What does ordination mean?

Definition and Etymology

Ordination refers to the formal act of setting apart an individual for ministry or service to God and His people. In biblical terms, the concept encompasses the conferral of authority or responsibility to fulfill specific, divinely sanctioned roles. The English word “ordination” carries the sense of “arranging” or “appointing” someone for an office, which aligns with the biblical idea of being called and established by God’s mandate.

The Old Testament Hebrew terms often associated with the concept include words that mean “to fill the hand,” indicating the conferral of responsibility (see Exodus 28:41). In the New Testament, Greek expressions such as “kathistēmi” (to appoint, establish) and “cheirotoneō” (to choose or elect by the lifting of hands) convey the idea of placing individuals into roles of spiritual oversight.

Ordination in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, ordination was most prominently seen in the establishment of the Levitical priesthood. God chose Aaron and his sons to minister at the tabernacle, with specific instructions found in the Law. Exodus 28 and 29 detail the garments, consecration offerings, and rituals God prescribed:

• Exodus 28:41 says, “After you clothe them in these garments, you are to anoint and ordain them. So they may serve Me as priests.”

• Leviticus 8 describes the day-by-day process when Moses anointed Aaron, signifying a sacred commission.

This ordination involved sacrifices, washing with water, clothing in priestly vestments, and anointing with oil. Such actions demonstrated God’s holiness, the seriousness of priestly responsibilities, and the need for purity in those who served.

Ordination in the New Testament

In the New Testament, ordination shifts from a specialized priesthood to the leadership structure of the Church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, elders (presbyters), and deacons (Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 3:1–13). One key example is the appointment of elders and deacons to shepherd and serve congregations:

• 1 Timothy 3:1 instructs, “This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task.”

• Titus 1:5 adds, “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put what was left unfinished in order and appoint elders in every town as I directed you.”

Notably, ordination in the early Church involved prayer, fasting, and the laying on of hands (Acts 13:2–3). This shared practice replicated the Old Testament recognition of a God-initiated call, now centered on Christ’s saving work and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Process and Significance

Ordination, at its core, is both a divine calling and a community event. Those ordained are recognized by other believers who affirm the candidate’s calling, character, and gifting. The typical process involves:

1. A sense of divine calling or prompting.

2. Demonstration of spiritual maturity and readiness (1 Timothy 3:2–7).

3. Examination by the church community or spiritual leaders.

4. Prayerful laying on of hands, an act symbolizing the conferral of authority and blessing from God (1 Timothy 4:14).

Through this rite, the ordained person is formally entrusted with teaching, shepherding, sacramental duties (where applicable), and godly oversight. The ultimate significance lies in recognizing God’s sovereignty to choose, equip, and commission individuals for Gospel ministry.

Spiritual Authority and Community Affirmation

While Scripture underscores that all believers share in a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), certain offices carry leadership responsibilities that require ordination. This leadership is never authoritarian but exercised as a servant (Matthew 20:26–28). The laying on of hands is, therefore, a declaration that the community trusts the individual’s faithfulness and doctrinal soundness, as well as commits to supporting and holding them accountable.

Archaeological discoveries, such as early church meeting places in locations like Rome and Ephesus, indicate structured leadership roles in the Church’s formative centuries. Ancient manuscripts—including early papyrus fragments of Paul’s letters—show consistent recognition of elders and overseers in local congregations, embracing an organized pattern of spiritual leadership.

Scriptural Qualifications for Ordination

The Bible provides clear guidelines for those who desire or are called to ministry:

1. Moral Character: Above reproach, self-controlled, hospitable, able to teach, and not pugnacious (1 Timothy 3:2–3).

2. Spiritual Maturity: Not a recent convert, lest pride ensnare them (1 Timothy 3:6).

3. Doctrinal Integrity: Holding to “the trustworthy message” and able to encourage others by sound doctrine (Titus 1:9).

4. Good Reputation: Respected by believers and non-believers alike (1 Timothy 3:7).

These qualifications ensure that church leaders maintain the truth of Scripture and faithfully represent God’s holiness. Historical church creeds and confessions—in line with biblical foundations—further solidify the standards incumbent upon ordained leaders.

Historical and Archaeological Insights

Beyond biblical text, historical documents from the early centuries tie ordination practices to apostolic precedent. Letters from the Church Fathers, like Ignatius of Antioch and Clement of Rome, affirm that spiritual authority was conveyed and recognized through formal appointment. Archaeological examinations of ancient church inscriptions have revealed references to bishops, elders, and deacons, corroborating the structure implied in the New Testament.

The prevalence of manuscripts, such as the thousands of Greek copies of the New Testament, testifies to the consistency of Scripture’s teaching on church organization. Their overwhelming manuscript evidence points to the importance of ordained roles from the earliest days of Christianity.

Modern Application

Today, while procedures may vary across denominations, ordination still represents a profound commitment to serve God’s people under His direction. Certain Christian traditions view ordination as a sacrament, while others perceive it primarily as a biblically grounded commissioning. Common to all is the recognition of spiritual gifting and character that God grants and shapes in the individual.

Modern ordination services often include scripture readings, vows to uphold biblical truth, and public prayers of blessing. Regardless of differences in form or ceremony, the essential biblical principle endures: God calls and equips, while the faith community discerns and affirms.

Conclusion

Ordination is the time-honored, scripturally based means of formalizing a person’s calling to lead, teach, and pastor within the Body of Christ. It symbolizes God’s sovereign initiative, coupled with the community's affirmation that the candidate is prepared for the responsibilities and spiritual oversight required.

From the Old Testament priesthood consecrations to the New Testament appointments of overseers and deacons, ordination has consistently underscored God’s desire to work through faithful servants. Grounded in Scripture and enriched by historical practice, it remains an integral part of the Church’s life, ensuring that leadership rests on a firm foundation of divine calling, sound teaching, spiritual maturity, and loving service.