Ordination is the process by which a Christian church recognizes and authorizes someone to serve in ministry. Depending on the denomination, it may take the form of a liturgical rite, a vote and laying on of hands, or a formal appointment. The ordained person may be a priest, pastor, deacon, missionary, or another church office.
What does “ordination” mean?
“Ordained” means a person has been set apart or commissioned for ministry recognized by the church. The word comes from Latin ordinare, “to set in order.” Titles and duties differ, so a Catholic priest, Episcopal priest, Methodist pastor, and lay minister may do very different work even when each church calls its authorization ordination.
Ordination does not automatically mean that a person has a graduate degree or belongs to a denomination. Some churches require theological training; others accept demonstrated character, ability, service, and congregational trust. Requirements may include a statement of faith, references, interviews, examinations, or service in the church.
How do different traditions understand ordination?
Roman Catholics believe ordination is a sacrament. A bishop ordains a man or woman to the diaconate or priesthood, and the Holy Orders sacrament establishes that ministry. Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches call it a mystery or Holy Mystery and ordain deacons, priests, and bishops through their hierarchical rites.
Anglican and Episcopal churches ordain deacons and priests through bishops. Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, and many other Protestant churches usually describe ordination as the church’s authorization or setting apart of a person for ministry, not as a sacrament. Procedures may include a congregational vote, a conference or presbytery decision, and the laying on of hands by ordained clergy.
Some churches also ordain deaconesses, lay ministers, evangelists, or missionaries, while others regard those roles as appointments or lay service. For a broader comparison, see sacraments and ordinances by denomination.
What happens during an ordination service?
Churches often call, elect, and examine a candidate before ordination. The rite may occur during worship, with Scripture, prayers, a statement of the person’s calling, and often the laying on of hands. In Catholic and Orthodox ordinations, clergy gather around the candidate while a bishop prays and ordains. In many Protestant services, prayer, preaching, public affirmation, and laying on of hands are central.
The rite does not use identical words in every church. Congregations may welcome the new minister with a charge, blessing, applause, or a handshake. Those present witness the church’s act of setting apart and calling someone to ministry.
What should visitors expect?
An ordination is a church service, not a private ceremony, and many churches welcome guests. Visitors may hear the candidate’s name, an explanation of the rite, and the names of church leaders. If a church calls ordination a sacrament, that reflects its belief that Christ acts through the church’s ministerial rite. The service may also include a sermon, music, and the presentation of the newly ordained minister.
Visitors need not touch the candidate or take part in the laying on of hands unless invited. If planning to attend, check the congregation’s dress expectations and whether it treats the service as public worship or a reserved liturgical ceremony.