PASTORAL PONDERINGS - WORD, SACRAMENT & ORDER
When one is ordained, the vows that are taken grant authority in the church for certain functions. The first is the word. It grants the ordained the opportunity to preach the word from the Biblical record, and to be accountable to do ones best to correctly interpret the scripture.
The second function is to duly administer the sacraments. In the Protestant tradition, the two sacraments are Baptism and Holy Communion. As the word sacrament implies, this is a very sacred responsibility. It links our congregation to the ancient rites of the church as it has evolved and witnessed to the world.
The last function, order, is much more denomination specific. In some traditions, it expects the ordained clergy to have sweeping administrative functions. In others, pastors are relegated to executing the desires of the congregation. In either case the ultimate concern is the continued vitality of the faith.
I would like to offer my deep gratitude to Bower Hill Community Church, Brian Snyder, the Session and the congregation for the opportunity this summer to fully share in my ordination vows. Blessings to all!
~Rev. Dr. Fred Leasure, Parish Associate
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