion about what exactly is instituted by Christ and what is free for the church to establish in regard to this public ministry. Is one specific office divinely instituted? Must some tasks be carried out by one office? Is ordination something divinely instituted? Certainly, this essay will not be the last word on any of these topics. But the essayist will share whatever light he has gained, as he has been involved in discussions on this topic for over thirty years.