Ordination

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.