All applicants for ministry must have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

• A. Baptism of the Holy Spirit
• B. Water baptism
• C. Confirmation
• D. Laying on of hands

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that ministry is a work empowered by God's Spirit, not just an outward rite. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is understood as the spiritual experience that equips and enables a believer for service in ministry. It goes beyond mere public confession or ceremony, providing the divine empowerment and often the gifts needed to serve effectively.

Water baptism is essential as a step of obedience and public confession of faith, but it does not itself empower a person for ministry in the way the Spirit’s baptism does. Confirmation is not a part of this tradition’s ministry qualifications. Laying on of hands is a ceremonial act used during ordination to commission and recognize the call, but it rests on the individual having received the baptism of the Holy Spirit; it does not replace that spiritual empowerment. Therefore, the baptism of the Holy Spirit best fits the requirement for eligibility in ministry.