Jude 2

Do other COGOP's "still" do this every couple years? Assigned leaders/directors to the various ministries in the local congregation/church.

It was interesting in that I don't think I have been in a service like that. all the "appointing" is voluntary and before had been done outside of having a special service with a "called business meeting".

not complaining, just curious if that's how other COGOP's do it (still? - seemed to be kind of, well - "old fashioned")

The service was great, most of the congregation is involved in one sense or another, and the pastor anointed them with oil and prayed over them and for the ministries.

I thought it was just going to be part of a called business meeting, so I didn't bring my camera. wish I would have, as It was pretty kewl seeing everyone getting prayed for by the pastor directly. doesn't' happen very often otherwise, especially not like this.

Course, I missed out, since I help my post at the PA/media booth for recording and stuff. Have I mentioned how much I like Easy Worship lately - especially now that I bring "my own Internet" with me with my MiFi device.

Haven't done that in years...I guess there's nothing wrong with it but it is a little "old school."

Nope...we don't do those anymore.

We do...I got to appoint my own youth committee...had them come up and basically Ordained them to the local youth ministry of the church and community.

I think it is valid and even important to have a public service when appointing "new" leaders...not necessary if it is a renewal...but the initial service gives both the church and the new ministry leader confidence!

We still do the publice membership Covenant and give a certificate as well...the new folks seem to love it...especially since alot churches do not make membership of any significance...

People still have a nature that wants to be part of something and that wants to be recognized when they do or accomplish something...

Ironically - we had our local appointments yesterday as well. No business conference - just a very short segment between Sunday School & morning worship where pastor announced everyone and their positions and had them come up front for a brief corporate prayer from all.

We don't do "appointments" -- at least not in the traditional sense. When we launch a new ministry, we bring the leader and/or team up front and pray over them, but we don't do that en masse on any regular schedule.

We tend to have people who stay in positions for years, and don't rotate jobs.

I wonder if its a way (en mass) to change leadership without having the difficulties of having a pastor to leader discussion/examination. anyway, I was asked a couple times how I felt about not holding a certain position anymore. The ministry position was the Men's Ministry, leader. I had started it at our church, and held stead through the formative years when it was only one or two of us, till now we have about a dozen or so of men meeting at least monthly (not bad of an active member list of about 35).

My reply is what I told pastor when I first discovered that he was going to do this, I said that I just wanted to serve. I hold (held) many positions, and I would not feel slighted, nor would I feel defensive in any way if he prayerfully chose another for ANY (or ALL) position I held.

Whether because He believed I was being a hindrance, not excelling, or just to get new folks more involved. Didn't matter to me. I just want to serve in any capacity that I am able.

So, I don't mind at all, and in fact am very excited to see those others in the positions I held. it make my heart happy to see others not only involved, but having a chance to lead and fill the potential that God has given them. It is awesome.

I do not venerate my pastor, necessarily and may not believe that he is doing exactly what (I believe) God's direction is - BUT I trust God. and since I believe I am where God has placed me for this time and season, I am not going to kick against the pricks.

just as with my direction in being ordained in the COGOP, I will follow the steps that the Lord has laid before me, and I will continue loving my pastor AND supporting him and his family.

I told my pastor a month or so before the appointments that I would even train anyone that he had in mind for any of those positions, if he thought that was necessary; so it's all good, and even better than that.

I just want what God wants for the ekklasia/assembly/congregation.

You definitly have the right attitude Rambo...you never know when the Lord is freeing you up to do something else...it might even be that the Pastor wants to use you somewhere else...or maybe the Lord is freeing you up to send you out...who knows...but keep up the good work!

don't know about that. I am very excited to see 3 or 4 more people getting involved that weren't before because My wife and I was "hoggin" all the ministries.