Church Policies
39
Ministerial Ordination
Ordination is the church’s public recognition of a divine ap-
pointment—The Christian church was at this time entering upon an
important era. The work of proclaiming the gospel message among
[42]
the Gentiles was now to be prosecuted with vigor; and as a result the
church was to be strengthened by a great ingathering of souls. The
apostles who had been appointed to lead out in this work would be
exposed to suspicion, prejudice, and jealousy. Their teachings concern-
ing the breaking down of “the middle wall of partition” (
Ephesians
2:14
) that had so long separated the Jewish and the Gentile world,
would naturally subject them to the charge of heresy, and their author-
ity as ministers of the gospel would be questioned by many zealous,
believing Jews. God foresaw the difficulties that His servants would be
called to meet, and, in order that their work should be above challenge,
He instructed the church by revelation to set them apart publicly to
the work of the ministry. Their ordination was a public recognition of
their divine appointment to bear to the Gentiles the glad tidings of the
gospel.—
The Acts of the Apostles, 161
.
By the laying on of hands, the church authorizes ministers to
teach, baptize, and organize churches—“There were in the church
that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and
Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, ...
and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost
said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have
called them” (
Acts 13:1, 2
). Before being sent forth as missionaries
to the heathen world, these apostles were solemnly dedicated to God
by fasting and prayer and the laying on of hands. Thus they were
authorized by the church, not only to teach the truth, but to perform
the rite of baptism, and to organize churches, being invested with full
ecclesiastical authority.—
Gospel Workers, 441
.
Before ordination, ministers should give evidence that they
have dedicated themselves to the work—There must be evidence
on the part of those who take the solemn position of shepherds, that
they have without reservation, dedicated themselves to the work. They
must take Christ as their personal Saviour.... Hands are laid upon men
to ordain them for the ministry before they are thoroughly examined
as to their qualifications for the sacred work; but how much better