The Calling of A Servant

What is Ordination?

Congregation for great things

Ordaining and recommissioning

What ordination is

Ordination is the process by which individuals are consecrated, that is, set apart and elevated from the laity class to the clergy, who are thus then authorized to perform various religious rites and ceremonies. The process and ceremonies of ordination vary by religion and denomination.

Where do we see this?

Clearly qualifications in 1 Timothy 3

Also see this acted out in Acts 6

Intro

Acts thus far

Christ Ascension

Pentecost

Ministry in Jerusalem

High point of ministry in Jerusalem

Some this is anywhere from 2-5 years after Pentecost, but left vague.

Important to see because the church has grown over that time

About to disperse.

Acts 6:1–6 ESV

1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

What is Happening

Issues with imbalance

Hebrews vs Hellenists

Solution posed by the Apostles and agreed by the Congregation

Who is this about?

Are these Deacons

Jewish custom as the beginning off the Deacon office

How

Called on by the Congregation (as opposed to Overseers)

Quality

Good reputation

Full of Spirit and Wisdom

Wisdom from the Spirit

Role

To serve

Not less but allow Elders to do their calling

Work together

Delegation

Proclaim/witness outside other callings

Stephen and Philip-we don’t know of the rest

Pray and laying on of hands

Blessing vs. commissioning

V7 Allows the work to be done

Acts 6:7 ESV

7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Ordination is not us deciding but us affirming this call.

What is Ordination