Reading: Scriptural Precedent for Commended Ministry

Scriptural Precedent for Commended Ministry: A Foundation for the Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance Process

Introduction
The Bible provides a rich precedent for commended ministry, where individuals are called, prepared, and recognized for service in God’s kingdom. This model is foundational to the ordination process at the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA), where study-based credentials are enhanced by local commendation. This reading will explore the scriptural basis for this approach and how it applies to modern ministry practices.

Scriptural Examples of Commended Ministry

Moses and Joshua (Numbers 27:18-23)

When Moses was nearing the end of his leadership, God directed him to appoint Joshua as his successor. This transition included a public commendation:

• God’s Selection: Joshua was chosen by God due to his character and preparation.
  
• Public Commendation: Moses laid hands on Joshua before the assembly, granting him authority and affirming his leadership role.
  
• Application: This process mirrors the CLI and CLA model, where candidates are prepared through study and affirmed through local endorsements, akin to the public laying on of hands.

The Appointment of Deacons (Acts 6:1-7)

The early church faced a challenge in serving its members effectively. The apostles instructed the congregation to select seven individuals known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. Once chosen, the apostles prayed and laid hands on them.

• Congregational Recognition: The church community identified individuals of good reputation.
  
• Spiritual Preparation: The candidates were recognized for their spiritual maturity.
  
• Commendation by Leadership: The apostles publicly affirmed their roles.
  
• Application: CLI students complete ministry training to grow in knowledge and skills. Local endorsements by trusted individuals parallel the congregation’s recognition in Acts, ensuring the candidate’s integrity and readiness.

Paul writes:

"I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me."

• Her Role as a Deacon (Diakonos): Phoebe held a recognized position of leadership and service within the church.
  
• Entrusted as a Letter Carrier: Paul entrusted her with delivering the epistle to the Romans, a task requiring deep theological understanding and trust. She likely explained its content and answered questions, demonstrating her ministry training.
  
• Commendation by Paul: Paul’s endorsement ensured the Roman church would recognize and support Phoebe, affirming her character and readiness for ministry.
  
• Application: Phoebe’s training under Paul and commendation for ministry align with CLI’s process of equipping candidates through study and affirming them through local endorsements, ensuring both preparation and credibility.

Paul encouraged Timothy not to neglect the gift given to him through prophecy and the laying on of hands by the elders. This passage highlights the importance of:

• Spiritual Gifting: Ministry roles require spiritual discernment and affirmation.
  
• Elder Recognition: The laying on of hands symbolizes approval by established leaders.
  
• Application: In the CLA process, ordination is not solely based on academic achievement but also on the affirmation of local mentors and leaders who act as modern-day elders.

While worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit called Paul and Barnabas to be set apart for a specific mission. The church fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them before sending them off.

Divine Calling: The Holy Spirit initiated their ministry.

Church Affirmation: The local church recognized and commissioned them.

Application: CLI emphasizes study and discernment of one’s calling, while CLA requires local endorsements to affirm this calling. Just as Paul and Barnabas were sent out with the blessing of their church, CLI graduates are empowered by their community’s support.

How the Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance Reflect This Model

1. Study-Based Training (Preparation)
   CLI offers robust, tuition-free training in biblical and ministry studies, ensuring candidates are well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of ministry. This aligns with the preparation seen in figures like Joshua, Timothy, and Phoebe.

2. Local Endorsements (Commendation)
   The CLA ordination process requires candidates to obtain local endorsements. This step ensures that the candidate’s readiness is recognized by those who know them personally, just as Phoebe was commended by Paul for her ministry.

3. Public Recognition (Commissioning)
   Upon completing training and receiving endorsements, candidates are officially listed in the CLA Minister Directory and recognized as ordained leaders and they order the clergy kits,. This public recognition mirrors the scriptural practice of laying hands and commissioning individuals for ministry. 

Conclusion

The CLI and CLA ordination process is deeply rooted in scriptural principles of preparation, commendation, and commissioning. By combining rigorous study with local endorsements, the process ensures that ordained ministers are spiritually prepared, locally recognized, and publicly affirmed. This approach reflects the biblical model of commended ministry, fostering leaders who are equipped to serve with credibility and effectiveness in their communities and beyond. Phoebe’s story is a compelling example of this model, demonstrating how training, trust, and commendation can lead to impactful ministry.