Ordination is a profound and sacred act within Christian ministry. It symbolizes a divine commissioning and impartation of authority, grace, and spiritual gifts to serve God and His people. However, not all ordinations are equal in spiritual power or legitimacy. The question “Who ordains you?” is more than procedural, it is deeply theological and practical. It affects your spiritual authority, your connection to God’s call, and the effectiveness and authenticity of your ministry.
Through ordination, wrong or right spirit can be imparted. Be sure that who ordains you is godly. Don’t just focus on his gifts alone.
In this article, we will explore:
The biblical and theological basis of ordination.
The significance of who performs the ordination.
The spiritual implications of ordination as an impartation.
The dangers of careless or inappropriate ordination.
How to discern true ordination in ministry.
What Is Ordination?
Ordination is the official act of setting someone apart for ministry. It involves prayer, the laying on of hands, and a recognition of a person’s call and gifting. Traditionally, it affirms:
Calling: The recognition that God has called an individual to serve in ministry.
Gifting: Acknowledgment of spiritual gifts and anointing for service.
Authority: The impartation of spiritual authority to teach, lead, and shepherd God’s people.
Responsibility: A commitment to serve God’s church faithfully.
The Bible records several instances of ordination, usually involving the laying on of hands by recognized leaders (e.g., apostles, elders, pastors) to empower a person for ministry (Acts 6:5-6; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6).
The Biblical Basis: Laying on of Hands and Apostolic Authority
The New Testament consistently shows that ordination is performed by those who have spiritual authority and apostolic commissioning. For example:
Acts 6:5-6: The apostles lay hands on seven men chosen to serve the early church.
2 Timothy 1:6: Paul reminds Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
1 Timothy 4:14: Paul speaks of the spiritual gift given to Timothy through prophetic utterance and laying on of hands by elders.
In all these cases, ordination is not just a formal ceremony but a spiritual impartation. It is the transmission of God’s grace, gifting, and authority through those appointed and recognized by God’s church.
Why Does Who Ordains You Matter?
1. Spiritual Authority and Legitimacy
The person or group who ordains you represents a spiritual authority. When they lay hands on you, they are acting as God’s agents, confirming your calling and imparting grace. If this authority is legitimate, biblically grounded, spiritually mature, and recognized by the Body of Christ, then the ordination carries true spiritual power.
However, if the ordaining party lacks genuine spiritual authority or divine calling, the ordination may be empty or even harmful. The ministry that follows may lack the anointing and protection of God, leaving the minister vulnerable to deception, burnout, or spiritual attack.
2. Apostolic and Ecclesiastical Connection
Christian ministry is not meant to be a solo endeavor. It is part of the Church’s collective mission. Ordination ties you into a spiritual lineage, a community of faith, and a tradition of apostolic authority. This connection ensures accountability, guidance, and support.
Being ordained by a recognized and faithful body connects you to a larger spiritual family and mission. It also protects against isolation and rogue ministry, which can lead to error or abuse.
3. Spiritual Impartation and Anointing
Ordination is more than a title or ceremony, it is a spiritual impartation. The laying on of hands is a tangible means by which God’s Spirit flows into the minister, equipping and empowering them for their calling.
The Bible refers to this impartation as the “gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6). When done with faith and authority, ordination releases God’s grace and anointing upon the individual. But if done improperly, the impartation may be weak or even invite spiritual confusion.
Ordination as Impartation: The Spiritual Dimension
Ordination is not merely symbolic; it is an act of impartation, transmitting spiritual power and authority. This impartation is essential for effective ministry.
The Nature of Impartation
Spiritual Gifts: Ordination often comes with the impartation or confirmation of spiritual gifts needed for ministry, teaching, preaching, healing, leadership, and discernment.
God’s Grace: Ordination imparts a special measure of God’s grace to sustain the minister in their calling.
Anointing: The Holy Spirit’s anointing for service is passed on, empowering the minister to serve with boldness and wisdom.
The Role of the Ordaining Party
The ordaining ministers serve as conduits of God’s power. Their faith, spiritual maturity, and divine appointment affect the quality and effectiveness of the impartation. This is why apostolic or elder-led ordination is emphasized in Scripture.
Risks of Improper Impartation
If ordination is conducted by someone lacking true spiritual authority or by a group disconnected from biblical truth, the spiritual impartation can be compromised. This can lead to:
Lack of spiritual fruitfulness.
Vulnerability to false teachings or demonic influence.
Questionable legitimacy in the eyes of the broader Church.
Beware Who Lays Hands on You: Practical and Spiritual Warnings
1. Avoid Ordination by Unrecognized Groups
Be wary of ordination by groups that:
Lack biblical credentials or accountability.
Promote unorthodox or heretical teachings.
Are motivated by financial gain or personal ambition.
Operate outside the recognized body of Christ.
Such ordinations may appear valid but lack the spiritual authority to impart true ministry power.
2. Beware of “Self-Ordination” or “Online Ordination”
The rise of online ordinations and self-ordination kits can be tempting shortcuts but often lack spiritual substance. These ordinations:
Lack community and accountability.
Do not involve the biblical laying on of hands by spiritual authorities.
May not provide genuine spiritual impartation or empowerment.
3. Test the Fruit of the Ordination
Jesus taught that you can recognize true spiritual authority by its fruit (Matthew 7:16-20). Signs of genuine ordination include:
A life marked by holiness, humility, and love.
Effective ministry that builds up the Body of Christ.
Alignment with Scripture and sound doctrine.
Accountability and connection to a local church or denomination.
4. Seek Apostolic-Led Ordination
The biblical model involves elders or apostles laying hands on the minister (Acts 6; 1 Timothy 4). Seek ordination through:
A local church with recognized elders.
A denomination or fellowship with apostolic oversight.
A spiritually mature community that can support and guide you.
How to Discern True Ordination
1. Examine the Ordaining Body
What is their theological stance?
Do they follow biblical doctrine?
Are they accountable and transparent?
Do they have a history of fruitful ministry?
2. Pray for Discernment
Ask God to reveal the truth and confirm your calling. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate guide and will not lead you into confusion.
3. Seek Counsel
Talk with trusted pastors, mentors, or mature believers who can provide wise counsel and perspective.
4. Look for Signs of the Spirit
True ordination will be accompanied by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and the confirmation of God’s peace and calling.
The Responsibility of the Ordained Minister
Once ordained, the minister carries a great responsibility:
To serve faithfully and humbly.
To preach and teach sound doctrine.
To care for God’s people with love and integrity.
To maintain accountability to the ordaining body and God.
Ordination is not a license for self-promotion or power but a sacred trust to advance God’s kingdom.
In ministry, who ordains you matters deeply. Ordination is not simply a rite of passage or a piece of paper, it is a sacred impartation of God’s grace, authority, and power to fulfill your calling.
Beware of casual or irresponsible ordination. Seek ordination through those who are biblically qualified, spiritually mature, and recognized by the Body of Christ. Remember that ordination connects you to a spiritual lineage and community, providing support, accountability, and empowerment.
Above all, trust God’s guidance and the confirmation of the Holy Spirit. True ordination will empower you to serve with boldness, humility, and effectiveness, fulfilling your divine calling and bringing glory to God.
Yours In His Service
C. C. RAYMOND
