------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #Christian_identity, #Gods_grace, #church_leadership, #ecclesiology ## [[Ordination]]: The Appointment and Empowering of [[Church]] Leaders [Acts 20:28](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20.28&version=AMP); [1 Timothy 3:1–10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+3.1-10&version=AMP) [[Ordination]] refers to the formal appointment of individuals to specific offices within the [[Church]], accompanied by the **laying on of hands** and **prayer**, symbolizing the bestowal of [[Authority]] and grace to carry out the responsibilities of their office. This rite serves to affirm the [[calling]] of individuals to lead, teach, and shepherd [[God]]’s people, continuing the work initiated by [[Christ]] and carried on by the [[Apostles]]. > “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the [[Holy Spirit]] has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of [[God]], which he bought with his own blood.” ([Acts 20:28](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20.28&version=AMP)) In this post, we will explore the **biblical foundations**, **theological significance**, and **historical development** of [[Ordination]]. We’ll consider how the different [[offices]] within the [[Church]] have been defined and developed over time and how the [[Church]] has understood the role of [[Authority]] in [[church governance]]. ### The Biblical Foundations of [[Ordination]] [Acts 13:1–3](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13.1-3&version=AMP); [1 Timothy 5:17–22](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+5.17-22&version=AMP) In the [[00.New Testament]], [[Ordination]] is associated with the **laying on of hands** and the **prayers of the community**. The [[Apostles]], acting on the authority given to them by [[Christ]], appointed [[elders]] and [[deacons]] in the churches they established ([Acts 14:23](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+14.23&version=AMP); [Titus 1:5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus+1.5&version=AMP)). [[Paul]]’s instructions to [[Timothy]] and [[Titus]] contain detailed qualifications for these [[offices]], emphasizing character, teaching ability, and the ability to manage the affairs of the [[Church]] ([1 Timothy 3:1–13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+3.1-13&version=AMP); [Titus 1:5–9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus+1.5-9&version=AMP)). > “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others.” ([1 Timothy 5:22](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+5.22&version=AMP)) The laying on of hands was not merely a ceremonial act; it symbolized a **transfer of authority** and the **bestowal of [[Spiritual Gifts]]**. [[Paul]] reminds [[Timothy]] to “fan into flame the gift of [[God]], which is in you through the laying on of my hands” ([2 Timothy 1:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1.6&version=AMP)). Similarly, in [Acts 13:3](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13.3&version=AMP), the [[Church]] in [[Antioch]] laid hands on [[Paul]] and [[Barnabas]] to commission them for their missionary journey, showing the early [[Church]]’s practice of confirming [[God]]’s call through the public act of ordination. #### Call to Action: - Reflect on the importance of **prayer and discernment** in the appointment of [[Church]] leaders. How does your local [[Church]] involve the congregation in this process? ### The Structure of [[Church]] Offices: [[Overseer]], [[Elder]], and [[Deacon]] [1 Timothy 3:1–13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+3.1-13&version=AMP); [Titus 1:5–9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus+1.5-9&version=AMP) The [[00.New Testament]] uses a variety of terms to describe [[Church]] leaders, including **overseer** ([[bishop]]), **presbyter** ([[elder]]), and **[[deacon]]**. While some of these terms seem interchangeable, they gradually developed into distinct roles with specific responsibilities. #### [[Overseer]]/[[Bishop]] The term “[[overseer]]” (Greek: *episkopos*) is often translated as **[[bishop]]** in some English Bibles. This [[office]] is responsible for the **spiritual oversight** of the [[Church]], including **teaching**, **preaching**, and **safeguarding doctrine**. [[Paul]]’s instruction to [[Timothy]] regarding the **qualifications** for an overseer highlights the need for mature character and doctrinal soundness ([1 Timothy 3:1–7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+3.1-7&version=AMP)). > “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of [[overseer]], he desires a noble task.” ([1 Timothy 3:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+3.1&version=AMP)) #### [[Elder]]/Presbyter “[[Elder]]” (Greek: *presbyteros*) is often used synonymously with “[[overseer]]” in the [[00.New Testament]], although later [[Church]] practice distinguished these roles. [[Elders]] were responsible for **pastoral care** and the **spiritual leadership** of the local congregation. They were to **rule well** and be **worthy of double honor**, particularly if they **labored in preaching and teaching** ([1 Timothy 5:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+5.17&version=AMP)). > “I exhort the [[elders]] among you… shepherd the flock of [[God]] that is among you.” ([1 Peter 5:1–2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5.1-2&version=AMP)) #### [[Deacons]] The [[office]] of **[[deacon]]** (Greek: *diakonos*, meaning “servant”) was established to care for the **material needs** of the [[Church]]. The **seven [[deacons]]** appointed in [Acts 6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+6&version=AMP) were tasked with **distributing food** to the widows so that the [[Apostles]] could devote themselves to **prayer and the ministry of the word** ([Acts 6:1–6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+6.1-6&version=AMP)). [[Deacons]] were to be **dignified**, **faithful**, and **able to manage** their households well ([1 Timothy 3:8–13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+3.8-13&version=AMP)). > “They chose [[Stephen]], a man full of faith and the [[Holy Spirit]], along with [[Philip]], [[Prochorus]], [[Nicanor]], [[Timon]], [[Parmenas]], and [[Nicolas]].” ([Acts 6:5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+6.5&version=AMP)) #### Call to Action: - Take time to pray for the **leaders** in your [[Church]]. Consider how each [[office]]—**[[overseer]]**, **[[elder]]**, and **[[deacon]]**—works together to build up the body of [[Christ]]. ### The Theological Significance of [[Ordination]] [Ephesians 4:11–16](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4.11-16&version=AMP); [2 Timothy 1:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1.6&version=AMP) Theologically, [[Ordination]] is understood as a **setting apart** for **service and leadership** within the [[Church]]. It is through the [[Ordination]] rite that the [[Church]] **recognizes [[God]]’s calling** on an individual and entrusts them with **spiritual authority**. This authority, however, is fundamentally **servant-oriented**. [[Jesus]] taught that true leadership is about **humility and service**, rather than **power and prestige** ([Mark 10:42–45](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+10. 42-45&version=AMP)). > “And he gave the [[Apostles]], the [[Prophets]], the [[evangelists]], the [[shepherds]] and [[teachers]], to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of [[Christ]].” ([Ephesians 4:11–12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4.11-12&version=AMP)) The **grace imparted** through [[Ordination]] is not for the **exaltation** of the ordained but for the **edification of the [[Church]]**. It is given so that the ordained might **equip the saints** for ministry and help bring the [[Church]] to **maturity in [[Christ]]** ([Ephesians 4:12–13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4.12-13&version=AMP)). This makes [[Ordination]] not just a **personal calling** but a **public [[office]]** in service to [[God]]’s people. #### Call to Action: - Reflect on the **[[Spiritual Gifts]]** that [[God]] has given you. How might you use these gifts to serve others in your [[Church]], whether in [[ordained ministry]] or in other forms of service? ### Conclusion: [[Ordination]] as a Call to Service and Sacrifice [[Ordination]] is not merely a **ceremonial act** but a **spiritual commissioning** that carries both **privilege** and **responsibility**. It represents a **sacred trust** given by [[God]] through the [[Church]] for the **building up of the body of [[Christ]]**. Whether viewed as a **[[sacrament]]** or an **ecclesiastical rite**, it calls for **humility**, **faithfulness**, and **selfless service**. #### Final Call to Action: - Pray for those who are discerning a call to **[[ordained ministry]]**. Consider how you can **support** and **encourage** those who have been set apart for leadership in your own [[Church]]. Through [[Ordination]], [[God]] continues to raise up **shepherds**, **[[teachers]]**, and **servants** for the growth and health of His [[Church]]. It is a gift that helps the [[Church]] fulfill its mission of **proclaiming the gospel** and **making disciples** throughout the world.