What is an Ordinand?

An Ordinand is a person who has been selected and is in the process of being ordained into ministry within the Christian Church. The term is derived from the Latin ordinandus, meaning “one who is to be ordained.” Ordinands undergo training, examination, and preparation for their roles, which typically include responsibilities such as preaching, teaching, administering sacraments, and pastoral care. The ordination process signifies a formal recognition and commissioning by the Church, affirming that the ordinand has been called by God and is equipped for ministry.

Historical Context

Early Church and Ordination

The practice of ordaining ministers can be traced back to the early Church, where the apostles laid hands on individuals to appoint them for specific tasks and ministries. This practice is rooted in Jewish traditions, where laying on of hands was used to confer authority and blessings.

• Acts 6:5-6 (NIV):
  

  “This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.”

  This passage describes the appointment of the first deacons, where the apostles laid hands on the chosen individuals, setting a precedent for ordination.

• 1 Timothy 4:14 (NIV):
  

  “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”

  Paul’s instruction to Timothy highlights the early practice of ordination through the laying on of hands by church leaders.

Development through Church History

The practice of ordination evolved throughout Church history, adapting to different theological understandings and ecclesiastical structures.

• Early Church Fathers: The early Church Fathers, such as Ignatius of Antioch and Clement of Rome, emphasized the importance of apostolic succession and the continuity of the ordained ministry.
  • Ignatius of Antioch: Ignatius wrote extensively about the hierarchical structure of the Church and the role of bishops, priests, and deacons, stressing the need for ordained leaders to maintain unity and doctrinal purity.
  • Clement of Rome: In his letter to the Corinthians, Clement emphasized the orderly succession of leaders through ordination, viewing it as essential for the stability and faithfulness of the Church.
• Medieval Period: During the medieval period, the sacramental nature of ordination was further developed, particularly within the Roman Catholic Church. Ordination was seen as conferring an indelible spiritual character and specific grace for ministry.
  • Thomas Aquinas: Aquinas, in his Summa Theologica, articulated a comprehensive theology of ordination, describing it as a sacrament that imparts the grace necessary for the duties of ministry.
• Reformation: The Protestant Reformation brought significant changes to the understanding and practice of ordination. Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin emphasized the priesthood of all believers and reformed the structure of church leadership.
  • Martin Luther: Luther challenged the Catholic understanding of ordination as a sacrament that imparts a distinct spiritual character, advocating instead for the vocational calling of all Christians to serve God in various capacities.
  • John Calvin: Calvin maintained the practice of ordination but emphasized the importance of calling and election by the congregation, with a focus on the preaching of the Word and the administration of the sacraments.

Modern Developments

In contemporary Christianity, ordination practices vary widely among different denominations and traditions, reflecting diverse theological perspectives and ecclesiastical structures.

• Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches: These traditions continue to view ordination as a sacrament that imparts a permanent spiritual character. The process involves rigorous theological training, examination, and the laying on of hands by a bishop.
• Protestant Churches: Protestant denominations, while differing in their specific practices, generally emphasize the importance of a clear sense of calling, theological education, and affirmation by the church community. Ordination is seen as setting apart individuals for specific ministries within the Church.
• Evangelical and Charismatic Movements: In these traditions, ordination practices may be less formalized, focusing more on the evident gifts and calling of the individual, with an emphasis on the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Key Leaders and Their Thoughts

Augustine of Hippo

Augustine (354-430 AD) made significant contributions to the theology of ministry and ordination. He emphasized the sacramental nature of ordination and the role of the ordained minister in administering the sacraments and teaching the faith.

• Augustine’s Views: Augustine saw ordination as essential for maintaining the unity and orthodoxy of the Church. He believed that ordained ministers served as shepherds of the flock, entrusted with the responsibility of guiding and nurturing the Christian community.

Thomas Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274 AD) provided a systematic theology of ordination in his Summa Theologica, describing it as a sacrament that imparts specific grace for the duties of ministry.

• Aquinas’ Contribution: Aquinas’ theological framework for ordination has had a lasting impact on the Roman Catholic Church’s understanding of the sacrament, emphasizing the divine calling and the spiritual empowerment conferred through ordination.

Martin Luther

Martin Luther (1483-1546 AD) redefined the concept of ordination during the Protestant Reformation, challenging the sacramental understanding and emphasizing the priesthood of all believers.

• Luther’s Reform: Luther’s views on ordination shifted the focus from a sacramental rite to a vocational calling, where all Christians are called to serve God in their various vocations. He maintained, however, the importance of ordained ministry for preaching and administering the sacraments.

John Calvin

John Calvin (1509-1564 AD) upheld the practice of ordination within a reformed ecclesiastical structure, emphasizing the importance of calling and election by the congregation.

• Calvin’s Perspective: Calvin viewed ordination as a means of ensuring that those who are called to ministry are properly equipped and affirmed by the church community. He emphasized the centrality of preaching and the administration of the sacraments in the ordained ministry.

Impacts on Christian Doctrine

Theological Significance

The doctrine of ordination has significant theological implications for the Church’s understanding of ministry, authority, and the role of the ordained minister.

• Sacramental Theology: In traditions that view ordination as a sacrament, such as Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, ordination is seen as conferring a special grace that equips individuals for ministry. This understanding emphasizes the continuity and apostolic succession of the Church’s leadership.
  • 1 Timothy 4:14 (NIV):
    

    “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”

    This verse highlights the spiritual gift conferred through the laying on of hands, a practice integral to sacramental ordination.

• Priesthood of All Believers: The Protestant Reformation’s emphasis on the priesthood of all believers redefined the role of the ordained minister. While ordination remains important, all Christians are seen as having a direct relationship with God and a role in ministry.
  • 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV):
    

    “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

    This verse underscores the universal call to ministry for all believers, while still recognizing the specific calling of ordained ministers.

Ecclesiastical Structure and Governance

Ordination also has practical implications for church governance and the structure of Christian communities.

• Church Leadership: Ordained ministers often hold positions of leadership within the Church, responsible for teaching, preaching, administering sacraments, and providing pastoral care. The process of ordination helps ensure that leaders are properly trained and recognized for their roles.
  • Titus 1:5 (NIV):
    

    “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.”

    Paul’s instruction to Titus reflects the early practice of appointing ordained leaders to oversee and shepherd local congregations.

• Unity and Continuity: The practice of ordination helps maintain the unity and continuity of the Church, connecting contemporary ministry to the apostolic foundation of the faith.
  • 2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV):
    

    “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

    This verse emphasizes the importance of passing on the teachings and responsibilities of ministry to future generations through the process of ordination.

Relevance for Today’s Christian

Ordination remains a vital aspect of Christian life and ministry, ensuring that the Church is led by individuals who are called, equipped, and affirmed for their roles. For today’s Christians, understanding the significance of ordination can deepen their appreciation for the structure and leadership of the Church.

• Affirmation of Calling: The process of ordination affirms the calling of individuals to specific ministries, providing a formal recognition and support from the church community. This affirmation is crucial for the confidence and legitimacy of those entering ministry.
• Training and Preparation: Ordination typically involves rigorous training and preparation, ensuring that ordained ministers are well-equipped to serve their congregations and fulfill their responsibilities.
• Spiritual Empowerment: For many traditions, ordination is seen as a means of receiving spiritual empowerment and grace, enabling ministers to carry out their duties effectively.

How This Reflects God’s Love and the Teachings of Jesus

The concept of ordination reflects God’s love and care for His Church by providing leaders who are called to shepherd His people, teach His Word, and administer His sacraments. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, set the ultimate example of servant leadership, and ordained ministers are called to follow in His footsteps.

• John 10:11 (NIV):
  

  “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

  Jesus’ model of leadership is one of sacrificial love and service, which ordained ministers are called to emulate in their ministry.

• Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV):
  

  “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

  This passage highlights the role of ordained ministers in equipping the Church and fostering spiritual growth and unity among believers.

In conclusion, ordination is a practice deeply rooted in the biblical and historical tradition of the Church. It reflects God’s love for His people by providing faithful leaders who guide, teach, and nurture the Christian community. The process of becoming an ordinand, and ultimately an ordained minister, is a journey of discernment, preparation, and spiritual empowerment, aligning with the teachings of Jesus and the mission of the Church.