Reading: Why Ordination Matters?

Why Ordination Matters: Then and Now

Introduction
Ordination has been a vital aspect of Christian ministry since the early church. It serves as both a spiritual acknowledgment of a person’s calling and a practical mechanism for ensuring that leaders are equipped and recognized. The significance of ordination in the early church and its relevance today underscores the continuity of God’s work through trained and commended leaders. This reading explores why ordination mattered in the early church and why it continues to be an essential practice in contemporary ministry.

Why Ordination Mattered in the Early Church

1. Recognition of Divine Calling
   In the early church, ordination affirmed that a person’s calling to ministry was not self-assumed but divinely inspired and recognized by the community.

   • Example: In Acts 13:2-3, Paul and Barnabas were set apart by the Holy Spirit and commissioned by the church through fasting, prayer, and the laying on of hands. This public act of ordination validated their calling and mission.
   • Purpose: Ordination highlighted that the work of ministry is initiated by God and affirmed by His people.

2. Accountability to the Church
   Ordination established a formal relationship between leaders and their communities, ensuring accountability and adherence to sound doctrine.

   • Example: Timothy’s ordination, mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:14, was accompanied by prophetic insights and the affirmation of elders. This underscored the need for leaders to remain faithful to their calling and teaching.
   • Purpose: By being publicly set apart, ordained leaders were called to live growing and transparent lives of new creations who lives reflected this salvation and transformation.

3. Unity and Order in Ministry
   The early church was rapidly expanding, and ordination provided a way to maintain order amid growth.

   • Example: In Acts 6:1-6, the apostles ordained deacons to address practical needs, ensuring that the church’s mission of preaching the Word and serving others remained balanced.
   • Purpose: Ordination created a structure that allowed the church to grow while staying unified and effective.

4. Public Recognition and Trust
   Ordination served as a public endorsement of a leader’s character, training, and readiness for ministry.

   • Example: Paul’s commendation of Phoebe in Romans 16:1-2 highlighted her role as a deacon and her trustworthiness in carrying the letter to the Romans.
   • Purpose: This public recognition assured congregations that their leaders were credible and spiritually growing and maturing. 

Why Ordination Matters Today

1. Affirmation of Calling and Gifting
   Just as in the early church, ordination today acknowledges that ministry is a divine calling, not merely a personal ambition.

   • Significance: Ordination validates that a person has discerned their calling in alignment with God’s will and has undergone preparation to serve effectively.
   • Example: Programs like those at the Christian Leaders Institute emphasize study-based training combined with local commendation, ensuring that candidates are spiritually and practically ready.

2. Credibility in Ministry

   Ordination provides a tangible marker of credibility in a world where trust in leaders is essential. It serves as an assurance that those who are ordained have been evaluated and recognized for their spiritual, ethical, and practical readiness to lead. In an age where skepticism about religious institutions and leadership can be high, especially among non-believers or the unchurched, ordination acts as a visible affirmation of a minister’s qualifications. This is particularly important when the credentials are study-based, as it demonstrates a commitment to rigorous preparation and knowledge of Scripture, theology, and ministry practices.
   

   • Significance: It reassures congregations and communities that ordained leaders meet specific spiritual, doctrine, life, and educational standards.
   • Example: Through the Christian Leaders Alliance, ordained leaders are publicly recognized in directories, demonstrating their preparation and local endorsement.

3. Accountability and Integrity
   Modern ordination includes an expectation of accountability to one’s local community and the broader Christian body.

   • Significance: Ordination acts as a safeguard, ensuring that leaders uphold biblical teaching and moral integrity.
   • Example: Local endorsements required for ordination through Christian Leaders Alliance mirror the early church practice of community affirmation.

4. Equipping for Service
   Ordination marks a formal preparation process that equips leaders for diverse ministry roles, from preaching to pastoral care.

   • Significance: It ensures that leaders are not only spiritually called but also practically trained for the challenges of ministry.
   • Example: The Christian Leaders Institute’s study-based credentials integrate theological education with practical ministry skills.

5. Unity and Mission
   In today’s global church, ordination fosters unity by aligning leaders with shared beliefs and practices.

   • Significance: It connects ordained leaders to a broader network of ministers, fostering collaboration and shared mission.
   • Example: The Christian Leaders Alliance network links ordained leaders worldwide, creating opportunities for partnership and mutual support.

Continuity of Purpose

Ordination bridges the early church’s practices with contemporary needs, serving as a testament to the unchanging nature of God’s call to ministry. Its dual role as a spiritual acknowledgment and practical mechanism ensures that the church remains faithful to its mission while adapting to modern contexts.

Conclusion
Ordination mattered in the early church because it affirmed calling, maintained accountability, established order, and built trust. It matters today for the same reasons, ensuring that leaders are equipped, credible, and recognized in their service to God and His people. By upholding the principles of preparation, commendation, and commissioning, ordination continues to be a cornerstone of effective ministry, connecting the church’s past with its present and future.