MODESTO, Calif.—Sovereign Grace Baptist Church invited messengers to participate in an ordination council April, 10, to examine Associate Pastor Johnnie Sloan. The church appointed Ron Schrock, state representative for the California Association of Regular Baptist Churches, to be the moderator, and David Powell, pastor of Sunnyside Baptist in Fresno, to be the clerk.
Pastor Bill Heinrich opened the morning sharing God’s blessing at Sovereign Grace, including their building, but focusing on Johnnie as one of their richest provisions. Bill has been mentoring Johnnie for a number of years.
Ron Schrock then took over the meeting. After the roll call and instructions on the protocols for the day, Johnnie shared his testimony and call to ministry, with questions following. From there the council worked through Johnnie’s doctrinal statement, dealing with one subject at a time and asking pertinent questions to understand not only what he believes, but how he can handle himself answering questions and expressing his positions on key doctrines.
The questioning continued until 12:50 p.m., at which time the council dismissed all non-members and went into private discussions. The council made the following statement and recommendation: “The Council commends the candidate’s solid defense and explanation of his personal beliefs and theology. He was very conversant in the issues of theology and had a good grasp of the terms he used in his statement. He was able to cite supporting Scriptures from memory and was comfortable, non-defensive, and humble in his demeanor throughout the examination.” Accordingly it was moved and seconded “that the council enthusiastically approve and recommend the candidate for ordination by the church.” The motion passed unanimously.
After reporting to all who were present the statement and motion, which was followed by considerable praise and cheering, everyone moved to the fellowship hall for lunch.
The ordination ceremony took place the next day, Sunday morning. Ron Schrock was given the privilege of preaching the challenge to the candidate and congregation with the message, “Ministering and Ministering to the Minister.” The church was presented with the motion to ordain Johnnie, which passed unanimously (also with considerable praise and cheering). Johnnie then was seated on the platform, and Pastor Heinrich and Ron Schrock laid hands on him and prayed for his life, ministry, and family, while the deacons and a key layman stood behind them.
