Deep Dive into Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin - The Doctors and Ministers of the Church, Their Election and Office

The ministerial vocation is fundamentally governed by a dual mandate: the secret call and the outward, solemn call. The inner, secret call relates to the minister’s conscience before God, requiring a sincere fear of God and a desire to build up the church, unmotivated by ambition or avarice. This purity of intent is necessary for the ministry to be approved by God.

The outward call, which governs the public order of the church, is defined by four specific points. First, regarding qualifications, ministers must possess sound doctrine, a holy life, and be free from notorious faults. They must also be adequate, fit, and instructed in the necessary skills for their office. Second, the manner of appointment must be conducted with religious awe, demonstrated through fasting and prayers, by which believers seek God’s Spirit of counsel and discretion, recognizing the seriousness of the act.

Third, authority for appointment is collaborative. The minister’s call is lawful only through the authoritative consent and approval of the whole congregation, which historically voted by raising hands, preserving the church’s freedom. Existing pastors must preside over the election to moderate the process and prevent disorder.

Finally, the minister is installed by the rite of ordination, which is the laying on of hands. This ceremony, performed by pastors alone, is derived from the Hebrew custom of consecration, signifying that the minister is being offered to God. It publicly commends the dignity of the ministry and warns the ordained individual that he is bound wholly in servitude to God and the church. The apostles’ continuous observance of this rite serves in lieu of a precept, establishing it as a meaningful and non-empty sign proceeding from the Spirit of God.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

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