Ordination

[Margie]

Respond in paragraph format to the following prompt(s):

• In the interview with Kenn Parker, he says that a candidate for ordination should have a call from God, but they should actively be fulfilling their ministry. Why is fulfilling their ministry so important when considering a candidate for ordination?
• How have you reflected on the importance of ordination?

Being ordained is more like a recognition of what the individual is already doing for the Kingdom of God. They’ve already been appointed and anointed by God to do something, and being ordained is the recognition by the ACOP that they affirm and support this calling.

I didn’t truly understand the sacredness of being ordained until today. I have a question, though. Is being ordained only for people who intend to be lead pastors? Is it necessary or important for all of us who are already walking out our calling to be ordained?

[Melanie]

A call for ordination should be based on experience and understanding. It's one thing to be well versed in all things Biblical. It's another thing to be actively pursuing your calling, to understand the application of what you know and how to apply that knowledge to your calling.

I believe being called to be ordained is a calling for a select group of people and not for everyone, nor should it be.

[Deleted User]

When God calls you to something you can either walk in it or ignore it. To be an effective minister of the gospel you need to be walking in the call God has given you. It is when you are walking in the call that God has placed on your life that others will take notice. Ordination occurs when this ministry is recognized by leadership over you as God's calling in your life.

[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.