What does the word ordination mean?

Ordination is a significant concept within Christian faith and practice, representing the formal acknowledgment and commissioning of individuals for specific roles in ministry. It involves setting apart individuals for service in the church, recognizing their divine calling, and empowering them with authority and responsibility. This in-depth exploration will cover the definition of ordination, its biblical foundations, and its contemporary practices, with a focus on New King James Version (NKJV) references.

Definition of Ordination

The term “ordination” derives from the Latin word ordinare, meaning to “arrange,” “order,” or “appoint.” In Christian contexts, ordination refers to the formal process of setting someone apart for a particular role or office within the church. This act is often accompanied by ceremonial practices such as the laying on of hands, prayer, and anointing with oil.

Ordination signifies both a divine call and the church’s recognition of that call. It involves not only the appointment of individuals to specific roles but also the imparting of spiritual authority and responsibility.

Biblical Foundations of Ordination

Old Testament Principles of Ordination

The concept of ordination is deeply rooted in Scripture, both in the Old and New Testaments. It is important to understand how ordination is portrayed in the Bible to appreciate its significance fully.

1. Ordination of Priests

One of the earliest and most explicit examples of ordination in the Bible is the setting apart of Aaron and his sons as priests. This process involved several ceremonial acts to sanctify them for their holy duties.

Exodus 28:41 (NKJV): “So you shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him. You shall anoint them, consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to Me as priests.” This verse highlights the importance of anointing, consecration, and sanctification in the ordination of priests. The anointing with oil was a symbolic act indicating that Aaron and his sons were chosen by God for their sacred role.

Leviticus 8:30 (NKJV): “Then Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood which was on the altar and sprinkled it on Aaron, on his garments, on his sons, and on the garments of his sons with him; and he consecrated Aaron, his garments, his sons, and the garments of his sons with him.” The sprinkling of oil and blood further emphasized the setting apart of Aaron and his sons for their priestly ministry. This ordination was essential for their service in the tabernacle.

2. Ordination of Kings

In addition to priests, kings in Israel were also anointed to their roles. For example, David was chosen and anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the king of Israel.

1 Samuel 16:12-13 (NKJV): “And the Lord said, ‘Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!’ Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.” David’s anointing by Samuel was a public declaration of God’s choice and empowerment. The anointing with oil was a symbol of divine appointment and authority.

New Testament Principles of Ordination

In the New Testament, the practice of ordination continues but takes on new significance in the context of the church. Ordination involves appointing individuals to roles of leadership and service within the Christian community.

1. Ordination of the Apostles

Jesus Christ appointed the twelve apostles to be His closest followers and to continue His work after His ascension. This appointment can be seen as a form of ordination, as the apostles were given authority to teach, heal, and cast out demons.

Mark 3:14 (NKJV): “Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach.” The appointment of the twelve was a deliberate act by Jesus to establish a foundational group of leaders for the early church. Their role was to continue His mission and spread the gospel.

2. Ordination of Deacons

As the early church grew, the apostles recognized the need for additional leaders to handle practical matters. They appointed seven men to serve as deacons, a form of ordination that involved prayer and the laying on of hands.

Acts 6:3-6 (NKJV): “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business… whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.” The laying on of hands was a symbolic act of transferring authority and responsibility to the deacons. It signified their commissioning for service in managing the church’s practical needs.

3. Ordination of Elders

The appointment of elders was another important aspect of church leadership in the New Testament. Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders in every city on the island of Crete.

Titus 1:5 (NKJV): “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you.” Elders were responsible for teaching, shepherding, and guiding the local church. Their ordination involved a careful selection process based on their character and ability to lead.

4. Paul and Timothy

The relationship between Paul and Timothy provides insight into the ordination process. Paul recognized Timothy’s gifts and laid hands on him as a sign of his ordination.

1 Timothy 4:14 (NKJV): “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.” Paul’s encouragement to Timothy emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and utilizing the spiritual gifts given through ordination. The laying on of hands was an important part of this process.

The Process and Purpose of Ordination

Ordination involves several key elements that highlight its significance in the church.

1. Laying on of Hands

The laying on of hands is a central component of ordination. It symbolizes the transfer of authority and blessing from one person or group to another. In the New Testament, the apostles laid hands on individuals they ordained, signifying the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for ministry.

Acts 13:2-3 (NKJV): “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.” The laying on of hands in this context marked the beginning of Barnabas and Saul’s (Paul’s) missionary journey. It was a formal acknowledgment of their call and commissioning by the Holy Spirit.

2. Prayer and Fasting

Prayer and fasting are integral to the ordination process. The church seeks God’s guidance and confirmation in recognizing individuals for leadership roles. These spiritual disciplines help ensure that the ordination process is conducted with spiritual discernment.

Acts 14:23 (NKJV): “So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” Paul and Barnabas’s practice of praying and fasting before appointing elders underscores the importance of seeking divine direction in the ordination process.

Qualifications for Ordination

The Bible provides clear qualifications for those being ordained, especially for roles such as elders and deacons. These qualifications emphasize character, spiritual maturity, and the ability to lead and teach.

1. Elders

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (NKJV): “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach… Moreover, he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” Paul’s instructions to Timothy outline the character traits and qualifications necessary for elders. These include personal integrity, the ability to teach, and a good reputation.

2. Deacons

1 Timothy 3:8-13 (NKJV): “Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.” The qualifications for deacons are similar in that they emphasize character and faithfulness. Deacons are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to the faith and a reputable character.

Should Women Get Ordained?

The Bible teaches that women ought to submit to the authority of men. But this does not mean inequality. Christ submitted to the Father, yet He is equal to the Father in worth and essence. “But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God” (1 Corinthians 11: 3,NKJV).

The scripture teaches that man is to acknowledge Christ as his Lord and Master; the woman is required to acknowledge that in domestic life she is placed under the guidance and protection of man; Christ, is represented as recognizing God as head. Thus, according to the scripture, women are forbidden from holding positions that involve authoritative teaching or authority over men.

1 Timothy 2:11–15 (NKJV): “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.”

Spiritual Significance of Ordination

Ordination is not merely a human ceremony but a deeply spiritual act that reflects God’s calling and the church’s recognition of that calling. It involves setting apart individuals for specific roles and responsibilities within the community of believers.

Hebrews 5:4 (NKJV): “And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.” This verse underscores that ordination is an honor that comes from God. It is not a position that individuals can assume on their own but one that is divinely appointed.

Conclusion

The concept of ordination is deeply rooted in biblical tradition and continues to play a significant role in the life of the church today. It involves setting apart individuals for specific roles, recognizing their divine calling, and empowering them for service. Through the laying on of hands, prayer, and fasting, the church acknowledges God’s work in the lives of those being ordained and commits to supporting them in their ministry.

From the ordination of priests and kings in the Old Testament to the appointment of apostles, elders, and deacons in the New Testament, the biblical practice of ordination highlights the importance of divine calling and the role of the church in affirming and supporting that call.

Understanding the significance of ordination helps us appreciate the depth of commitment required for those in leadership roles and the responsibility we all share in supporting and praying for our leaders as they serve God’s Kingdom.