S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The modern definition of ordination is "the investiture of clergy" or "the act of granting pastoral authority or sacerdotal power." Usually, we think of an ordination service as a ceremony in which...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does the Bible say about Ordination?

Ordination in Scripture is not presented as a ritual conferring mystical power but as the recognition of God's prior calling and the formal appointment of individuals to specific roles of spiritual responsibility. The Bible consistently shows that God initiates the call, the community confirms it, and the laying on of hands symbolises commissioning rather than imparting authority.

In the Old Testament, Ordination appears first as God's act of setting apart individuals for sacred tasks. Aaron and his sons were consecrated to serve as priests, marked by washing, anointing, and the presentation of offerings (Exodus 28–29). 

The Levites were similarly designated for tabernacle service through a public ceremony involving the laying on of hands by the congregation (Numbers 8:10–14). These acts did not create the calling; they acknowledged God's choice and prepared the leaders for holy service. Prophets such as Jeremiah were ordained directly by God's declaration: "Before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5). Ordination thus begins with divine initiative.

The New Testament continues this pattern by showing that Christ Himself appoints leaders. Jesus chose the twelve apostles "that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach" (Mark 3:14). Their Ordination was relational and missional, grounded in Christ's authority. Later, the early church recognised God's calling of additional leaders. When seven men were selected to serve the Jerusalem congregation, the apostles prayed and laid hands on them (Acts 6:6), demonstrating communal affirmation of God's work in their lives.

A pivotal example appears in Acts 13:2–4, where the Holy Spirit commands the church at Antioch: "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." After fasting and prayer, the church laid hands on them and sent them out. This passage shows that Ordination is fundamentally a response to God's call, not a human invention. The Spirit calls; the church recognises; prayer surrounds the act; and the laying on of hands symbolises commissioning.

Paul's ministry further clarifies Ordination as appointment. He and Barnabas "appointed elders in every church" (Acts 14:23). He instructed Titus to "appoint elders in every town" (Titus 1:5). These appointments were based on character qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–13 and Titus 1:5–9, emphasising integrity, self‑control, hospitality, and ability to teach. Scripture never ties Ordination to academic achievement or ceremonial grandeur; it ties it to spiritual maturity and divine calling.

Paul also warns Timothy not to be hasty in laying on hands (1 Timothy 5:22), showing that Ordination requires discernment and careful evaluation. Timothy himself received a gift "through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you" (1 Timothy 4:14), demonstrating that Ordination involves both recognition of gifting and affirmation of calling.

Ordination in Scripture also carries the weight of accountability. Leaders are charged to shepherd God's flock faithfully (1 Peter 5:1–4), to guard doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13–14), and to equip believers for ministry (Ephesians 4:11–12). Ordination therefore marks entry into a role of service, oversight, and responsibility rather than status or privilege.

At the same time, Scripture affirms the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9). While some are ordained to leadership, all Christians are called to minister through their Spirit‑given gifts (Romans 12:6–8). 

Ordination does not elevate leaders above the body; it simply designates them for specific tasks within it.

The Bible presents Ordination as God's call publicly affirmed through prayer, discernment, and commissioning, appointing qualified believers to serve and lead within the community.

1st Timothy 3:1-16. - QUALIFIED MEN TO KEEP THE CONGREGATION STRONG

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