the ordination papers
The ordination papers have a new home, at http://ordinationpapers.wordpress.com
The project was moved to a new blog so readers could see the latest essay at the top, without having to scroll down.
Thank you for your interest in this project.
This collection of essays in now available as a 
Wally, I really enjoyed your essay. I am looking forward to more.
Just so you know you spelled “Wiesbe” I think you left out an “r”
Matt
Thanks Matt.
Wiersbe has been corrected.
Wally, you say it so well! I enjoyed reading these two essays and look forward to more. Would love to be present on the “big day” because I would want to bless you but also selfishly because I know I’d be blessed.
Thank you for clearly stating fundamental truth. I’m saddened by the deep and far reaching cultural and societal consequences of abandoning truth. May God use us to communicate hope!
This English correction from your nit-picking friend from Tennessee: “a source of great joy to Katie and I” should of course be “a source of great joy to Katie and me.”
Love ya’ll!
You’re missing an “s” on “fundamentalist” in the third paragraph under “Labels.” Not that the council is grading you on grammar.
As for “Other questions? Ask below:” I’ve always considered you one of the wisest people I’ve ever known. Unfortunately, I knew you at a very angry time in my life. Since then I’ve found my way back to a big, merciful, loving God who’s been patient and generous with me when I surely didn’t deserve it. But I’ve never found my way back to believing in the narrowness of the Christian road to salvation. Once I began to examine it, I could never get it to make sense again. So why does it make sense to you? Why would a God as big as ours say, “Jesus is the only way?” Someone must be answering Muslim’s prayers, too, or they wouldn’t keep praying, right?
Clearly I’ll have to hire a copy editor.
Thank you for the kind words. And for the true ones, about how God is patient and generous with us when we don’t deserve it.
I hope you will continue reading, because I think I will layout a framework for a “narrow” road.
But before I get there, I can say that I’m not as amazed that he doesn’t save everyone as I am that he would save anyone.
At some level the Christian answer to this question has to do with the glory of God. If salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, then he gets all the glory. Once it depends on us, we get some of the credit, or even most of the credit, even when, as you acknowledge, we don’t deserve it.
I’m glad you are finding your way home, so to speak, and hope you will keep me posted on your journey. I’m reminded of Thompson’s poem, the Hound of Heaven, which in fact I’ve thought of before specifically in terms of you.
In the end I don’t think we are pursuing God. He is pursuing us. I think we run from him until we run into him.
I’ll look forward to reading more. Best of luck. I can’t imagine a better candidate.
Sarah
To Carole, your friend from Tennessee: it’s “y’all,” not “ya’ll.”
Dr. Metts, I cannot imagine anyone more fit for ordination. You and Mrs. Metts have blessed my life in so many ways.
Please know I am praying for your daughter, as I know you pray for mine.
I look forward to reading the essays to come!
Christy
This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. I Timothy 3:1.
Bishop Wally,
Jennifer and I enjoyed reading your clear responses to the prescribed questions. It brought back some good memories of Katie and you. We have covered many current topics and life issues in our our talks over the years. We have benefited spiritually these many years from your family’s friendship and influence. Having observed your life, character and commitments for nearly 30 years I can say without reservation that you are a godly man of great gifting who has persevered in the faith once for all delivered to the saints. You hold the truth in love, an unusual way of life even among those who claim to do so. May God continue to guide you as you seek ordination.
Love,
Michael and Jennifer Jennings