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Ordination is one of the most sacred and misunderstood practices in the Church.
Is it a title?
A promotion?
A graduation ceremony after seminary?
No.
It is far deeper.
To be ordained means to be publicly recognized, affirmed, and authorized by the Church to live out a God-given call to ministry. It’s not about position — it’s about calling, character, and the visible presence of the Holy Spirit in someone’s life.
In the early church, we find this pattern clearly:
“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 placed their hands on them and sent them off.”
— Acts 13:2–3 (NIV)
Notice: the Church did not create the calling.
It simply recognized what the Holy Spirit had already done.
The Church of the Nazarene follows the same principle:
“Ordination reflects the biblical belief that God calls and gifts certain men and women for ministerial leadership in the church. Ordination is the authenticating, authorizing act of the Church…”
— Manual ¶502
It’s not a certificate.
It’s not just a stage ceremony.
It’s a declaration — by the gathered Body of Christ — that this person bears the mark of the Gospel.
That they have been tested, shaped, prepared, and entrusted to proclaim the message of Jesus.
Ordination means the Church sees in you:
- A life of holiness.
- A thirst for God’s Word.
- A love for God’s people.
- The gifts and graces necessary to lead and serve.
It is both a privilege and a responsibility.
The Church says: “You are one of us — and we will walk with you as you shepherd others.”
Ordination is not the beginning of ministry.
It is the Church’s joyful affirmation that the calling is real — and that it is for life.
