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Question 6

If Patrick’s “rejection” refers to the moment his seniors first considered ordaining him as bishop (rather than later attacks), what does that imply about the church’s process of discernment and the vulnerability of calling to human judgment—and how does that compare to how evangelical churches typically evaluate “calling” today?

Another way to ask: If Patrick’s “rejection” happened when leaders first thought about making him a bishop, what does that say about how the church judges a person’s calling? How does that compare with how evangelical churches today decide whether someone is called?

Direct Answer On the author’s interpretation, the transcript implies that discernment for ordination could involve intense scrutiny and even rejection based on past matters, showing how a calling could be hindered by human judgment within the church. The transcript does not describe modern evangelical processes, so any comparison beyond the general contrast would go beyond the provided material.

Support from Transcript:

Author’s interpretation: “I interpret this passage to refer to the time when Patrick's seniors first considered ordaining him as a bishop.”
The scrutiny came from “a number of my seniors,” indicating a communal/elder evaluation.
The basis included a decades-old confession: “after thirty years… before I was a deacon.”
The immediate outcome: “On that day, then, I was rejected by those referred to.”
The transcript notes another scholarly option—later attacks—showing the timing is debated: “some historians believe… after he had already been ordained.”

Discussion Follow-ups If calling can be affirmed or blocked by elders, what safeguards should exist for fairness, repentance, and truth while still protecting the church’s witness?

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