NOTE: I posted this on TIK TOK thinking also meaning “people who are controlling religious get really riled if I, or, we, who are untamed free walk in and try to relate (calm, James 3:17 abiding fruit) But after this ONE POSTING I had 12 followers quit at once. Never ever happened before at all. What what I figured that THESE were very religious and jumped to an clueless that I meant sexual WOKE mindsets. Say haha.

 Part  2  Q. IS IT SIN TO BE  ATYPICAL? 

“Not of Men, Neither by Man”: Paul, the Sent Ones, and Modern Ordination

A Pastor Site Teaching for Bible-first Christians (KJV with Hebrew/Greek word study)

(C) 2025 Taveau D’Arcy Creative Leadership. All rights reserved.
AI-assisted draft (KJV-anchored; original insights and final selections are the author’s).

Must a Christian pastor, preacher, prophet, apostle, disciple, evangelist BE SENT OUT by Ministry Oversight or a Ministry Office Group?

DISCLAIMER: all of this is submitted as Selah (pause to think and pray about, consult scripture, understand Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:12 and myself, and there is not autocratic submission dogma on this… it is true. However, let God’s spirit lead you (John 16:13)-Sister T

Introduction

In today’s church culture, there is often a debate about whether a formal “sending” or ordination is necessary to validate one’s ministry. Many groups require this as a means of legitimacy—often through a presbytery or denominational affiliation. While this practice is not inherently wrong, the biblical model of ministry sending and recognition was distinctly different from what we see in modern times.

In this article, we will explore the biblical foundation for sending, ordination, and recognition, specifically through the example of Paul, the First Church, and Jesus’ ministry. We will also answer key questions about whether independence in ministry is seen as rebellion or “flakiness”.

1. Context of Sending in Ministry (Bible’s Perspective)

Many modern ministry groups, particularly those aligned with denominational traditions, require a formal “sending”—such as a presbytery or licensing to ensure that the ministry is legitimate and accountable. However, is this method biblical? And should those who choose not to follow these traditions be seen as independent, rebellious, or even flaky?
Let’s explore this question based on the biblical models of ministry found in the First Church and in the ministry of Jesus and Paul.

2. Jesus’ Model of Sending and Ordination (KJV & Greek)
Jesus’ Direct Sending

John 20:21 (KJV) – “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”

Greek: apostellō (ἀποστέλλω) — to send with a commission

Jesus’ sending was direct and God-initiated, requiring no external presbytery or human approval. He was commissioned by the Father, affirmed by the Spirit (Matt. 3:16), and His authority was rooted in His divine calling.

Jesus’ Authority Was Given by the Father

Jesus did not depend on man-made systems to validate His authority. His ordination came through His relationship with the Father and His fruitful ministry.

3. Paul’s Ministry Model: Sent by Christ, Recognized by Elders (KJV & Greek)
Paul’s Independent Calling

Galatians 1:1 (KJV) – “Paul, an apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.”

Greek: ouk ex anthrōpōn, oude dia anthrōpou – “Not from men, nor by man.”

Paul emphasizes that his apostolic calling was not created or bestowed by men. It was directly given by Jesus Christ, who revealed His calling to Paul through personal revelation (Gal. 1:12).

The Spirit Sends, and Elders Recognize

Acts 13:2-3 (KJV) – “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”

Greek: apostellō (ἀποστέλλω) — to send with commission.

The Holy Spirit was the initiator of Paul’s sending. The elders merely confirmed and recognized God’s calling by laying hands on Paul and Barnabas.

No Human-Created Authority

Galatians 2:9 (KJV) – “And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship.”

Paul’s calling was not created by these leaders; rather, they recognized what God had already initiated.

4. First Church Model: Sending and Recognizing Gifts (KJV & Greek)
Timothy’s Recognition by the Presbytery

1 Timothy 4:14 (KJV) – “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.”

Greek: presbyterion (πρεσβυτέριον) — a council of elders.

Timothy’s gift was given by God and recognized through prophecy and elders’ affirmation.

Note: This laying on of hands was confirmation of the gift already given by God, not the creation of Timothy’s calling.

Acts 14:23 (KJV) – “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”

Greek: cheirotoneō (χειροτονέω) — to appoint or set in place.

The elders were appointed by the apostles after the church was established, not to create their calling but to recognize God’s work among them.

5. Is “Formal Ordination” Biblical?

In today’s modern church, formal ordination is sometimes used to validate a ministry or ensure accountability. But the biblical model shows us that ordination as we know it today did not always involve formal certification or human-created structures.

The First Church often appointed leaders through prayer, fasting, and prophecy (Acts 13:2–3), recognizing what God had already initiated in the individual.

Formal ordination, in a modern sense, is not inherently wrong. It can be used to affirm what God has already done. However, it is critical to avoid the misconception that ordination creates authority — it simply recognizes what God has already established in the calling.

6. Independence, Rebellion, or Flakiness?

In modern church culture, independence in ministry is often labeled as rebellion or flakiness, especially when one does not adhere to the formal requirements of a denomination or presbytery. However, the First Church model teaches us that independence is not inherently rebellious.

Paul’s independence was God-initiated, but it was still confirmed by the fellowship of believers (Gal. 2:9).

The key is submission to God’s will, and recognition by fellow believers. Independence becomes problematic when it leads to isolation, lack of accountability, and prideful autonomy (1 Peter 5:5).

A healthy ministry will seek God’s guidance, submit to the Holy Spirit’s leadership, and embrace the witness and confirmation of other mature believers (Acts 13:2–3).

7. Conclusion: The Biblical Model of Ministry Sending and Ordination
Jesus and Paul’s example is clear:

God calls, and others recognize that calling through obedience, fruitfulness, and confirmation.

Ordination in today’s church is acceptable for accountability and unity, but it should never be viewed as the source of authority.

The First Church model was Spirit-led, relational, and grace-filled — avoiding a hierarchical structure of control but upholding accountability and recognition of divine calling.

Takeaway for Today:

Formal ordination does not make someone more called than one sent directly by God. It is about recognizing God’s call and submitting to His order.

Independence in ministry should never be about rejecting God’s authority or accountability; it should always be about aligning with God’s will and embracing mutual recognition from fellow believers.

Final Thought:
The modern church can benefit greatly from acknowledging both the divine and the human aspects of ministry. Just as Jesus was sent by God and recognized by His followers, so are today’s sent ones—validated by the Holy Spirit and confirmed by the Body of Christ.

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