Journal: Priscilla Papers
Volume: PP 04:3 (Summer 1990)
Article: Ordination In The New Testament
Author: A. Berkeley Mickelsen

PP 4:3 Summer 1990) p. 3

Ordination In The New Testament

With Pertinent Biblical Materials

Berkeley Mickelsen

(Editor’s note-We are honored to publish this article for the first time.)

Some lay persons have been surprised when they look in their concordances under “ordain” or “ordination” to find nothing helpful in their search for a biblical basis for the ordination of ministers. A biblical basis for the ordination of ministers involves the interpreter with a lot of inferences and assumptions. Although we do not need to make as many assumptions as with church membership, ordination is not at all in the same category as water baptism or the Lord’s supper.

No Exclusive Technical Term For Ordination

The terms deacons, elders, shepherds, spiritual leaders, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers (one article with both nouns), have much in common. Where then should we put the stress, on office or ministry or both? How was one recognized as appointed and called to any of these ministries? Could one person be called to several of these ministries? The answer to these questions would be easier if there were an exclusive technical term for ordination and if this term were used as an outward recognition of call. Unfortunately the term does not exist. We must recognize this fact.

We must also recognize the tradition of the church. Ordination, like other elements in the Christian church, has plenty of variation among the various Christian denominations, but there is considerable agreement about the need for ordination. How have Christians arrived at this kind of conclusion? I am aware of the Plymouth Brethren and their arguments, but they and others like them are really a small minority. In outline form we will try to summarize a case for the consecration of individuals to an office or a ministry.

Various Meanings For The Technical Expression: “Laying On Of Hands”

In the Old Testament.—We are all acquainted with this expression in the New Testament, but before we examine the occurrences there, we ought to see how the expression is used in the Old Testament.

Consecration ceremony of Aaron and his sons.— The elaborate ceremony involved the offering of one bull, two rams, unleavened bread, cakes, wafers. It also involved the washing of Aaron and his sons with water and their putting on of priestly garments. The ceremony was climaxed by putting annointing oil on the head. During the ceremony, when it came to the offerings of the bulls and the rams, Aaron and his sons had to lay their hands on the heads of each of the animals. Then the animals were slain and became offerings for them (Exodus 29:10,You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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