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Sending people out w/blessing? Church doctrine or Jesus?

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Posted by: GODS Grace

I know Jesus "sent out" people to witness. Did "sending people out with a blessing" become a means of control by some in the shepharding movement? Is this important church doctrine to always have a blessing of a church before being "sent"?

I know the opposite, setting people out of fellowship for a season for church discipline is discussed in scripture.

???Does anyone here know Bible scriptures referances to back up the practice started by some churches of "sending people out with a blessing"???

Thanks! Grace



Posted by: eagle4him

I think you are talking about two separate practices, here. One is of being "sent" and the other is of having a blessing bestowed upon you.

First, no one is "called" to any particular ministry. We are called by Jesus to
follow Him and also we are called to suffer for him.

Sending can be either positive or negative. Moses was sent to tell Pharoahto let God's people go. Abraham was sent to the top of the mountain to worship. David was sent to conquer Goliath. Joshua was sent. Are you seeing this?

Now as far as the blessing. Look at Numbers 6:22-27

22 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them:

24 “The LORD bless you and keep you;

25 The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;

26 The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”’
27 “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”

Now as far as being sent with a blessing it just makes good sense. Why in the world would you send someone out to do the will of the Father without a blessing? Either you will bless them or curse them. Those are the only two choices.

Now I don't really know the rest of why your are questioning the so-called sheparding movement. I would like to discuss this in more detail with you. Please let me know your thoughts. You see the Bible does not really discuss any "sheparding" except by Jesus, and that is in the form of parables showing how the elders should care for the congregation. (Peter, feed my sheep, for example) Pastor really means the one held in high esteem of the elders. It is only used one time (in some translations), and that is in Ephesians, where Jesus gives the ascension gifts: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher.

The Bible goes into great length discussing Biblical authority, however--legitimate and illegitimate. All authority is from God. We are to unconditionally submit to all authority--but we do not have to unconditionally obey all authority. Look at the story of the three young boys and the wicked King, Nebuchanddeezer (I can't spell their names from memory). The deciding factor is the Word of God, not our own wishes or desires. In fact, Peter writes about submitting to all authority at a time when King Herod is chopping the heads off of all infant boys.


Posted by: GODS Grace

MORE INFO: I'm a little confused about my church. Years ago, the elders prayed a blessing before the congregation over people who served in ministry before they moving to another city to minister. Some reason that has changed.

Last night, a couples who has been very active in our church's ministry for sometime told me it was their last time to be at our church. They have pure hearts and God has opened doors in another city for them to teach. They will be a great blessing to whomever God send them.
I asked the couple if it was announced by the church that they would no longer be attending our congregation? They were unaware of any announcement made, but said that they had given ample notice for it to have been done. It isn't the first time that this has happen in recent years.

I have mixed emotions this morning. I love my church and it's leaders very very much. I'm not sure if I'm expected to much by thinking we should know when a leader moves away to start another church in another town.
I will greatly miss this couple whose son also ministers in our congregation to the young people. I have not heard if he will be leaving to support his parents in the new church.
I do believe God called me to pray and I will just have to pray in the spirit for wisdom until I get peace. Then I should probably speak to my pastor after much prayer if this continues to concern me.

That is why I wondered what wisdom I could gleam from scriptures about this situation.

Thanks for the reply! Grace


Posted by: Christian Commando

Look in God's Word where Jesus declares a Blessing on many different people for thier works.

When someone is given a Blessing- (Blessing prayed over them), it should be coming from those asking God to Bless that or those people in the endeavor they are embarking on, with normally a belief that or those people are called of God to do something particular.

eagle4Him- I ask your pardon but, yes, certain of God's Children are called specifically into a ministry. There are thousands or more ministers of Christianity who openly admit they were called specifically to the ministry they are in.

The Apostle Paul used a list to show some are called as Apostles, some Preachers, Teachers, Bishops, etc. So, there can be a specific calling, of which I was years ago and still do for God- "Evangelistic Helps" Ministry.

God has had me do Bible Studies and Classes, Preach, Teach, Council people, repair stuff, help them move, plus Nursing Home and other Shut-in Ministries, study, research and investigate more stuff than I can remember.

I've also met many others called into a variety of ministries specifically.

God Bless!!


Posted by: GODS Grace

Thank You Brian for your reply. It's great having you back.
You have been missed!
Still believing for your brothers savation,
Blessings!!!...Grace



Posted by: Christian Commando

Thank you Sis in Christ, I have sorely missed being here as well too.

God Bless all of you!!!

Brian-