Week Six - The Ordination of the Pastor

A pastor must be qualified.

A pastoral candidate must be biblically qualified.

A pastoral candidate must exhibit pastoral giftings.

A pastoral candidate must have a track record of making disciples and exhibit spiritual fruit.

A pastor must be called.

When we talk of calling, we need to be clear as to how God calls.

Pastoral ministry is not simply a title change, but a high calling.

God no longer calls audibly.

Calling begins with submission and willingness. Surrender: an unconditional willingness to serve God in whatever capacity He deems fit.

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.Isaiah 6:8-9

Pastoral calling is solidified by an unwavering desire to serve others as a shepherd.

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.1 Timothy 3:1

A pastoral candidate’s calling and equipping will be validated by church leadership.

Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.Acts 13:1-3

God often doesn’t call the equipped, but he equips the called.

Ministry calling will be a powerful reminder of one’s duty when times get difficult.

Pastoral ordination is the formal appointment for pastoral ministry.

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.1 Timothy 4:14

For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:Titus 1:5

Ordination: Appointing, consecrating, or commissioning of persons for special service to the Lord and His people.

These words come from the Latin ordinare, meaning “to set in order, arrange, organize.” In later Latin they came to mean “to appoint to office.”

katasteses: to appoint; to put in charge of;

Old Testament Precedents for Ordination

The consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests to God (Exod. 28–29; Lev. 8–9) The dedication of the Levites as servants of God (Num. 8:5–14) The appointment of 70 elders to assist Moses (Num. 11:16–17, 24–25) The commissioning of Joshua as Moses’ successor (Num. 27:18–23).

In the New Testament, pastors are ordained by local churches.

One does not take the role of pastor by simply graduating college, taking over a role in the church or by simply giving a title.

The ordination council determines that the pastoral candidate meets the stringent requirements of the pastoral office.

The council not only ensures doctrinal fidelity, but examines character, as well.

And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.Acts 14:23

The ordination council recommends a candidate to the church body for pastoral appointment.

The church body validates the findings of the council and votes to appoint the candidate to the office of pastor.

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.1 Timothy 5:22

The ordination council prays for and lays hands on the candidate consecrating them to pastoral ministry.

Laying on of hands is not a mystical, transfer-of-spirit ritual, but rather an act of affirmation and encouragement.

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.1 Timothy 5:22

Spiritually speaking, laying hands on an individual communicates, “We are with you.”

Ordination in 2012

Me & Pastor Chappell Deacons and Pastor laying on of hands Our family