Ordination: A Biblical-Historical View

Throughout the history of the church, ordination has been practiced in nearly all its branches or denominations. Yet there has never been a set theology or procedure for this rite - probably because there is no general agreement on what it signifies. According to author Warkentin, All kinds of suppositions about ordination abound The Scriptures of the New Testament are called upon to substantiate many of these assumptions, but contradictory doctrines continue to coexist. Warkentin's aim in this book is to examine the historical, exegetical, and theological sources of the rite of ordination. In the course of her study, several issues pertinent to church leadership practices emerge. Does a representative-mediatorial view of the ministry lead to encroachment on the office of the risen Lord and hinder the functioning of spiritual gifts in the church? Can we arrive at authentic scriptural norms on which to base leadership patterns in our churches? Warkentin's answers to these questions are both surprising and thought-provoking. She believes that the priesthood of all believers loses its meaning unless we recognize that true ministry - Christian service - can be practiced by each Christian according to his or her spiritual gifts, regardless of ordination. According to Warkentin: The vocabulary of the New Testament permits no pyramidal forms . . . Ordination can have no function in such a system, for it sets up barriers where none should exist, that is, between one Christian and another, and hinders the mutual service by which the church is edified.