Ordination

As we prepare to celebrate an ordination service this weekend, I have been thinking a lot about what ordination means.  The word means to appoint or to set apart someone for ministry, usually within the context of the offices of elder/pastor and deacon.  It is a solemn and important aspect in the life of the church, because it is a declaration to the world that first, God has chosen these men to serve Him by serving His people in this capacity, and second, the church has recognized and evaluated this calling.  While we may not find an ordination ceremony spoken of directly in Scripture, we can find examples of people being set apart for the purpose of ministry to the flock of God.  Mark 3:13-14 tells us that Jesus called to Himself those whom He desired to set apart at His apostles (indeed, Jesus reminded these men later that they did not choose Him, but that He chose them in John 15:16).  Likewise, Paul recognized his own separation for ministry, understanding that he had been set apart even before his birth (Galatians 1:15).  We also see the Apostles setting apart certain men to serve as elders and deacons within that first century church (cf. Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5, Acts 13:3; Acts 6:2-6).

As I’ve thought about ordination, these two components – God’s choosing and the church’s recognition – have stood out to me.  I am thankful for the faithful men who are currently serving (and who have served) this church in these capacities.  They are doing so in many cases not because they have always aspired to these offices; in fact, for most of them, if not all, God’s calling in their lives was something with which they wrestled for a long period of time!  Rather, they are faithfully serving because they know – even if they do not understand why – God has chosen them.  They serve Him by serving His people, the flock that has been entrusted to their care – whether this is in spiritual leadership or physical service.  I am also thankful for this church, which seeks to evaluate the calling of those who feel led to serve.  Sometimes, this means recognizing that calling in a person before they recognize it in themselves!  The Elders and Deacons here at Faith are not quick to put a candidate before the church; there is much prayer, discussion, and vetting that takes place long before a name is ever brought to the church for its evaluation.  I think this is greatly beneficial for the body of Christ, and demonstrates again the seriousness with which this responsibility is taken.  Now that we have these candidates to formally ordain, however, we believe it is something the church as a whole should celebrate, which is why we have set aside this Sunday’s worship service for the ordaining of these three men.

One last note, of a personal nature:  some of you may be surprised to learn that I’m not already ordained.  I had been given some unfortunate advice a while back that I should wait until I was serving as a senior pastor and had finished seminary before seeking ordination.  Some good brothers in Christ have since corrected that advice, so it is a grand honor to be ordained (officially) by this church.  Please continue to pray for not only each man who is being ordained this weekend, but for all those who are serving in the leadership of this church, that we may be faithful to hearing God’s direction for Faith Baptist Church and bold in following it.