Ordination

[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.

[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?