The 39 Articles of Religion: Articles XXIII & XXIV, Ministers & Language

The people of God have always had people set apart for ministering in and to the congregation. Article 23 articulates how a minister is to be called by others and not himself. As Jesus was called and sent by the Father, Jesus called and sent others in his Name. That is how the Church has worked for 2000 years, calling both exceptional and horrible ministers. For me, one of the worst mistakes, is for an individual to own a church. There is no biblical warrant.

Article 24 is about holding services in the language of the people. At the time of the Reformation, it spoke against Latin being the language of worship in the churches of England.

XXIII. Of Ministering in the Congregation.

It is not lawful for any man to take upon him the office of public preaching, or ministering the Sacraments in the Congregation, before he be lawfully called, and sent to execute the same. And those we ought to judge lawfully called and sent, which be chosen and called to this work by men who have public authority given unto them in the Congregation, to call and send Ministers into the Lord's vineyard.

XXIV. Of Speaking in the Congregation in such a Tongue as the people understandeth.

It is a thing plainly repugnant to the Word of God, and the custom of the Primitive Church,to have public Prayer in the Church, or to minister the Sacraments, in a tongue not understanded of the people.