Topical Bible: Fasting: Ordination of Ministers

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Fasting, a spiritual discipline involving abstaining from food and sometimes drink, is a practice deeply rooted in biblical tradition. It is often associated with prayer, repentance, and seeking God's guidance. In the context of ordaining ministers, fasting serves as a means of consecration and seeking divine direction for leadership within the church.

Biblical Instances of Fasting for Ordination

The New Testament provides clear examples of fasting in conjunction with the ordination of ministers. In the early church, fasting was integral to the process of appointing leaders. Acts 13:2-3 describes a pivotal moment in the church at Antioch: "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 laid their hands on them and sent them off." This passage highlights the role of fasting in discerning God's will and empowering individuals for ministry.

Similarly, in Acts 14:23 , the practice is reiterated: "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, and with prayer and fasting, they committed them to the Lord, in whom they had believed." Here, fasting accompanies prayer as a means of dedicating new leaders to God's service, ensuring that their appointment aligns with divine purposes.

Theological Significance

Fasting during ordination underscores the seriousness and sacredness of the task. It reflects a dependence on God for wisdom and guidance, acknowledging that human judgment alone is insufficient for such a significant decision. By fasting, the church community collectively seeks the Holy Spirit's confirmation and blessing on those chosen for ministry roles.

The act of fasting also serves as a form of spiritual purification and preparation. It is a time for those involved to humble themselves before God, seeking His presence and power to equip the newly ordained for their responsibilities. This aligns with the biblical principle that leadership in the church is not merely a human endeavor but a divine calling that requires spiritual readiness and empowerment.

Historical and Contemporary Practice

Throughout church history, fasting has remained a vital component of ordination ceremonies. Early church fathers and subsequent Christian traditions have upheld the practice as a means of invoking God's presence and guidance. In contemporary settings, many denominations continue to incorporate fasting into the ordination process, recognizing its biblical foundation and spiritual benefits.

Fasting, in this context, is not merely a ritualistic act but a profound expression of faith and reliance on God. It is a reminder that the church's mission and leadership are ultimately sustained by divine grace and power, rather than human effort alone.

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Acts 13:3
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
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Acts 14:23
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
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Library

The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ...
... By the laying on of hands the ministers of Antioch ... Immediately after their ordination
Paul and Barnabas entered on ... when they had prayed with fasting, they laid ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter v the ordination of.htm

The Gospel Message in Antioch
... apostles were solemnly dedicated to God by fasting and prayer ... And when the ministers
of the church of believers in ... a later date the rite of ordination by the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 16 the gospel message.htm

The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... Of these we acknowledge repentance, ordination of ministers ... or by midwives, but by
the ministers of the ... True Christian fasting consists in temperance, abstinence ...
/.../ 55 the second helvetic.htm

The Transplanting of Congregationalism
... upon an appointed day of prayer and fasting, July 20 ... Upon this day, the two ministers
and many among the ... among the Puritan body; their local ordination of their ...
/.../chapter ii the transplanting of.htm

Since we Know it to be Handed Down as a Rule of the Roman Church.. ...
... for all things and especially for fasting and prayer ... deacons, provided it was contracted
before ordination; yet never ... vow of chastity from the ministers of the ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xiii since we know.htm

The Brethren at Home.
... As the solemn time of ordination drew near there were consultations of ministers
with closed doors, and days set apart for fasting and prayer throughout the ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vii the brethren at.htm

Of the Power and Authoritie Given to Synods.
... Church or Synod) should enjoyn their Ministers to preach ... ordination, although
Act.1. be alledged, where Matthias ... of Antioch did, when with fasting and prayer ...
/.../the keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof/chap vi of the power.htm

In common with the Roman Church, the Greek Church has seven ...
... were absent from the celebration, and is partaken of fasting. ... But before speaking
of Ordination, it may be useful ... place in the case of the ministers of religion ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the holy eastern church/iii.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... teach that the Son and the Holy Spirit are God only in name; also, that there is
in the Trinity something created, and that serves and ministers unto another ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

On the Ecclesiastical Ministrations of the New Testament and on ...
... hence, also, the apostles were called "ministers," as being ... Election, or choice,
is the ordination of a person ... on of hands, and also by previous fasting and is ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lix on the ecclesiastical.htm