Ordination Paper

                                    ORDINATION PAPER

Preface

I prepared this ordination paper for my ordination process this year. This is my final paper that I had sent it to State Advisory Board of ABCOHIO. My hope is that this paper would be a helpful resource for somebody who would like to be ordained in the USA. This is just for 
Ideas. No one should make copy it. 

Part I-Personal

1. Christian Experience

I was born and raised in a non-Christian family at Thau Village, Thantlang Township, Chin State, Myanmar. In the third grade, I joined the Sunday school, read the Bible for the first time and accepted Christ as my personal Savior. However, I was not baptized until I was in college because ordained ministers were very rare and baptism was only once a year, on Easter Sunday. I did not have a chance to be baptized since I was away many summers working for my school. I read a Christian book entitled "Ka Zahpi Lo" (meaning "Not Ashamed for Him"). The book was about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That story touched my heart deeply. God truly gave me a conviction to become a Christian writer or a preacher. I believe it was my first call to become a Christian minister.

I went to Mandalay University in 1984. I was one of the recruiters for the Chin students.  I learned of the life of Rev. and Mrs. Adoniram Judson there. Christian university students went to the exact site of the torture of Rev. Judson. I had a conviction to become a Christian preacher after learning of Rev. Judson's story. That began to change my life.

2. Call to Ministry/Vocation

We had a very bad experience during my college years in 1987 because of a Burmese currency crisis which caused a political turmoil. All colleges were closed. I went to college again in 1988. There was a huge student demonstration with many students killed. There was a military coup and the country was brought under military control. All schools were closed for another three years. I got my Bachelor of Science degree in Physics in 1991. Many of my friends joined insurgent groups and revolted against the government. Many other people went abroad for work with good pay. Burma was still in political and economic turmoil. I went back to my village in July 1991. My church leaders asked me to go to seminary. Many of my friends asked me to go abroad to work at that time. It was kind of a dilemma. I told the church leaders that I would pray and consider it for a few months. Later, I gave them the answer that I would go to seminary to be a pastor. I believe that God called me through the congregation the Baptist church in my village. I went to Myanmar Institute of Theology in 1992, earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1996 and then became a pastor for my village. I believe four important things pointed me to this. (1) Interest: I was very interested to be a Christian writer or a preacher; (2) Feelings: I always felt that it will be better to attend seminary after graduation from the university even though I had a lot of college debts; (3) Enjoyment: I have enjoyed religious activities throughout my life; (4) Congregational: I believe God called me through people in my village. 

3. Academic/and or Field Preparation

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Mandalay University in 1991 and a Bachelor of Divinity (equivalent with M. Div.) from Myanmar Institute of Theology in 1996. I applied for admission for the Master of Arts in Theological Studies at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. They offered me a scholarship for that program, so I came to the USA in 1997. I earned a Master of Arts in Theological Studies in 1999 and a Doctor of Missiology in 2007 while at United Theological Seminary.

Part II. Major Theological Concepts

1. Nature of God

God is the Creator and Ruler of all things (Is. 45:18). He is not created. God has no beginning and no end (Ps. 90:2). He is the first and the last (Is. 48:12; Rev. 22:13). God is Spirit and cannot be classified or defined with other objects in the universe. God's existence cannot be proved scientifically but His existence is expressed throughout the Bible (Gen. 1:1; Rev 22:19). People can only experience the existence of God by faith in Him. God has no gender, but people refer to God as a male figure. In my native language, we have no a pronoun for God. Humanity cannot understand God fully as a being, but Scripture teaches us to conceive of God as a Being, possessing certain qualities.  God is called "The Great I Am" (Ex. 3:14; Rev. 1:4). God is eternal, immortal and invisible (1 Tim. 1:17); incorruptible (Rm. 1:23); unchangeable (Ps.121:4); immeasurable (Job 11:7; Ps. 103:19); limitless (Ps. 102:26, 27) God is love (1 John 4:8); is compassionate and gracious (Ex. 34:6). God is the source of all living thing (Acts 17:25); is holy (Ex.15:14, 15; Lev. 19:2); is righteous (Ps. 145:17); is the All-Powerful (2 Cor. 6:14). God is omnipotent (Rev. 19:6), omniscient (Ps. 147:5) and omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10).   

2. Nature of Humanity

Scripture tells us that human beings were created by God along with other animals (Gen. 1-2). Human beings are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26, 27). God created each human being a body and a soul (Gen. 2:7). The first human beings fell because of their disobedience to the Creator (Gen. 3:1-24).  

Human characteristics are distinct from other creatures because they have ability to learn and collect knowledge to use for their lives. They have the ability to distinguish between good and evil (Gen. 3:22). They can learn from their mistakes and make a better plan for the future. Human beings have a natural desire to know God and communicate with Him (Ecclesiastes 3:11; Acts 17:22-23). God desires fellowship with human beings, too. Sometimes, human beings have a desire to please God. Sometimes they rebel against Him in sin. No other creatures have this kind of characteristic or nature. Human beings have authority over all other creatures on earth (Gen. 1:28). They are the only creatures God promised eternal life.   

3. Soteriology

Soteriology is the study of the religious doctrine of salvation. In Christian tradition, soteriology is the study of how God makes salvation possible for humankind through faith in Christ, and how God makes reconciliation possible between sinners and Himself through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible says that salvation comes by grace through faith in Christ (Eph. 2:8). Salvation is not from human effort and deeds, but is a gift from God through the life, suffering, death and resurrection of Christ.  By God's grace people can receive salvation through faith in Christ (Eph. 2:4-9).

4. Christology

Christology is the field of theology that is concerned with the nature and person of Jesus Christ.  It includes Jesus' earthly ministry, his actions and teachings. It also emphasizes how his life and action has given salvation to humankind.

Jesus is my personal Savior. His life, words, death and resurrection gave me a new life. He is the light for me and my family. My family lived in fear of evil spirits for years. But after joining Sunday School and learning about Jesus, the fear of evil spirits was gone. Jesus gave me spiritual freedom. Jesus is my advocate. His words and life made me a better person. He is my comforter. Jesus' words give me new strength when I am sad or in misery. His word lifts me up. Jesus is my healer. Jesus is my friend when I am in trouble.

5. Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Godhead. The term Holy Spirit appears only three times in the Old Testament (Ps. 51:11; Is.63:10, 11). In the Old Testament, the terms Spirit or Spirit of God or Spirit of the Lord are interchanged. In the New Testament, God's Spirit is often called Holy Spirit, the Spirit, the Spirit of God or the Spirit of the Lord (Matt. 3:16; Acts 5:9). The Holy Spirit was with God in the creation story (Gen. 1:2). The Holy Spirit foretold things to happen through the mouths of the prophets (Micah 5:2; Matt. 2:5, 6; Is. 7:14; Matt. 1:22, 23). John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit while he was in his mother's womb; Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (Lk. 1:15, 41). The work of the Holy Spirit caused the conception and birth of Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:18ff; Lk. 1:35). The Holy Spirit came upon Jesus at his baptism (Mk.1:10). Jesus told his disciples that they should be filled with the presence of God through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5, 8). The Holy Spirit gives various extraordinary gifts to people (Acts 2:38; Gal. 5:22-25). For me, the Holy Spirit is my guide in my personal life especially in education. Life in Myanmar was very tough economically, politically and psychologically. We, the minority students, suffered from many pressures on all sides. Many students dropped out of high school. Only a very few students finished college at that time. I prayed to God earnestly to give me strength when I had miserable times in school. I really felt in my heart that the Holy Spirit gave me not only strength, but also perseverance, diligence and courage that led me to some levels of success in my life. So, the Holy Spirit is my encourager, comforter, counsel and guide. He is the one who prepared my path and who will prepare my path in the future.

6. The Trinity

The term "Trinity" is not in Scripture. I believe it is the most interesting and complicated Christian doctrine - that God is a unity of three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This does not mean these three Persons are three different deities, but one.  The resurrected Jesus himself declares "….make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit" (Matt. 28:19). This Trinitarian concept is also present in 2 Corinthians 13:14. The Son's unity with the Father appears in the New Testament (John 14:7-11; John 1:1-18). According to the Trinitarian doctrine, Father, Son and Holy Spirit work and share together. So they are the same and are God in three names.

7. Eschatology

Eschatology is the study of the end times and the return of Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, there will be an end time for this world and for human beings. That is the last day or the end of time. This is based on the teaching in the Old Testament and New Testament (Dan. 12:1; 7:13-14; Jer.30:7). Jesus warned his disciples about the end time, his return and the coming of the Kingdom of God (Matt. 24:1-51; 25:1-13; 31-46; Luke 21:10-33). There are major debates and issues regarding the end times. All Christians do not agree on the issues of the second coming; resurrection of the dead; tribulation; millennialism; the Rapture; the end of the world and the universe; the final judgment; new heaven and earth;  whether Jesus would reign on earth as a king. No one knows the date and time of His return. Jesus said even He didn't know when it would happen (Matt. 25:13; Acts 1:7).

8. The Scriptures

The word Scriptures came from the Latin word "scriptura" meaning "act or product of writing; a body of writings considered sacred or authoritative." The book of the Bible is simply called the Scriptures. The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) is the Scripture of Judaism and the Bible (Old and New Testaments) is the Scripture of Christianity. Most of all Scriptures were originally oral. Later they were put in writing. The word Scriptures appear about 20 times in the Bible often in plural and singular forms. All Scripture is inspired by God (Jn. 5:39; 2 Tim 3:16). This means that it is God's word and thought. God put His thought and word into the heart, thought, mind, tongue and mouth of prophets and writers (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Sam 23:2). Therefore, the Baptists hold the Scriptures as the only authoritative of faith and practice. I believe that the Scriptures is the inspired word of God and I affirmed the Baptist distinctive. The purpose of Scripture is to give man the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. It is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. In summary the purpose of the Scripture is that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Tim 3:15-17). The Scriptures helps and guides my education, career, and my whole life. It is the source of my wisdom and education because the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom (Pro. 1:7; 9:10). It helps me to understand the important things in life such as God, spirituality, love and kindness, hatred, hard works, responsibility, laws, money, richness and poverty, the fool and the wise, the good and the bad, the strong and the weak, sin and weakness, life and death, greed, anger, lawlessness, the rewards of wisdom and righteousness, eternal life and salvation etc., (Pro.1:20-33; 2:1-22; 3:1-35; Pro.18:9; 6:6-19; Ec. 3:1-11; Acts 16:31; Rev. 22:6-17).

9. The Church

The word "church" is a translation from the Greek word "ekklesia," which means "an assembly" or "to call out." This word does not mean a church building but rather a community of believers or the body of the believers of Jesus Christ who are called out from this world by the Spirit of God to live in accordance with His teaching (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:11, 26). When Jesus said, "I will build my church" (Matt. 16:18), he did not mean a building. Rather, he meant the people who would believe in Him and follow him.

                                                  Part III: Concepts of Ministry

1. The Call to Ministry

There is no specific call for all Christian leaders. Every person has his/her own call. In the Bible God called people to specific tasks. God called Noah to build the Ark (Gen. 6:13ff); God called Abraham to leave his land, parents and siblings and go to the land of Canaan (Gen. 12:1); God called Moses in the burning bush to lead and free the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt (Ex. 3:3ff); Jesus called Saul on the road near Damascus by lights and voice (Acts 9:3-12).  Some have been called by God as a result of serious sickness, losses and disease. Some may have been called by God in a dream. I was called to be a minister through the Bible and through the leaders of the Baptist congregation. God had a purpose for me when he called me. I truly believed that God called me to be a Christian writer or a preacher when I got a call. Today, my call has become real because I have been writing and contributing many articles for books and magazines in my country. I am very much involved in the establishment of the church in Cincinnati and Columbus. I have been preaching not only in my church, but also in many other Chin churches in the USA.

2. The Role of the Clergy

The clergy has three main functions: introducing others to the teachings of the Church (care for the souls of the congregation); officiating at religious ceremonies (e.g., funeral, marriage, dedication of a child, etc.) and other pastoral duties such as preaching, home visit, and helping others in need. In the Chin Baptist tradition, the role of the clergy includes, but is not limited to, evangelism, administering the ordinances, teaching the Bible, preaching, pastoral care and social outreach. In the culture from which I come, this includes social-political and human rights activities because of the oppression of the military regime.  In my church in the USA, I also serve my people by helping them find jobs, interpreting language, providing transportation and attending many social activities.  

3. The Laity

In Chin Baptist tradition, the term "the laity" refers to any church members who are not the pastor. Important positions in the Chin Baptist Church tradition include bookkeeper, choir leader, musician, pianist and clerk. Some are evangelists; some are fund raisers; some are peacemakers; some are church builders; some are social workers and volunteers etc., for the church ministry according to their gift. In the Chin Baptist Church, most of the laity involved in ministry, as the risen Christ commanded us in Matthew 28:18-20. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to all Christians so they can serve God.

4. Ordination

In the western tradition, ordination is the act of investing an individual with the functions of a pastor or minister. In Burma, ordination is called "Lehtin-mingala" (Burmese term) meaning the lay pastor who is authorized to put hands on the head of the believers. In the Chin Baptist Christian tradition, a lay pastor cannot baptize, solemnize the wedding, serve the communion or lay hands on believers when he prays for them. Ordination means that a minister is fully authorized to officiate at all the above religious rites. The Chin Church in the USA still holds this tradition.

                    Part IV: The American Baptist Polity and Practice

1. Baptist Distinctives

There are important principles that distinguish the Baptists from other denominations. Biblical authority for faith and practice; A membership of professing believers; Two ordinances: Believer's Baptism and the Lord's Supper; Autonomy of the local church; The Priesthood of the believer; Religious freedom; Separation of church and state. I understand and affirm these distinctive.

2. Understanding of the Ordinances as Practiced by Baptists

American Baptists practice two ordinances: believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper. Jesus Christ established these while on earth (Matt 28:19; Matt 26:26-29). They are significant for the church. However Baptists believe that baptism and the Lord's Supper are symbolic of salvation, but are not necessary for salvation. Baptists use immersion for baptism and hold to the belief that this symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:3-5).

Bread symbolizes the body of Christ (Matt. 22:19). It is a spiritual food because Jesus (the Word) is the bread from heaven (Jn. 6:51). Wine symbolize blood of Christ (Matt. 22:20). Blood is symbolic of life (Gen 9:4; Lev. 17:14). Therefore, eating bread symbolizes eating heavenly bread/the Word (Jn.6:51). Blood signifies life, and to partake of the symbolic wine symbolizes believers are participating in the life of Jesus Christ which Jesus poured out unto his death for us (Jn. 6:53; Matt.22:20).

3. Choice of American Baptist Churches as the Context for Ministry

Burma is a Buddhist country. Rev. Adoniram Judson came to Burma and preached the good news in 1813. Some Baptist missionaries came to Burma later. In 1899, Rev. Arthur Carson came to the Chin Hills and also preached the good news. Today, around 85% of the Chin people are Christians, most of whom are Baptist. Chin Christians have a strong and deep historical connection with the ABC-USA. Therefore, the members of Emmanuel Chin Baptist Church in Columbus chose the American Baptist Churches as the context for ministry. Getting ordination might be much easier with Chin Baptist Churches USA, but I chose to pursue ABC-USA ordination for four reasons: (1) I would like to do in a way American Baptist do because it is very systematic and the way they conduct it is very educational; (2) I believe that doing it in English is a better way for me; (3) I want to have a stronger connection and fellowship with the American Baptist family; (4) I would like to be involved in the ministry of American Baptist Churches USA more.

4. Relationship of the Local Church and Pastor to the Denomination

I believe that the local church and pastor are responsible to their Association, Region and national body of the ABC-USA when they are received into membership. They should actively participate in ABC-USA life through prayer, financial support, volunteering in denominational activities, attending meetings and conferences and cooperating in local and foreign mission work. The local church and pastor shall have a connection to and fellowship with the Association and the ABC-USA. By working together, the local and national church will make a huge difference for the Lord.   

5.  The Relationship of the Local Church and Pastor to the Ecumenical Church

My church members come from various denominational backgrounds even though we are called Emmanuel Chin Baptist Church. We understand the benefit of mutual understanding within the church. Many Christian denominations have different doctrines and practices. We believe in one God, one Lord and one Spirit. However, the local American Baptist church must respect the rights and practices of other churches and denominations and live peacefully, have fellowship with them and work together for a better world for the Lord Jesus Christ. This mutual respect and understanding, co-existence, communication and relationship will make Christian community stronger and enable other believers to see the light of Jesus Christ with in us since Christians are the light for others (Matt. 6:14-16.)