GSC MODULE 41; REQUIREMENTS AND NECESSARY QUALITIES FOR A PRIEST

The priest follows Jesus, the Son of God

JESUS' FIRST DISCIPLES

Jesus did not expect His disciples to be intellectual giants among their peers. 

  In fact, people laughed at Him and some of His disciples, for being from the country area of Nazareth.

  Poor reputation was attached to Nazareth 

[John 1:46]. The Galilean disciple Nathanael, before His call by Christ, asked; 

“From Nazareth? Can anything good come from that place? “ [John 1:46]

Jesus’ disciples in the crowds were from all age groups. He believed that children should always be allowed into the company of adults, and overturned His disciples’ decision to refuse children to visit Him.

  People had brought little children to Him, so that He could lay His Hands on them. 

  The disciples scolded them, but Jesus said, 

“Let the little children alone, and do not stop them from coming to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of Heaven belongs.” Then He laid His Hands on them, and went on His way. [Matthew 19:13-15].

Jesus did not require that either His disciples to whom He preached, or His disciples whom He chose for ministry, have university degrees.

  Jesus does the same today. However, in today’s society, accredited ordination and qualifications open doors in ministry that otherwise could well remain closed. 

  The sensible priest takes this into mature consideration.

SEMINARY REQUIREMENTS 

Seminary requires of students to study Theology and Philosophy as servants of Jesus. 

  This requires priests to develop a devotional discipline.

  Priests need to know and live the words of the Bible; in particular the blueprint for human life as put before us by Jesus in the Gospels.

 

Seminary requires that priests open their inner beings to the Grace of God in Christ. 

  This enables their inner selves to strengthen and grow in the Light of Christ.

  Devoted and lengthy priestly prayer is conversation with God.   

  Priests need to let the power of the Word of God go deep within their hearts, encouraging their relationships with God to grow.

  If each priest’s relationship with God is strong and right, then all the other relationships in their lives will be correct.

  This is due to the fact that the relationships flow from the strength of the union between Jesus and priest.

    NECESSARY QUALITIES FOR A PRIEST 

Priests need to be of good heart and to do that which is right in the Name of Jesus.  

  Priests also need to be thoroughly prepared to minister as worthwhile priests of Jesus, Who is the Son of God the Almighty Creator.

  The priest who has completed seminary courses is enabled to take ministerial place in society with confidence. 

  Seminary studies empower priests to develop the basic attributes required to communicate well with people and to carry out pastoral ministry with ease and confidence.

Rev Catherine

Disclaimer: this information is not meant to replace your Priest, Theologian, Doctor or Health Professional Care