Ordination

[Nate]

Fulfilling the ministry before ordination is important because it proves that you are capable of doing this already. It proves that God has both called and equipped you to do what it is that you are involved in. When we recognize the call and the equipping, it makes sense to recognize this ministry and to give the stamp of approval and pray into it.

[Sarah]

I think what Kenn said is extremely important. There are lots of scriptures that show us that we must respond to the call, not just hear it:

James 2:26: For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Matthew 9:37: Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few

Matthew 28:19: Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Part of the call to ministry is to act on the call. I think that ordination based on recognizing and empowering how someone is walking in the call instead of just catalyzing it is extremely wise and Biblical.

[Taliya]

Already fulfilling your ministry before being ordained shows a great deal of character. It shows integrity, commitment, passion, discipline and is evidence that you are fulfilling the call on your life and taking it seriously. I think it is wise to only ordain people after seeing those qualities in their life. Im sure being ordained comes with more responsibility and respect and it would make sense to have someone in that position who would be a positive influence on young ministers.

[Chris]

I am reminded by the passage of scripture in Matthew 22 when Jesus says, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” And while this may refer more to following Jesus in general, I see it also as the call to ministry. Many are called, but not all answer the call. Being called to the five-fold ministry in and of itself does not warrant ordination. The called person must have responded by saying, “Yes!”, and therefore engaging in the work that they are called to.