Speaking to Ian Randall this morning, he managed to find me a wonderful quotation from C H Spurgeon (Sermons Vol 18, 1872) . In expounding the passage 2 Timothy 1.6, Spurgeon opines,
'when we can find anyone who can confer some spiritual gift upon us, we will be glad to have their hands laid on our heads; but we don't care for empty hands ..... empty hands it seems to me are fitly laid on empty heads; but we don't care for empty hands'. So much for Spurgeon's thoughts on ordination!
Now, this is not a polemic against ordination. Although it is one reason why we don't promote ordination for all. Nor would I would follow Spurgeon here, but that is not the point. The truth out there is complex. Spurgeon was Reformed in many ways; but was complicated. This is what reality is like. This is why truth is met with us incarnate, in Jesus Christ
This is one of the important reasons for continued professional development for those who would lead others in the paths of Jesus. Not that they they become arrogant, but remain humble when faced with the reality of apparent paradox and deep, interpretative problems. Our Baptist Union must hold onto this reality: truth ain't always simple.
