Graduate Ordination

Is God Calling You to Minster His People?

There is no greater calling than that to Serve God and His people.

What is Ordination?

The act of investing with ministerial authority or setting-apart for an office in the Christian Ministry. The New Testament shines light on the act of Ordination. As described by the following examples:

• The Seven were chosen by the brethren as men already “full of the Spirit and of wisdom,” and were then “appointed” by the Twelve, who prayed and “laid their hands upon them” (Acts 6:1-6).

• The call of Barnabas and Saul came direct from God (Acts 13:2, “the work where unto I have called them”; Acts 13:4, they were “sent forth by the Holy Spirit”).

• Certain prophets and teachers were instructed by the Holy Spirit to “separate” them for their work, which they did by fasting and praying and laying on of hands (Acts 13:3).

• Barnabas and Paul are said to have “Ordained” Elders or Presbyters in every city with prayers and fasting (Acts 14:23).

• Titus was instructed by Paul to “appoint Elders in every city” in Crete (Titus 1:5).

Timothy’s Gift for Evangelism

• By the “laying on of the hands” of the Presbytery (1 Timothy 4:14).

• By the “laying on of the hands” of Paul himself (2 Timothy 1:6).

The words “Lay hands hastily on no man” (1 Timothy 5:22) may refer to an act of Ordination, also to the restoration of the penitent. The reference in Hebrews 6:2 is relative to Ordination. From the previous references, we infer that it was regarded as advisable that persons holding high office in the Church should be openly recognized by the Church body, by the laying on of hands, fasting, and prayer.

The Ordination Rite fulfills this as an outward act of approval, a symbolic offering of intercessory prayer, and an emblem of the solidarity of the Christian community.

In summary, Ordination is the recognition by the Church of an Elder candidate’s “Call of God” to the Gospel Ministry. The recognition of the Church body confirms the “Elder” candidate’s conversion to Christ, his call to the Ministry, and his conviction of doctrinal beliefs.

“The Calling of God”

The New Testament teaches that God’s ministers are called (Hebrews 5:4). The person to be Ordained must have a burning conviction that God has called and he must preach. The apostle Paul had such a conviction. He said: “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (I Corinthians 9:16).

Paul did not teach that the act of the Church at Antioch in Ordaining him constituted him an Apostle (Galatians 1:1). Ordination does not make the Preacher. Unless he is called of God, Ordination means nothing. Ordination is simply signifying that a man believes God has “called him” to the Ministry.

Remember, Ordination is an outward act of Church approval rather than an indispensable channel of grace for the work of the Ministry.

Ordination Quick FAQ & Review

1. What is Ordination?

Ordination is the Sacramental ceremony in which a man becomes a Church Elder and enabled to Minister in Christ’s name and that of the Church.

2. When does the Ordination actually take place?

The ceremony takes place at after the Church Elder and Elder candidate have confirmed the authentication of the candidate calling, and satisfaction of the Elder candidate qualifications has been achieved. Once this has taken place, a time is set for the Ordination Ceremony (prayer, confirmation, laying of hands, anointing).

3. Who can Ordain a Pastor?

Only a standing Church Elder can Ordain an Elder candidate, they share in the Ministry of Jesus passed down through the apostles.

4. What is the meaning of the laying on of hands?

By this ritual the Ordaining Elder and the other Church Elders, through prayer invoke the Holy Spirit to come upon the one being Ordained, confirming his calling and setting him apart for the Ministry of Christ.

5. Why does the Elder candidate kneel during the Ordination?

It symbolizes his submission to his calling and his full dependence upon the guidance of God in his life, and the necessity of the prayers of the Church body.

6. What does the anointing with oil signify?

Anointing with oil stems from the Old Testament and indicates that someone is being set apart for a sacred duty. A Prayer may be said by the Elder during the anointing: “The Holy Father anointed Jesus at His baptism. Jesus anointed the Apostles after His ascension through the power of the Holy Spirit. May Jesus preserve You and guide You to sanctify and serve His people.”

7. How do I prepare for Ordination?

By accepting Your call to service and committing Yourself to the study of the Word of God. During this time You should make every attempt to set Yourself apart physically and spiritually, with special effort to pray in earnest often and sincerely. A prayerful lifestyle and avoidance of worldly influences allows You to intellectually and spiritually prepare Yourself completely for the service of God.

If you are prepared to answer your Calling, we are ready to help You.

You are able to earn Your Pastoral Diploma in any of three areas of study; Diploma in Christian Ministry, Diploma in Church History and Diploma in Church Leadership.

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