What Is Ordination in the Bible — Meaning Explained

Ordination is the biblical practice of formally setting apart individuals for specific roles of spiritual leadership and service in the church. The concept of setting apart for sacred service runs throughout Scripture, from the appointment of priests in the Old Testament to the commissioning of elders and deacons in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, Moses ordained Aaron and his sons as priests through a elaborate ceremony involving washing, vesting, anointing with oil, and sacrifices. Leviticus 8 describes how Moses 'poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.' This ordination established the Aaronic priesthood for generations. In the New Testament, ordination takes a simpler but no less significant form. The apostles appointed seven men to serve the Greek widows in Acts 6. The congregation chose Stephen, Philip, and five others, and 'when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.' This laying on of hands signified commissioning, blessing, and the transfer of responsibility. Paul and Barnabas were ordained for missionary service when the church at Antioch 'fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them' and 'sent them away.' Timothy was ordained with the laying on of Paul's hands and the hands of the presbytery. Paul reminded him: 'Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.' The qualifications for ordination are clearly stated in Scripture. Elders (also called pastors, bishops, or overseers) must be 'blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous.' Deacons must be 'grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.' Ordination does not confer special grace or make a person inherently holier. It is the church's recognition of God's call and the individual's gifting for a specific ministry. The ordained person receives authority to fulfill their role and accountability to the church for their faithfulness. The goal of ordination is the good of the church and the glory of God. It ensures that leadership is qualified, recognized, and accountable, and that the church is served by those called and equipped for the task.