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WordAlone Book
A compilation of essays and comments by concerned pastors, theologians and laypersons, challenging denominations who are denying Christ’s resurrection, ‘demythologizing’ Scripture, blessing same-sex relationships, ordaining non-celibate homosexuals.
Initiated by the WordAlone Network, written in plain English. Cost is $14.95. Non Minnesota orders, add $3.50 postage or $5.90 Priority Mail. Outstate Minnesota orders, add $4.70 for postage and sales tax or $7.25 for Priority Mail and sales tax Minnesota Twin Cities metro area orders, add $4.75 for postage and sales tax or $7.30 for Priority Mail and sales tax. To order call WordAlone at 1-888-551-7254 or
email: The WordAlone Office
Or: Order Online!
Letter—
from Pastor Judy Bangsund
Dear Mark and Steven,
Grace and peace from our very faithful God and our Lord Jesus Christ!
Yesterday was a wonderful day, being ordained in what we like to call an "evangelical ordination" in the midst of the regular worship service of the congregation. Today, reflecting on it from a wider perspective, I have some thoughts to share that might be helpful to others.
I would like to encourage other like-minded candidates to hold their ordinations in the regular worship service. The setting emphasizes the fact that it is the community which calls, and it is one of the tasks of the congregation to affirm that call and to uphold their pastors in their prayers. It emphasizes the fact that all vocation is grounded in baptism, and reminds the congregation that all Christians have a vocation, and that the call to Word and Sacrament ministry is one of those vocations.
It also occurs to me that many people in the congregation never witness an ordination-- particularly if it is an afternoon, special event. An "evangelical ordination" held during the regular morning service, without the presence of bishops, is therefore formative in their own understanding of what ordination is. From the viewpoint of WordAlone, the message about ordination "from the bottom up" gets spread much more quickly and in positive, non-argumentative ways. We just do it and people see and understand.
In my ordination I chose to invite representatives of the communities to which I relate to participate in the laying on of hands. I deliberately included lay people and young people (like one of my confirmands from Arusha Community Church). Someone commented later that such a grouping makes it "much less intimidating" than it might have been with just "power people" up front. It is clear that the power resides in Word and Spirit and not in the office. Not only did that present a new picture to the congregation, but it also immediately ratified my ministry within all those communities.
Those are just some thoughts. Jim put together a webpage that helps underscore some of the more important underlying convictions.
Again, I thank both of you for your encouragement and support. Fight the good fight! It's worth it.
In Christ, Judy
- Judy Bangsund
- 1550 Eustis St #L
- St Paul, MN 55108
- (651) 646-6791
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