What is Ordination?

Ordination is the process by which individuals are consecrated, invested, or appointed to a religious office within a Christian tradition. This typically involves a formal ceremony that includes the laying on of hands and a prayer of consecration, through which the individual is set apart for a specific ministry, such as pastoral care, preaching, or the administration of sacraments. Ordination signifies the Church’s recognition of a person’s calling by God and their readiness to undertake the responsibilities of ministry.

Biblical Foundations

Scriptural Basis for Ordination

The concept of ordination is rooted in the Bible, particularly in the practices of the early Church where leaders were appointed through the laying on of hands and prayer. The New Testament provides several examples of ordination and the setting apart of individuals for ministry.

• 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 ordination of the first deacons, where the apostles laid hands on selected individuals, commissioning them for service in the Church.

• 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 reflects the practice of ordination through the laying on of hands, recognizing the spiritual gifts bestowed on the individual for ministry.

Theological Significance

Ordination has deep theological significance as it represents the Church’s recognition of God’s calling on an individual’s life. It also reflects the continuity of Christian ministry from the time of the apostles to the present day.

• Apostolic Succession: In traditions that emphasize apostolic succession, such as the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, ordination is seen as a means of preserving the continuity of the Church’s ministry, tracing the authority of ordained ministers back to the apostles themselves.
  • 2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV):
    

    “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

    Paul’s words to Timothy emphasize the importance of the spiritual gifts imparted through ordination, which are to be nurtured and developed in ministry.

• Sacramental Understanding: In Catholic and Orthodox theology, ordination is considered a sacrament, meaning it is an outward sign that imparts inward grace. It is believed that through ordination, the Holy Spirit empowers the individual for their ministry.
  • Acts 13:2-3 (NIV):
    

    “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”

    This passage highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in calling and setting apart individuals for ministry, a key aspect of the theology of ordination.

Historical Context

Early Church Practices

In the early Church, ordination was a crucial practice for ensuring the continuity and growth of the Christian community. The apostles appointed leaders to oversee local congregations, including bishops, presbyters (elders), and deacons.

• Ignatius of Antioch: Ignatius, an early Church Father, emphasized the importance of maintaining the hierarchy of bishops, presbyters, and deacons. He argued that ordination was essential for preserving the unity and doctrinal integrity of the Church.
  • Ignatius’ Writings: Ignatius wrote letters to various churches, encouraging them to respect and obey their ordained leaders as representatives of Christ and guardians of apostolic teaching.

Development through the Middle Ages

During the medieval period, the sacramental understanding of ordination became more formalized, particularly within the Roman Catholic Church. The ordination of bishops, priests, and deacons was seen as conferring a special spiritual character that distinguished the ordained from the laity.

• Thomas Aquinas: Aquinas, in his Summa Theologica, articulated a detailed theology of ordination as a sacrament that imparts grace and empowers the ordained minister to fulfill their role in the Church. He emphasized the indelible character of ordination, meaning that once ordained, the individual is permanently marked as a minister of the Church.
  • Aquinas’ Influence: Aquinas’ theology of ordination influenced the Roman Catholic Church’s understanding of the priesthood and the role of ordained ministers in administering the sacraments.

Reformation Perspectives

The Protestant Reformation brought significant changes to the understanding and practice of ordination. Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin challenged the Catholic Church’s sacramental view of ordination and emphasized the priesthood of all believers.

• Martin Luther: Luther rejected the idea that ordination conferred a special spiritual status or indelible character. Instead, he argued that all Christians share in the priesthood of Christ and can serve God in various vocations. However, he still recognized the importance of ordination for those called to specific roles of preaching and administering the sacraments.
  • Luther’s View: Luther saw ordination as a confirmation of a person’s calling by the community, rather than a sacrament that imparted special grace. He emphasized the role of faith and the Word of God in ordination.
• John Calvin: Calvin maintained the practice of ordination but redefined its significance. He emphasized the importance of calling and the role of the congregation in electing leaders. For Calvin, ordination was not a sacrament but an act of the Church that recognized and affirmed God’s call on an individual’s life.
  • Calvin’s Influence: Calvin’s views on ordination influenced Reformed and Presbyterian traditions, where the emphasis is placed on the collective discernment of the Church in recognizing and affirming ministers.

Modern Developments

In contemporary Christianity, the practice of ordination varies widely across denominations. While some traditions maintain a sacramental understanding, others view ordination more as a recognition of calling and the setting apart of individuals for specific ministries.

• Evangelical and Charismatic Movements: In these movements, ordination is often less formalized, focusing more on the evident gifts and calling of the individual, with an emphasis on the leading of the Holy Spirit.
  • Biblical Basis: Evangelicals may cite passages like Ephesians 4:11-12, which speaks of Christ giving different roles within the Church, to emphasize the importance of recognizing and equipping individuals for ministry.
• Mainline Protestant Denominations: Mainline denominations, such as Anglican, Lutheran, and Methodist churches, continue to practice formal ordination but often incorporate elements of both sacramental and functional understandings, emphasizing the importance of theological training and ecclesiastical approval.
  • Ordination Rites: These traditions often have structured ordination rites that include the laying on of hands, prayers, and vows, symbolizing the individual’s commitment to serve the Church and the community’s recognition of their call.

Impacts on Christian Doctrine

Theological Significance of Ordination

Ordination has a profound impact on the structure, governance, and doctrine of the Church. It serves as a means of ensuring the continuity of Christian teaching, the proper administration of the sacraments, and the pastoral care of the community.

• Apostolic Continuity: In traditions that emphasize apostolic succession, ordination is seen as essential for maintaining the unbroken line of teaching and authority from the apostles to the present-day Church.
  • 1 Timothy 1:3-4 (NIV):
    

    “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.”

    This passage underscores the importance of sound teaching and the role of ordained leaders in guarding the faith.

• Guarding Doctrine and Sacraments: Ordination is also a safeguard for ensuring that those who lead the Church are properly trained and committed to upholding its doctrines and administering its sacraments faithfully.
  • Titus 1:9 (NIV):
    

    “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”

    Paul’s instructions to Titus emphasize the importance of sound doctrine and the role of ordained leaders in preserving it.

Relevance for Today’s Christian

Ordination continues to play a vital role in the life of the Church today, ensuring that the ministry is carried out by individuals who are called, equipped, and affirmed for their roles. For Christians, understanding the significance of ordination can deepen their appreciation for the structure and leadership of the Church.

• Recognition of Calling: Ordination is a formal recognition of an individual’s calling by God to serve in specific roles within the Church. This recognition provides assurance to the community that their leaders are genuinely called and equipped for ministry.
• Preparation and Training: Ordination typically involves rigorous theological education and practical training, ensuring that those who are ordained are well-prepared to lead, teach, and care for the congregation.
• Spiritual Empowerment: In many traditions, ordination is seen as a moment of spiritual empowerment, where the Holy Spirit equips the individual with the grace and gifts needed to fulfill their ministry.

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

The practice of ordination reflects God’s love 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 ordination is not merely a formal ceremony but a profound affirmation of God’s calling and the Church’s commitment to faithful ministry.