What is ordination? What does the Bible say about ordination?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Ordination is the formal process of setting apart a person by God and the church for leadership or special ministry, publicly affirming God’s calling and the serious responsibility of their role. In today's churches, ordination generally involves leaders or an institution who grant authority to a church leader. This can include the ordination of a pastor, deacon, or other church leader who is given authority to lead in various church duties.

The Bible shows ordination as both being set apart for a divine purpose and being appointed to a leadership position. In the Old Testament, God chose Moses to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage. He set apart Aaron’s and his descendants to be a holy priesthood to Him. Samuel and Jeremiah are two of many prophets God set apart to communicate with His people. The New Testament records God setting aside Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:2). God also set apart Paul to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles (Galatians 1:15-16). Ordination recognizes the importance of leading God’s people; it is a visible, prayerful recognition of God’s calling, ensuring leaders are equipped and accountable to shepherd the church faithfully.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• In the Old Testament, ordination had two main understandings. First, some were ordained in the sense of being set apart by God for a special purpose. We can see an example of this in the life of Joseph, who was set apart to rule in Egypt (Genesis 41:37-57; see also Acts 7:10). Similarly, Moses was set apart by God to lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10; Numbers 12:7), and the Levites were consecrated for service in God’s house (Numbers 8:14–19; Deuteronomy 33:8–10).
• The second way ordination was used in the Old Testament involved the appointment of leaders. God commanded Samuel to ordain Saul as the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1) and later to ordain David as king (1 Samuel 16:12–13). Other examples include the appointment of elders and judges to govern the people, as Moses instructed (Exodus 18:21–22; Deuteronomy 1:15), and Aaron and his sons being set apart as priests to serve in the tabernacle (Exodus 28:1; Leviticus 8:1–36). These examples show that God’s ordination in the Old Testament included both setting apart for a divine purpose and formally appointing individuals to positions of leadership.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In the New Testament, ordination began being used to appoint leaders in local churches or ministry. In Acts 13:1–5, Paul and Barnabas were set apart for special ministry. The term ordination was not used, but the same idea was involved.
• In Acts 14:23, Paul and Barnabas appointed leaders who were set apart or ordained as elders of the churches.
• Titus was later also commanded to appoint elders in every town on the island of Crete (Titus 1:5). Titus himself was ordained as well (2 Corinthians 8:19).
• First Timothy 5:22 notes that Timothy should "not be hasty in the laying on of hands." Ordaining a church leader was an important decision then as it is today; it requires careful consideration.
• Timothy's ordination was specifically mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:6 where Paul wrote, "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." Timothy was set apart as a church leader and was to continue living out his calling in the church at Ephesus.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Ordination is a visible and solemn recognition that someone has been set apart by God for a specific role or task within the church. Just as in the Old Testament, where leaders were set apart or appointed for service, modern ordination publicly affirms God’s calling on an individual’s life. It provides a way to ensure that they meet the qualifications and theological positions of the church or ministry in which they will serve. It also reminds both the leader and the congregation of the sacred responsibility to serve faithfully.

Many churches ordain elders or deacons through a special service that includes prayer and leaders laying hands on the person to symbolize a transferal of trust or authorization of power. Though not required in Scripture, this tradition is certainly appropriate and publicly marks an important time in the life of a church and its leaders. Church leaders recognized by other church leaders then live with a deep sense of calling and responsibility to lovingly shepherd those in their church family with love and humility.

UNDERSTAND

• Ordination is a biblical practice of setting apart leaders.
• Ordination publicly affirms God’s calling and responsibility.
• Ordination provides accountability and preparation for ministry.

REFLECT

• How do you personally respond to church leaders who have been ordained?
• How can you support ordained leaders in their role?
• How might understanding the biblical basis for ordination shape your respect for church leadership and your own spiritual growth?

ENGAGE

• How does ordination in the Bible inform the way we view church leadership?
• What importance does ordination play both for a congregation and for the leader being ordained?
• How can a congregation honor and support ordained leaders beyond formal ceremonies?