AN ORDINATION

POLICY & PROCEDURE

May 2023

 Dear Ordination Candidate,  

You are about to enter the arena of preparation for the highest calling in the world–a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, a steward of the household of God, a special agent of the King to advance His glorious Kingdom, a co-labourer with Christ in building His church. It is not your choice to so serve; it is God’s.  

It was said of John Knox, prince of Scottish preachers, that when he was called to this holy task he was broken in his spirit and continually in tears over the awesomeness of such a calling.  It will be our high privilege to examine you for ordination. Ordination is a confirmation by the church of a man’s call, spiritual preparedness, ministry proficiency, and Bible knowledge.

It allows a man to earn the full support of his local church elders as he embarks on ministry; they are certifying the man’s suitability for ministry.  Because we believe that the calling is holy and the task challenging, we desire that men be well-prepared before they are ordained. Thus, the preparation is demanding but attainable. Our Lord is to be given the best we have to offer. May God bless you as you pursue this most eminent calling.

(J. Macarthur)

~ Southern Baptist forefather, J.L. Dagg,  wrote the following:  As every converted man ought to profess Christ by baptism, so everyone who has been called of God to the ministry, ought to enter on the work by ordination.  …The Christian ministry is an institution of surpassing importance.  It does not grow up from the churches, but comes down from heaven.  It is a gift sent down to mankind from the ascended Saviour (Eph. 4:7-16) (pp. 254,262, Manual of Church Order).

This is consistent with our convictions, and the responsibility of the church and her leaders for raising up the next generation of leaders:

1. From our Antioch Declaration of Faith, under “The Church”: We believe in the autonomy of the local church, free from any external authority or control, with the right to appoint its own leaders. We believe the only scriptural offices in the local church, under Christ’s headship and according to the biblical qualifications, are: elders/pastors who give teaching and oversight in shepherding the flock, along with deacons who coordinate ministries of mercy and care for practical needs in the church.
2. From our Antioch Church Covenant: (8) We will work together for the continuance of a faithful Bible-teaching ministry in this church….

(i.e., every member shares in the serious responsibility of appointing leaders in the church.)