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At first, ordination may look like a religious ritual: Some elders in suits, a laying on of hands, a prayer, a certificate. But beneath the surface something eternal is taking place.Ordination is not just a tradition. It is a sacred transaction one where the Church stands as a witness to God’s personal calling on someone’s life.
“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”— 1 Timothy 4:14 (NIV)
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”— 2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV)
Something powerful happens in that moment of laying on hands — not magic, but affirmation. Not elevation, but commission.The Church of the Nazarene says it this way:
“Ordination… recognizes and confirms God’s call to ministerial leadership… [It] bears witness to the Church universal and the world at large that this candidate evidences an exemplary life of holiness, possesses gifts and graces for public ministry, and has a thirst for knowledge, especially for the Word of God.”— Manual ¶502
It’s not just a formality.It’s a covenant.The one being ordained makes a vow:
- To preach the Word.
- To live a life worthy of the calling.
- To guide the Church with love, purity, and truth.
And the Church makes a vow in return:
- To walk with the minister.
- To hold them accountable.
- To support, correct, and encourage them in the journey of ministry.
Ordination is not just a graduation or a badge. It is God’s Church affirming God’s call, and standing as a living witness to that calling — for life.
