Ordination: Purpose, Service, Authority and Limits

Synopsis

Ordination is 'an acknowledged form of designation to an appointed office and a recognition of one's authority.' The handbook names three categories of ordained officers — ministers, elders and deacons — and says ordination publicly recognizes God's call, God's enabling gifts, and the congregation's willingness to follow. It conveys no special powers but imposes a solemn responsibility, and Ellen White's warning that in some churches ordaining elders has been premature is quoted. The prerequisites are God's call and local church election; conference approval is not required, but election alone does not qualify a person — ordination is required before an elder has authority to function. The service is normally conducted by an ordained pastor before the congregation, with laying on of hands, prayer and words of blessing. Ordained elders may officiate at Communion, child dedications and funerals, but not weddings or baptisms, though a conference or mission president may on occasion authorize an elder to baptize. Ordination is for life unless forfeited, needs no repeating in a new church, and authorizes service only in the electing congregation, under the pastor, the board and the business meeting.