The Lutheran Confessions teach that ordination is public ratification of a
Call. A divine Call from a supreme Voters' Assembly is what makes a pastor a
pastor in the LCMS.
However, so many denominations are confused over how someone becomes a
pastor, including the hyper-euro-Lutherans, that many people think ordination
is all that you need to be a pastor. By denouncing Supreme Voters' Assemblies,
LCMS pastors are rejecting their own Calls into the ministry.
Without a Call from a congregation, no one is really a pastor in the LCMS.
They cannot preach, service Communion, or baptize in behalf of a congregation.
Not even the President of the Synod has the authority to consecrate the Lord's
Supper at the LCMS Convention because he has no Call to a local congregation.
Naturally, confusion over how one becomes a pastor has given fast-buck
artists the opportunity to sell phoney ordination certificates. The following
solicitation for ordination, without a call from a Voters' Assembly, was
received by Reclaim News from Ordination
Committee Inc.
Subject: Considering Ordination? We can assist you.
STREET BISHOPS, a U.S. based international ministry, wants to offer you
ordination. This is a genuine outreach to enable those who want to serve an
opportunity to do so.
STREET BISHOPS believes that ordination should be given to all who ask. One
of the benefits of being a LEGAL member of the clergy is that you will be
authorized to perform the rites and ceremonies of the church. They include:
WEDDINGS - You can earn part-time income officiating marriages on weekends.
Couples are searching for a wedding officiates. Most states require that you
register your certificate (THAT WE SEND YOU) prior to conducting the ceremony.
Some pastors work full-time as a wedding officiate, so can you! And we'll put
you in our database of officiates which receives thousands of requests for
ordained ministers!
FUNERALS - The simple fact is that people die every day, providing a
never-ending need for funeral officiates.
BAPTISMS - What a special way to welcome a child of God. As millions return
to church and desire these official ceremonies, you are there to assist them!
This adds to your part or full time income as a minister!
PRISON MINISTRIES - Since you will be a Certified Minister, you can visit
others in need. Assist those who are ready to CHANGE their lives - You can
play a major part in that decision!
HOSPITAL MINISTRIES - As an ordained clergy, you can be listed with most
hospitals and conduct a successful hospital ministry.
WANT TO START YOUR OWN CHURCH? After your ordination, you may start your
own congregation! We can offer much assistance as you begin your new place of
worship.
APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION? Yes! Once accepted through our ministry, we will, at
no additional admin fee, pass your file onto an independent Catholic order for
consideration.
WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING? "You are truly an answer to prayer for myself
and for hundreds, if not thousands, of men who have been frustrated with
constitution, laws, and by-laws of most denominations who have denied brethren
who have answered the call of God." - Colorado Springs, Colorado.
"We've been wanting to take communion during the weeks we are without a
Priest, and now we are able to do that." - Greenwith, Australia
WHAT IS REQUIRED? That you intend to become ordained to honestly bring
love, understanding, peace, comfort, compassion, and forgiveness to the world.
No degrees needed, no hoops to jump through, no restrictions on gender or any
other ridiculous hurdle. Promise to honor God and that is all that's required.
YOU RECEIVE a professionally printed 8-inch by 10-inch color certificate
and Letter of Ordination/Proof of Minister Certification in your name. We pay
the U.S. shipping. For Shipping OUTSIDE the U.S. please add $15.00.
NEWSLETTER. You will also begin receiving our helpful newsletter with
advice and answers as you begin your new ministry. This is what makes us very
different from the others; we provide support along with the credentials.
THE STREET BISHOP goal is to make this life changing step easy and
affordable so average folks like you can benefit from the advantages of being
ordained, and you can be enabled to serve others. The administrative costs for
processing the ordination is only $29.00.
FAX: To place your order by fax, complete the following form and fax to
1-413-487-7457, or use postal mail.
MAIL: For Cash, Check, or Money Order, complete the form below, make your
check payable to "TSG" and mail to
Ordination Committee Chair 3206 South Hopkins Ave, #89 Titusville, Florida
32780 U.S.A.
The committee meets every other day, all applications processed within 3
days of receiving them.
Check all that apply:
__________ $29.00 admin fee for your Ordination Certificate/Credentials
__________ $15.00 for International Shipping (if outside the US, $6 if in
Canada)
__________ Optional: $19 for personalized, laminated ID Badge with Lapel
Clip
__________ Optional: $15 for "Burch Liturgies", more than a dozen
full-length ceremonies for Baptism, Marriage, Funerals, Etc.
(Please print very clearly in dark ink)
---------------- Ordination Information -----------------------
Name of Applicant:
Academic Degree (if any):
Address:
City, State, Zip Code:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Religion:
Denomination (if any):
Preferred Title: (example Reverend, Pastor, Priest, etc.):
Ministry Area(s) of Interest (Congregational, Hospital, Prison, Marriage
Officiating, etc):
Website (if any):
Although not required, by sending us a one-page writing of why you are
seeking Ordination, you will guide us in supporting you in your ministry.
------------ If Paying Fee By Credit Card Use This Form
----------------------------
Name on Credit Card:
Address:
City/State/ZIP:
Your email address:
Type of Card, circle one: Visa MasterCard Discover (Sorry, no American
Express.)
Credit Card Number:
Date Credit Card Expires:
Phone Number:
Fax Number:
------------------------------------------------------
To be removed from our mailing list, fax address to 1-313-557-2776. Our
understanding at the time of this mailing is that this is a legal form of
marketing, similar to postal mail. Evidence otherwise is encouraged and
requested via fax. We are doing our best to exclude those individuals who do
not desire to receive materials of this type. Thank you for your
consideration.