Sardis Ordains Hilary Kearns and Kathryn Kreutzer as Ministers of Music and Congregational Support

On April 22, 2018, Sardis Baptist Church ordained Hilary Kearns (left) and Kathryn Kreutzer (right) as Ministers of Music and Congregational Support.  Below are the opening words read for the service of ordination: 

For three decades, ours has been a congregation rooted in creative leadership: We’ve refused to be rigid in defining the ways God calls persons of faith to demonstrate their ministerial gifts.

Four women have been ordained to gospel ministry by our congregation, and this past spring we established the position of Pastor Emerita. Another former pastor holds the title of Writer in Residence. We’ve also been open to bi-vocational ministry – both of our current pastors have employment beyond Sardis. Lay leadership is also essential. Deacons, elected from within the church body, are ordained and commissioned to offer congregational care. Board members and stewards, also elected or appointed from within, help accomplish more specific tasks. Together, ordained lay leaders and ordained clergy help fulfill the work of the church.

This morning, we have the high privilege of ordaining four remarkable people, each of whom has been called out – that is set apart for ministry – to share their gifts, and to help lead this congregation.

Much like the practice of baptism or marriage, we are acknowledging, in a very formal way, something that already is. When we baptize new believers, we are celebrating the connection and calling they’ve established with God; when we marry two partners, we are celebrating a love that already is; and when we ordain members of God’s church, we are acknowledging what already is: God working, in a very purpose-filled way, through God’s children.

Our tradition offers three types of ordination. There is ordination into gospel ministry. This type is usually reserved for persons seeking formal theological training, and seeking to serve in a pastoral role.

There is also ordination into lay ministry: we call these leaders deacons. These are the ones appointed to care for our congregation, just as the earliest deacons had the primary task of caring for their community. This morning, we will ordain Kate and Jose Mata as deacons of Sardis Baptist Church. They have loved us. And they have led us with their own special gifts. And this morning, we’ll simply acknowledge that God has called them to that role in a formal way.

And finally, we have particular ordination – that is, we ordain persons with a very specific or particular calling. This morning, we are ordaining Hilary Kearns as our Minister of Music and Kathryn Kreutzer as our Minister of Congregational Support.

Hilary and Kathryn serve our congregation in a professional capacity. Hilary offers us her gift of music, as well as her gift of being invested in the lives of our congregants. Kathryn offers us her gifts of organization, creativity, and communication, and has served as a deacon. Each of them are integral in the planning of corporate worship, as well as the day-to-day operations of Sardis. More than anything, Hilary and Kathryn are persons who care about, who love, and who attend to the needs of Sardis and its people. Hilary Kearns and Kathryn Kreutzer are ministers. And this morning, we’re simply acknowledging what already is.

Friends, God is calling each of us in new and exciting ways. May this time of installation and ordination be one where we continue to listen and respond to God’s call for our lives, both individually and collectively.