I was ordained July 10, 1987, when General Superintendent, Dr. Earle Wilson, laid hands on me, shook my hand, and declared, "Take Thou Authority to Preach the Word!" I was thinking about that recently, and began to wonder how far back I could go with the succession of my ordination. So, I did a little research. I was ordained by Earle Wilson Earle Wilson was ordained by Pilgrim Holiness General Superintendent, William Neff William Neff was ordained by the Pilgrim founder, Seth Rees Seth Rees was ordained by Nazarene founder, Phineas Bresee Phineas Bresee was ordained by Methodist Bishop, Levi Scott Levi Scott was ordained by Elijah Hedding. Elijah Hedding was ordained by Francis Asbury Francis Asbury was ordained by a renegade Anglican priest named John Wesley John Wesley was ordained by Anglican Bishop (of Oxford) John Potter. From Potter -- there's a trail all the way back to St. Peter!! You can see the chart here. (Potter is at the bottom of the page #90. Now, how abo...
What a great article. I guess the question is: Who is being changed; the sheep (goats?)or the church?Maybe that's why Paul keeps telling us to always preach the Gospel.
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Lots of food for thought there--thanks for the link. Our open door policy has certainly brought in all kinds, hasn't it?! And sent out all kinds as well! Tides are good and natural--just like a wind, which strengthens the tenderest stems as they grow to bend and not break. Personally, I'm strengthened and envigorated by the tides! We could all just float along in a placid little pond, but our weaknesses would never be exposed. Surrounded by algae but as long as the boat isn't rocking, we're happy and comfortable. And stagnant.
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