In the last article it was said that Ordination is one of the most important Rites of the Christian Church; that it is a public recognition of the fact that God has chosen a brother or sister with special gifts for the edification of His Church which is the people of God. In addition, mention was made that Ordination is a symbol of the continuous Ministry of the Church and also a symbol that God has laid His hand upon the individual and set him or her apart for fulltime Ministry.
Ordination makes a distinction between Clergy and Lay- Persons; however, both are called to a life of Witness and Service. The Clergy is not just an Ordained Lay- Person. He or she is much more. He or she is a very special kind of person, chosen, specially trained, ordained and set apart for a very special function within the Church. He or she is special not because of his or her privileges (because he or she has none) but because of the Awesomeness of his or her responsibilities.
In order to perform the mission of the Church effectively, God’s people must be trained, instructed, equipped and inspired. This is the major tasks the Ordained Minister. The Provincial theme for the EWI Province for 2007 equipping the saints, empowering the faithful was very appropriate, for when one is ordained, it is the expectation that such an individual would equip and empower the people of God. God calls men and women and endow them with special gifts and graces. He calls them as Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the Ministry, for the edifying or building up of the body of Christ. This is one of the most primary responsibilities of the Ordained Minister. The words of Amos are very apt for our discussion: Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not afraid? Shall there be evil in a city, and the Lord hath done it? Surely the Lord will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the Prophets. The Lion hath roared, who will not fear? The Lord God hath spoken who can but prophesy? Amos 3:6-8.
Finally, we have the words of Isaiah, quoted by Jesus when he preached his first sermon at Nazareth: The spirit of the Lord is upon me; because he hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the poor; he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, the opening of prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18-19.
Ordination then speaks of one who has been set apart to help the Church which he or she serves to move out into the community on mission, to meet the needs of the people outside whatever those needs are. Ordination means that you are called out and apart, to be called in to more effective service for the Master.
