The above heading appeared at www.christianharvestchurch.net. The claim was made that “we ordain in all 50 states … you can perform weddings, baptisms or any other religious service. Offerings you could receive for small, easy weddings are frequently between $140.00 and $650.00.” That impressed me. I have performed over 100 weddings and have never received anywhere close to $140.00. So, I am wondering what this religious group is really after?
The website goes on to say, “If you believe in Jesus Christ and would like to have ordination into the Christian ministry so you can spread the word in your own way, we can help. You can be ordained in less than 24 hours.” Now, I am really worried about what kind of “ways” men and women might suggest as to what a person must do to be saved? One might teach that “faith only” results in salvation. Another may suggest that it is not necessary to “be baptized” in order to be saved. Still another might simply have his/her listeners to say the “sinner’s prayer.”
Furthermore, the Christian Harvest Church tells you that “a wedding ministry can be an excellent way to help support your Christian Ministry…you can become an ordained minister online…Request your ordination here…Total cost is this one time fee of $78.00 for Clergy Pack 1…” According to the contents of Pack 1, you receive: “a certificate of Ordination on very nice parchment paper…2 marriage certificates, one Clergy Parking Placard, one certificate of baptism, and (now put your ear down here – jlw) A Letter of Good Standing is included free…” Now, let’s think about that for a moment. You register online, send in your $78.00 and in less than 24 hours you become an “ordained minister” with a letter to announce that you are a preacher in good standing! You could be the town drunk, a bank robber, an adulterer, a homosexual or lesbian, a supporter of abortion, et al. But, if you have $78.00 you can get Clergy Pack 1 and a “Letter of Good Standing” from someone who has never met you and knows nothing about you! Barnum and Bailey were correct when they said there was “one born every minute.”
The concluding remarks state that you must agree with 4 beliefs: “(1) You believe in Jesus Christ our Savior (2) You agree to spread the word of Christianity in your own way (3) Your actions and beliefs should not conflict with common decency, and (4) We are all free to do as we will, as long as it does not harm or infringe on the rights and freedoms of others.”
Perhaps the most important statement of the entire document is found when they state: “We only accept paypal and credit cards.”
Christ has warned, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15). “Take heed that no one deceives you” (Matt. 24:4).
The apostle Paul warns that we “no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine…” (Eph. 4:14). “Now the Spirit expressly says, that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron” (1st Tim. 4:1-2). “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2nd Tim. 4:3-4).
Let us be prepared to “try the spirits” (1st John 4:1); we must “rebuke and stop their mouths” (Titus 1:11-13); do not fellowship the false teacher (Eph. 5:11); and do not bid them Godspeed in their error (2nd John 10-11). Rather, let us emulate God our Father, “Through Thy precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way” (Psa. 119:104).
Maysville (2023)
Jess Whitlock