Ordination is a special calling, and the Bible highlights its significance. Today, we’ll read verses that reflect on the purpose and honor of ordination, celebrating those called to serve God and His people in unique ways.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Testing God
Bible Verses About Ordination
Exodus 28:41
“And you shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests.”
This verse highlights the process of ordaining and consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. Ordination involves a sacred ceremony of anointing and setting apart individuals for a specific role of serving God.
It emphasizes the importance of a formal process for appointing individuals to roles of leadership and service within the religious community.
Numbers 27:18-19
“So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. Make him stand before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and you shall inaugurate him in their sight.”
In this verse, Moses is instructed to ordain Joshua as his successor. The process involves laying hands on Joshua and publicly introducing him to the congregation, signifying his official appointment and inauguration.
It emphasizes the significance of passing on leadership and the importance of a formal recognition and blessing from the current leader to the successor.
Acts 6:6
“They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.”
Here, the apostles prayed and laid hands on individuals who were chosen to serve in a specific ministry. This act of laying hands was a symbol of affirmation, imparting spiritual blessings, and officially commissioning them for their service.
It demonstrates the practice of ordination within the early Christian community and the role of prayer and laying hands as a means of consecration and empowerment.
1 Timothy 4:14
“Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.”
Paul encourages Timothy not to overlook or disregard the gift he received when the elders laid hands on him. This suggests that ordination involves the recognition and activation of spiritual gifts for the purpose of ministry.
It emphasizes the importance of stewarding and utilizing the gifts bestowed through the laying on of hands, as well as the ongoing responsibility of the ordained individual to fulfill their calling.
Titus 1:5
“The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.”
Paul instructs Titus to appoint elders in every town, indicating the need for ordination and the establishment of leadership within local churches. Ordained elders provide guidance, oversight, and pastoral care to the congregation.
This verse highlights the role of ordination in fostering spiritual oversight and ensuring the orderly functioning of the church for the sake of its members’ spiritual growth and well-being.
Acts 13:2-3
“While they were worshipping 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 placed their hands on them and sent them off.”
The Holy Spirit directs the church in Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the specific work they were called to. The process involves prayer, fasting, and the laying on of hands before sending them out on their mission.
This verse demonstrates the discernment of the Holy Spirit in identifying individuals for specific tasks and the importance of ordaining and commissioning them through prayer and the laying on of hands.
1 Timothy 5:22
“Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.”
Paul warns Timothy to exercise caution and discernment in the act of laying hands on others, especially regarding the ordination of leaders. He emphasizes the need for purity and integrity in the selection and appointment of individuals for leadership positions.
This verse highlights the responsibility to ensure that those who are ordained have demonstrated godly character and are committed to leading a life worthy of their calling.
Exodus 40:15
“Anoint them just as you anointed their father, that they may serve me as priests. Their anointing will be to a priesthood that will continue throughout their generations.”
In this verse, God instructs Moses to anoint Aaron’s descendants as priests, establishing a hereditary priesthood. The anointing symbolizes consecration and empowers them to fulfill their priestly duties.
It emphasizes the continuity of the priestly lineage and the significance of the anointing as a mark of divine authority and appointment.
Hebrews 7:5
“Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham.”
This verse refers to the Levitical priesthood, highlighting their responsibility to collect tithes from the people. The Levites were ordained to serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple, performing various priestly duties as outlined in the Law of Moses.
It reveals the connection between ordination and specific responsibilities or functions within the religious community, including the administration of offerings and maintaining the worship practices.
1 Timothy 3:1-2
“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to their spouse, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…”
Paul outlines the qualifications for overseers or bishops, indicating that certain standards should be met for those seeking leadership positions within the church. These qualifications encompass both character traits and practical abilities.
This verse emphasizes the importance of moral integrity, personal discipline, and teaching ability as essential qualities for those being ordained as overseers or leaders in the church.
1 Peter 5:1-2
“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.”
Peter addresses the elders, urging them to fulfill their role as shepherds of God’s flock in a willing and sincere manner. He emphasizes the importance of genuine desire for service, integrity, and selflessness.
This verse highlights the pastoral aspect of ordination and the responsibility of ordained leaders to shepherd and care for the spiritual well-being of the congregation under their watch.
Acts 14:23
“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.”
Paul and Barnabas appoint elders in each church, following a process of prayer and fasting. The ordination of elders involves a formal commitment, recognizing their leadership role and entrusting them to the Lord.
This verse highlights the importance of a deliberate and dedicated process of ordination, involving spiritual preparation and submission to God’s guidance and authority.
2 Timothy 1:6
“For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
Paul encourages Timothy to activate and cultivate the spiritual gift that was imparted to him through Paul’s own laying on of hands. This suggests that ordination can be a catalyst for the development and manifestation of spiritual gifts.
It emphasizes the ongoing nurture and growth of the gifts received through ordination, as well as the need for personal responsibility in stewarding those gifts for the benefit of the church and the glory of God.
1 Timothy 3:10
“They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.”
Paul instructs Timothy that individuals who aspire to serve as deacons should undergo a process of testing to ensure their suitability. This testing could involve assessing their character, faithfulness, and commitment to serving others.
It highlights the importance of discernment and evaluation in the ordination process, ensuring that those appointed to positions of service are qualified and capable.
1 Timothy 4:13
“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.”
Paul encourages Timothy to prioritize certain aspects of ministry, including the public reading of Scripture, preaching, and teaching. This implies that those who are ordained have a responsibility to uphold and proclaim the Word of God.
It underscores the teaching and preaching ministry associated with ordination, emphasizing the role of ordained leaders in conveying biblical truths and nurturing the faith of the congregation.
Acts 1:21-22
“Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
The disciples recognize the need to select a replacement for Judas Iscariot to be among the apostolic group. They establish specific criteria for this selection, including having been a firsthand witness to Jesus’ ministry and resurrection.
This verse demonstrates the significance of firsthand experience and a personal encounter with Christ as qualifying factors in the process of ordination and leadership appointment.
Acts 20:28
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
Paul exhorts the elders to be vigilant and to fulfill their role as overseers, keeping watch over the flock entrusted to them. He emphasizes their responsibility to shepherd the church, recognizing its value as the redeemed people of God.
It highlights the weight of responsibility and the sacrificial nature of ordained leadership, reminding leaders of the value and worthiness of the church they have been called to serve.
Hebrews 5:4
“And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.”
The author of Hebrews states that no one can assume the honor of being a high priest or any ordained position on their own, but they must receive the call from God. This reference to Aaron highlights that ordination is a divine calling.
It emphasizes humility and the acknowledgement that ordination is not something to be sought or pursued for personal gain, but a recognition of God’s sovereign choice and call to serve.
Acts 6:3
“Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.”
The apostles address the early church, instructing them to select individuals who are known for their spiritual maturity and wisdom to oversee the distribution of food to the widows. This act of selection and delegation signifies a form of ordination.
It underscores the role of the congregation in the process of ordination, recognizing the importance of community discernment and the affirmation of individuals’ spiritual qualifications for specific roles.
1 Timothy 4:15-16
“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
Paul instructs Timothy to be dedicated and wholehearted in his ministerial responsibilities, focusing on making progress both in his personal growth and in the delivery of sound doctrine. This emphasizes the ongoing commitment required of those who are ordained.
It underscores the importance of a life characterized by faithful adherence to the teaching of Scripture and the positive impact that ordained individuals can have on their own spiritual well-being and the spiritual well-being of others.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.”
Paul urges the Thessalonian believers to recognize and respect those who are diligently serving among them, caring for their spiritual needs and providing guidance. This encourages an atmosphere of honor and unity within the faith community.
This verse emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of ordained leaders, fostering an environment of respect, love, and harmony among the members of the church.
1 Peter 4:10-11
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Peter encourages every believer to utilize the spiritual gifts they have received in service to others. This includes the ordained leaders who are entrusted with specific gifts for the edification of the body of Christ.
It emphasizes the responsibility of ordained individuals to faithfully steward their gifts, recognizing their role as conduits of God’s grace and power for the benefit of the church and the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 9:14
“In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.”
Paul emphasizes that those who are called to preach the gospel should be supported by the community they serve. This implies that there is a mutual responsibility to provide for the material needs of those who are ordained to full-time ministry.
It highlights the importance of the congregation’s commitment to the financial support of ordained ministers, recognizing their commitment to the work of spreading the gospel and ministering to the spiritual needs of the church.
James 3:1
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
James warns believers about the weighty responsibility that comes with the role of a teacher. He emphasizes the accountability and greater degree of scrutiny that applies to those who are entrusted with teaching and instructing others.
This verse underscores the seriousness of the ordained minister’s role, recognizing that they carry a greater responsibility and will face a heightened level of evaluation and judgment regarding their teaching and leadership.