Ordination

[Bonani]

The fact that a candidate for ordination is fulfilling their ministry is further proof that they qualify for ordination because ordination does not confer ministry on one but is recognition of one’s ministry that they are already doing and the call of God upon their life.

[Karlena]

When someone is fulfilling their ministry, this is further evidence of the call. It is also an indication of commitment and responsibility on the part of the minister—that they are taking their call seriously. Fulfilling one’s ministry is, in effect, is also an act of obedience to the call of God.

I think that ordination is yet another step in what Rev. Stan Powers’ has termed “defining relationships.” For example, ordination helps to protect the body of Christ. It is a process of trying to make sure that credible, responsible people who have been divinely appointed for ministry are granted appropriate and publically recognized authority within their ministry context.

[Micah]

I hadn’t though of ordination in this way before, but these two things seem crucial. The act of obedience and stepping into the responsibility of the call is such an important thing; even if it simply means having the moment that both a minister and those around them can point back at and say “that is when I stepped over a threshold into obedience to God’s call in my life.” Through this, it serves as encouragement and accountability to the responsibility of the call of God.

In terms of protecting the body, ACOP’s process of having ordination be something initiated by the regional director also helps steward appointing leaders well, creating a well thought-out process that allows the moderately loose nature of the Fellowship to still produce credible and quality leaders to fulfil Jesus’ command to be shepherds and “feed his sheep.”

[Rachel]

Ordination is a ceremony where someone fulfilling their ministry is recognized. It is to bless them in the call that God has already given them. This call should be visible to the people around them. I like the image Rod Barks gives of an eagle already flying and catching an updraft. If someone is not following the call God has given them before ordination, how are they supposed to do it after?

[Caleb]

A candidate actively fulfilling their ministry before they are ordained is an essential prerequisite to being ordained because God is the one calling you to ministry. I believe ordinance in front of a body of believers is just a declaration of the ministry the candidate has done and praise and blessing to keep doing the Lords work with such fervor. Ordinance is important because there is power in confirmation. When another believer tells you that you are doing something right and obeying God, or even better yet a whole congregation tells you, it makes you want to praise Jesus for his guidance and be proficient in the work he has given you. There is also a definition of calling in ordinance, where maybe a person is questioning the validity of the calling they have from God, but then recognition of obedience is a sign you are still being faithful. ordination can be a sign of obedience, an empowerment and encouragement in ministry, and a calling from God to keep moving forward in his calling.