Memorable Ordination Night at Green Pastures Church
It was a tearful and emotional night at the Green Pastures Church in Ballymena on Sunday evening, 26 May, as six individuals were ordained as church pastors. The ordination of a pastor is a rare event in the church calendar, and having six pastors ordained on the same night made it a special celebration.
The service took place at 6:30 pm, and the church was filled with members, family, and people from the local community who came to show their support. Some attendees had been helped and ministered to by the new pastors in their previous roles and wanted to express their appreciation.
Estelle Wallace, Richard Hastings, Peter Dickey, Joanne McCullough, Stacey Shiels, and Gary Shirlow all pledged to pastor and minister to the people of Green Pastures in the future. In an emotional service, the new pastors were anointed with oil and prayed for to "serve and equip the saints of God." Many members commented on God's gracious presence in the place and how tangible it was.
Pastor Jeff Wright, the lead pastor of Green Pastures, commented, ”It was our delight to have the privilege and honour to ordain six of our tried and tested people into the office of the five-fold ministry. Having served faithfully for many years now is the time to put God’s seal of approval on their lives. His anointed church in the nation needs anointed men and women who, working in God, can partner with His people to understand God’s appointed authority, structure and order.”
Earlier in the day, Pastor Jeff spoke timely and preparatory about how 'The Anointing Breaks Every Yoke' at the morning service. He believes the ordination of the six members to the ministry is a necessary step, a positive sign of church growth, and an encouragement for things to come at Green Pastures. It is a new era.
Added Pastor Jeff: “As the church grows, having anointed vessels in place is important. I believe these appointments are not only good; they are God-ordained appointments. The whole church is behind them, bringing unity and blessing for them."
None of those ordained are newcomers or novices to the Christian faith or Green Pastures. They had previously repented of their sins, put their trust in Jesus Christ, and been baptised. They are all church members who have proved faithful in various ministries. All have prayed, read, studied, and grown in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and Pastor Jeff believes this is their time to shine.
Pastor Jeff explained, "We are so proud of our newly ordained pastors. But there's a church and work to be done, which starts this week. I told the people to pray for the pastors because if they are blessed, the people will be blessed."
In the same way, the Apostle Paul in the New Testament stated that some are given as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and ministers for the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, and the edifying of the body of Christ, so too, the newly ordained Ballymena pastors have willingly joined the pastoral office of Christ.
In their various capacities, they will now watch over their flock's souls, preach, teach, pray for the sick, and minister with joy and tears to their congregation. Encouraged by hundreds who were present, each pastor was presented with a Dake King James Bible, and the evening ended with food, fellowship, and many happy faces following an unforgettable night of worship and ministry.
