Question 150: What is Ordination?

Answer:

Ordination is the rite by which the Church sets apart and authorizes individuals for ordained ministry—Bishops, Priests, and Deacons—through the laying on of hands and prayer. In Ordination, God confers grace to fulfill the office, and the Church recognizes the call of the Holy Spirit. Those ordained are entrusted with preaching the Word, administering the Sacraments, shepherding the flock, and serving Christ and His Church. (Acts 6:5–6, Acts 13:2–3, 1 Timothy 4:14, Titus 1:5–9)

Full Scripture References

“They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.” — Acts 6:6 (BSB)

“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” — Acts 13:2–3 (BSB)

“Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” — 1 Timothy 4:14 (BSB)

“For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you—if anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife… holding firmly to the faithful word as taught.” — Titus 1:5–9 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Ordination is a sacred act of the Church in which individuals are called, tested, and commissioned for leadership in Christ’s service. Through the laying on of hands and prayer, the Church recognizes and blesses those whom the Holy Spirit has called to serve as Deacons, Priests, or Bishops. Though all Christians are ministers in the body of Christ, those who are ordained are set apart for particular functions: preaching, sacramental ministry, pastoral care, and governance.

The 1662 Book of Common Prayer ordination services emphasize that this calling must be inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost and outwardly confirmed by the Church. The words in the ordination of priests declare: “Receive the Holy Ghost for the Office and Work of a Priest in the Church of God… Whose sins thou dost forgive, they are forgiven.” This underscores both the seriousness and grace of the office.

Canon Dr. Gerald McDermott (Anglican theologian, ACNA) writes, “Ordination is not a human promotion; it is a divine commission. Those called must be humble, orthodox, and faithful, because the Church entrusts them with the care of souls.”

Bishop Keith Ackerman (Diocese of Quincy, ACNA) states, “Holy Orders is not man’s achievement, but God’s gift. Through the laying on of hands, Christ equips His servants with grace to preach His Gospel and care for His people.”

J.C. Ryle wrote, “A true minister is made by the inward call of the Spirit and the outward confirmation of the Church. It is a high and holy office, and no one should undertake it lightly.” (Practical Religion, 1878)

Bishop Stewart Ruch (Diocese of the Upper Midwest, ACNA) adds, “Ordination is not the beginning of ministry, but the recognition that Christ has called someone to shepherd the flock. With that call comes spiritual authority, but also deep responsibility.”

Ordination, then, is both sacramental and ecclesial: it is a sign of the Church’s continuity and unity, a gift of God for the building up of His people, and a solemn charge to faithfully feed, guard, and serve the Body of Christ.

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. Hippolytus of Rome (c. 215 AD): “Let the bishop be ordained by the laying on of hands of other bishops… and let all pray, saying, ‘Amen,’ giving their assent.” — Apostolic Tradition, 3

St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “The priestly office is discharged on earth but ranked among heavenly things. The priest must be as pure as one who stands before angels.” — On the Priesthood, 3.4

St. Gregory of Nazianzus (c. 329–390 AD): “Not everyone can be a leader in the Church. The priest must be one who is first ruled by Christ, and then rules others through Him.” — Oration 2, On the Priesthood

St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258 AD): “No one can claim the office of bishop who has not been ordained by those in apostolic succession. The Church is one, and her ministry must be one also.” — Epistle 33