Ben’s Ordination

Something that we have been working toward for a while is Ben’s Ordination.  We knew that it would need to happen before we could start the church in the Bronx.  But how do you study for ordination while you’re traveling full time through 44 states over three years with five kids? Where do you find quiet when everyone is living in one hotel room space? 

The Lord provided for that need when our family separated for the month of July this year.  The kids and I stayed with my parents in Colorado and Ben took some meetings in California on his own.  He spent a couple of weeks living in the library on university campuses.  I remember calling him one day during that time.  He said, “Except for the librarian, you’re the only person who has talked to me all day.  And the silence is  wonderful.”  {I was a little jealous!}

Ben had to write a paper on the major doctrines of our faith, backing each statement up with Scripture.  He proofed them.  Pastor Bickel proofed them.  Mom Hamilton edited them.  In the end, a 56 page document was down to 26 pages for easy distribution.  Then the real study began – how to respond to current day issues that he will face as a pastor.  Ben found an app for his phone that allowed him to make digital flashcards.  He studied, and Elaine and I quizzed him. 

December 10th finally came, and the ordination council assembled.  They questioned Ben for over three hours on his written statement and other things he will face as a pastor.  I was nervous for him!  I’m so thankful for my friend Jeni, and Mrs. Bickel who helped to watch my kids so I could sit in on the council session!

Back row: Ming Tang (BBF Deacon), Hunter Konkle (BBF), Pastor Dan Hyden (Russian BBF), Pastor Stephen Christopher (Park Slope, Brooklyn), Pastor Thomas Overmiller, (Corona, Queens), David Barker (BBF Deacon)
Front Row: Pastor Matthew Recker (New York, NY), Pastor Daniel Klaus (Park Slope, Brooklyn), Dr. David Canedy (BWM Deputation Director), Pastor Tim Richmond (Forest Hills, Queens), Pastor Bickel, Ben, Pastor Doug Neiner (Pittsfield, MA), Dad Hamilton, Pastor Steve Snavely (Highland Falls, NY), Dr. Craig Hartman (Shalom Ministries), Pastor Stephen Racite and Wilmer (Cornwall Baptist Church)

 

 
Ben & Dad ||  Pastor Bickel, Ben, Craig Hartman

The ordination council and audience

On Sunday Dr. Canedy from our mission board preached the AM service.  It was a very encouraging message from Psalm 84.  I felt the tears ready to spill over, and we hadn’t even arrived at the ordination service!  In our church’s afternoon service we had a special ordination/commission service.  Dr. Hartman gave a charge to the church as our sending & ordaining church.  Pastor Bickel gave a charge to the candidate.  There were also several testimonies.

Dr. Canedy shared some of the testimonies of the ordination council regarding Ben.

David Barker gave the recommendation of the council that Ben be ordained.

Pastor Neiner (Ben’s pastor from childhood) gave a testimony

 
Pastor Bickel || Symphony and Lacey Hyden provided special music.

I was asked to share a testimony expressing that I am “on board” with this.  I also got to answer the last question during the ordination council, when Pastor Christopher asked me if I was “on board” with all this.  Yes!  I am!

Dr. Hartman charging the church.

Laying hands on Ben to ordain him to Gospel ministry.

Pastor Dan Hyden presented Ben a certificate of ordination

Chris Jackey presented Ben a very nice Bible as a gift from the church.  They also took an offering towards Ben’s pastoral library (or software).  We were so overwhelmed and blessed!

It’s hard to get a picture of glass without yourself being reflected in it.  But this is Ben’s very nice ordination certificate, and we did hang it on the wall, even though we are in temporary housing!

Ben’s Doctrinal Statement can be viewed here, for those who are interested.
Full  ||  Concise
The video of the Ordination Service can be viewed here.