12 Ordination Requirements

​​The ordination requirements by denomination include various factors, varying from church. People who want to be ordained must get religious education and practical training. They do it by finishing a formal program at a seminary or other theological institution. Practical experience, like an internship or term as an assistant pastor, is necessary to prove their dedication to faith and ministry. A minister is ordained after being carefully considered and judged by church leaders or a governing group. These people look at the candidate’s theological knowledge, character, and readiness for ministry. The candidate is then officially ordained through a ceremony or service, committing to their faith and ministry after fulfilling every requirement for ordination and being granted approval. Religious groups have different ways to ordain a minister and ordination requirements based on their beliefs, customs, and ways of running the church.

1. Experience with many forms of ministerial responsibilities.

Experience with many forms of ministerial responsibilities means that a minister has done a lot of different kinds of tasks and experiences in their service to their faith group. It involves preaching sermons, leading worship services, officiating at ceremonies like weddings and funerals, giving spiritual care and counseling to congregation members, planning and participating in community outreach programs, and running the church’s administrative tasks. Ministers gain the information, skills, and flexibility they need to do their jobs well and meet the needs of their congregation and the community through their involvement.

Individuals do various activities that help them learn more about ministry and gain experience with different religious duties. It involves doing pastoral counseling or theological internships, volunteering in various ministry roles, attending training sessions and seminars, actively seeking out opportunities to interact with diverse communities and meet a range of spiritual and practical needs, and seeking out opportunities to shadow seasoned clergy members. Participants develop skills that prepare them for ministry challenges and chances by participating in various ministerial tasks and responsibilities.

2. Definite call to ministry as a life’s job.

A definite call to ministry as a life’s job means having a solid belief and reason for wanting to spend every moment of existence helping others religiously or spiritually. It’s a solid inner calling or passion that drives people to give their time, skills, and energy to doing God’s purpose and meeting other people’s needs in a religious setting. Their calling often affects every part of their lives, including the jobs they choose, the people they date, and the daily things they do. People who feel a strong call to service see it as more than just a job; it’s a lifelong commitment and calling that gives them meaning and identity.

People who are sure they are called to ministry as a career do many different things to discover their calling and how to achieve it. The first step in finding one’s spiritual calling is to seek the advice and counsel of more seasoned clergy or spiritual counselors. They complete a formal study and training program in theology or ministry to gain the information and skills necessary for effective ministry. Participating in ministry and service opportunities within one’s faith group is another way people improve their spiritual leadership skills. People eager to pursue their calling do personal reflection, prayer, and discernment to learn more about God’s will for their lives and figure out how to move forward in service. People who feel called to ministry as a career are always looking for ways to learn, grow, and develop spiritually as they work hard to follow their calling with honesty and ethics.

3. Complete devotion of body, soul, and spirit.

Complete devotion of body, soul, and spirit means committing everything about oneself to a higher cause or belief system. It implies a spirituality that looks at the whole person, including their emotions, thoughts, and spiritual abilities. They use all of these in service of their faith or ideals. The connection of one’s actions, thoughts, and emotions with one’s most profound ideas and convictions is the essence of the level of devotion. The alignment creates a sense of wholeness and harmony within oneself and the divine. People who practice full devotion to body, soul, and spirit try to live honest lives and show their faith in every part of their lives.

People who practice complete devotion to body, soul, and spirit do various things to improve their mental health and strengthen their connection to their faith or belief system. Some people prioritize regular spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, and thought. They set aside time daily to connect with God and find peace and clarity within themselves. They help others and show care, showing their faith through acts of kindness, generosity, and understanding. People enhance their connection and belonging to their religious group by participating in religious ceremonies, rituals, and community events. They look for ways to learn and grow spiritually, such as attending religious events, reading holy books, and having spiritual conversations and exploring. People who practice full devotion to body, soul, and spirit want to live a life that aligns with their deepest values and beliefs. They try to live their faith in every part of their lives.

4. Spiritual stability.

Spiritual stability describes a person’s capacity to remain grounded and strong in their spiritual life despite the inevitable ups and downs that are a part of it. Being grounded means being firmly rooted in spiritual beliefs, values, and practices. These give power and support as a person goes through the ups and downs of life. Spiritually stable people bear life’s inevitable highs and lows with dignity and confidence, gaining strength from their faith and other spiritual resources. A deep trust in a greater power or divine presence keeps people stable even when things are going badly. The trust acts as a guiding light and an anchor when things go wrong.

People who practice spiritual stability do various things to improve their spiritual health and increase their connection with God. They prioritize regular spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, and deep thought. They set aside time daily to connect with the holy and become more aware of the divine presence inside and around them. Journaling, spiritual reading, and religious services or gatherings are reflective practices that people use to help them reflect on their spiritual path and gain insight. People develop spiritual stability by helping others and being compassionate and kind. They do it because they know that all living things are linked and that creating unity and harmony in the world is essential. Others seek help and advice from spiritual mentors, community leaders, or religious teachers who offer them spiritual advice, support, and knowledge. Finding spiritual stability means committing to growing and changing all the time by deepening one’s connection with God and living every day according to the principles of love, kindness, and wisdom.

5. Social maturity.

Social maturity means having the interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and social awareness that help oneself handle relationships and social situations with maturity, empathy, and success. It means understanding and respecting other people’s thoughts, feelings, and boundaries and interacting and working constructively in various social settings. People who are socially grown are self-aware and manage their interactions with others. They stay calm and understanding even in challenging or heated situations. They care about other people’s happiness and growth and create helpful and welcoming environments so that people have respect, trust, and work together.

People who want to become more socially mature do many different things that help them improve their social skills and relational abilities. They start by emphasizing active listening and sensitivity, trying to see things from other people’s points of view and understand their experiences without judging or favoring them. Building rapport and stronger connections with others requires active listening, nonverbal cues, and acknowledging and validating their emotions. Socially mature people know how to communicate and settle arguments well. They say what they want respectfully and assertively and work together to solve problems by being open and understanding. They work on their social awareness and cultural competence by actively seeking to understand and respect the different identities, backgrounds, and experiences of others. They fight for fairness, justice, and inclusion in their communities and their relationships with others. Building and keeping healthy boundaries in relationships is essential to them. They accept others’ needs and limitations and build relationships based on trust, respect, and reciprocity. Social maturity is a lifelong process of becoming more self-aware, growing, and learning, marked by a dedication to building healthy, meaningful, and satisfying connections with others.

6. Clear knowledge of God’s Word.

A clear knowledge of God’s Word means having a deep and complete understanding of the teachings, principles, and truths in holy books like the Bible and other religious works. Knowing what these texts say isn’t enough; a person needs to understand and use their lessons in a way that makes sense for their life and spiritual journey. People with a solid understanding of God’s Word have a strong faith practice based on a deep understanding of its religious ideas, moral rules, and spiritual insights. They show they are dedicated to continuing to read, think about, and explore the Bible to understand better and appreciate its divine knowledge.

Some people practice different disciplines meant to help them understand and connect with sacred books better to get a clear understanding of God’s Word. Reading and studying the Bible every day is very important to them. They set aside time every day to fully understand the lessons and stories of their faith. For example, getting to know different parts of the Bible better means reading passages planned, doing topic studies, or following structured reading plans. Theological seminars, online discussion groups, and Bible study groups are other opportunities for people to learn from one another and share what they’ve learned. They look for help and advice from religious leaders, scholars, or spiritual teachers whom they trust and who are able to offer them new ideas about what the Bible means. Prayer, meditation, and practical application help people incorporate God’s Word into their daily lives. They strive to live by the ideals of love, compassion, and justice taught in the Bible. Seeking to understand God’s Word is a lifelong process of spiritual growth and finding that involves a dedication to strengthening one’s connection with God through studying and reflecting on holy texts.

7. Aptness as a teacher of truth.

Aptness as a teacher of truth means that someone is qualified, able, and successful at giving others correct, meaningful, life-changing insights and lessons. It means having a deep understanding of the truths and principles of the faith or belief system and being able to explain them to others in a clear, convincing, and exciting way. A teacher of truth is good at explaining complex ideas and concepts clearly and effectively to the audience, which helps them understand, gain insight, and grow. They are very good at determining what their students or listeners want, how they learn best, and their hobbies. They then change how they teach and communicate with them to increase their chances of learning and participating.

Many people do different things to improve their teaching skills and become more successful when they embody aptness as teachers of truth. Prioritizing ongoing study and reflection on the teachings and truths of their faith group or area of expertise helps them better understand and master essential ideas and concepts. It means studying the Bible, theological texts, or related literature and looking for formal education, training, or mentorship in teaching and pedagogy. 

Teachers of truth work on their communication skills, like being clear, articulate, and empathetic. It helps them communicate their message with sincerity, authenticity, and confidence. They promote a nurturing and inclusive learning environment by fostering dialogue, inquiry, and critical thinking among their students or audience and providing opportunities for exploration, questioning, and growth. They inspire others to pursue lives of integrity, purpose, and wisdom by further exemplifying the truths they preach through their words, actions, and behavior. Looking for aptness as a teacher of truth is a noble goal involving sharing knowledge, inspiring change, and giving others the tools to find and accept the truth in their lives.

8. Ability to guide souls from sin to righteousness.

The ability to guide souls from sin to righteousness means being able to help, support, and inspire others on their path of moral and spiritual change. It means having a deep understanding of sin, virtue, and redemption and the knowledge, skills, and compassion to help people through the complex parts of their spiritual walk. Individuals with such skills show understanding, perception, and judgment when dealing with other people’s spiritual needs and problems, providing support and advice based on love, wisdom, and grace.

People do different things meant to help spiritual growth, healing, and renewal to shape the minds of others from sin to righteousness. They begin by developing a close and meaningful relationship with God and use their insights, experiences, and convictions to guide and uplift others toward virtue. It includes regularly seeking wisdom and direction from holy books, religious teachings, and spiritual activities and engaging in contemplation, meditation, and prayer. 

Others listen kindly, advise, and provide pastoral care to individuals seeking direction or help to overcome sin and embrace righteousness. They make safe places for people to talk about their problems, worries, and questions and offer support, encouragement, and helpful advice. It makes it easier for people to admit, apologize, and make peace by helping them understand their mistakes, ask for forgiveness, and make things right. They offer continued support and accountability, walking with people as they try to live honest, good, and holy lives and recognizing and celebrating their progress and growth. A sacred calling and honor lie in leading souls from sin to righteousness. It comes from a deep desire to help others experience the life-changing power of divine grace and love.

9. Fruitage in souls gained for Christ.

Fruitage in souls gained for Christ means the real results and life-changing effects of one’s work to get others to accept Jesus Christ’s teachings, values, and offer of salvation. It refers to the spiritual growth, change, and flourishing people have experienced after being affected by Christ’s message and example, which led to their conversion, becoming followers, and vowing to live a life in line with Christian beliefs. Fruitage in souls gained for Christ is shown by the good things that happen in the lives of people touched by the Gospel, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Individuals who gain souls for Christ participate in various actions and behaviors to encourage spiritual growth, discipleship, and commitment among the people they contact. They make it a priority to share the Gospel message honestly, clearly, and completely. They do it by showing how Christ’s love and grace have changed their lives and asking others to do the same. It means spreading the story of salvation, forgiveness, and redemption through preaching, personal testimony, evangelism, and other outreach activities. 

People offer spiritual support, guidance, and mentoring to new Christians, helping them find their way on their faith path, learn more about the Bible, and apply Christian ideals to their daily lives. Worship, prayer, study, and service are just a few ways these gatherings bring people together in a shared faith and provide discipleship, community, and camaraderie. They encourage and give believers the power to share their faith and teach others, giving them the information, skills, and confidence they need to be influential representatives of Christ in their places of influence. Fruitage in the form of new Christians is a sign of how powerful God’s love and kindness are, and it shows how the Holy Spirit is still at work in the lives of believers and communities.

10. A cooperative attitude and faith in the church’s organization and operation.

A cooperative attitude and faith in the church’s organization and operation mean that a person trusts, works with others, and is dedicated to helping the church community’s structure, processes, and leadership. It means believing that the church’s structure and leadership are based on divine guidance and purpose, and it means being ready to participate in the church’s mission and ministry in a way that promotes unity, cooperation, and mutual respect. People with such attitudes feel like they own and are responsible for the church’s overall health and effectiveness. They know their actions and contributions are significant to furthering the church’s goal and helping its members and the community.

People in the church community do many different things to encourage cooperation and faith in how the church is run and organized. These things are meant to bring people together and give them a sense of unity and purpose. They first regard the church leaders with humility, transparency, and respect, understanding that their authority and guidance are essential to maintaining the community’s accountability, order, and direction. It means backing and taking part in the church’s decision-making processes, like congregational meetings, committees, or councils, and following the decisions and instructions of church leaders, even if they don’t always match up with personal tastes or beliefs. 

People seek ways to serve and give their time, skills, and resources to help the church reach its mission and ministry goals. They do it by volunteering, being good with money, or getting involved in many church programs, initiatives, or outreach efforts. They put a lot of effort into building and maintaining relationships of trust, unity, and mutual support within the church community. It ensures that everyone feels valued, connected, and able to work together to reach shared goals. They are still dedicated to upholding the church’s beliefs, teachings, and customs but are willing to try new things, adapt, and grow as needs and situations change. Trust in the church’s structure and operation, along with a willingness to work together, are the most important things that are done to make the church community alive, healthy, and growing so that it is able to do its work in the world.

11. A life of continuous and excellent Christian action.

The term “life of continuous and excellent Christian action” describes a person’s unwavering commitment to practicing their faith in a way that continually exemplifies the principles, teachings, and examples of Jesus Christ. It’s a way of being a Christian disciple that includes unwavering devotion, honesty, and excellence in all areas of life, like relationships, work, ministry, and personal behavior. People who follow such a way of life try to ensure that their thoughts, words, and actions align with Jesus’ love, compassion, justice, and righteousness teachings. They want to honor God and move His kingdom forward through their actions and impact on the world.

Actively living a Christian life means doing many things meant to strengthen their relationship with God, show Christlike qualities, and make a big difference in the people they interact with. Spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer, Bible study, and worship were emphasized significantly. These help them build a strong relationship with God that guides and supports their actions and choices. It means asking the Holy Spirit for help, strength, knowledge, humility, faith, and obedience, finding and following God’s will for their lives. 

People try to be good examples to others by acting consistently with their Christian beliefs and ideals and maintaining high moral standards daily. Their love, compassion, and service to others are shown through acts of kindness, generosity, hospitality, and advocacy, and they work to end pain, promote justice, and give people who need it strength. They actively contribute to the expansion, cohesion, and vitality of the body of Christ by using their resources, abilities, and gifts to further the church’s work and God’s mission of healing, transformation, and reconciliation. A life of continuous and exceptional Christian activity is a lifelong path of discipleship and growth marked by a steadfast commitment to following Christ and positively impacting the lives of others for God’s glory.

12. An exceptional family.

An exceptional family is defined by the deep connections of love, unity, and support that exist between its members, as well as by their mutual dedication to promoting the health, development, and joy of one another. It’s a family where everyone feels valuable, respected, and accepted for who they are and where trust, communication, and mutual respect are grown. A great family has a culture of support, joy, and cheering each other on in their successes. They comfort and lift each other when they’re having a hard time and celebrate big wins and milestones together. 

Another thing that makes a family great is that they make time to spend quality time together. They do it by sharing traditions, activities, and experiences that build their bonds and make them feel like they belong and are connected. A genuinely exceptional family has an attitude of cooperation, teamwork, and collaboration, where everyone works together to overcome obstacles, solve problems, and help each other reach their individual and group goals. A great family is ultimately a source of strength, joy, and resilience, offering a safe and caring space where each person is able to achieve their fullest potential.

What is ordination?

Ordination is a holy and official ceremony in many religions that recognizes and authorizes a person for a specific role or office within the religious group. The role or office involves leadership or ministry duties. It’s when people are given spiritual authority and the order to serve in different roles, like clergy, ministers, priests, or deacons, based on their religious tradition or denomination. Ordination is a solemn ceremony or ritual candidates go through, led by ordained clergy or spiritual leaders. They pray, are blessed, have their hands laid on them, and make vows that show their commitment to God and readiness to take on the duties and responsibilities of their ordained role during such a time. Ordination is a big and life-changing event in the person’s life and the religious group. The definition of ordination means that they are officially approved, consecrated, and given the power to do ministry or service in line with their faith’s beliefs, teachings, and traditions.

What are the types of ordination?

The types of ordination are listed below. 

• Lay Ordination: Lay members of the community who feel called to serve in specific ministry roles or leadership roles within the church are able to be ordained in some religions. Lay ordination includes training, discernment, and commissioning by the religious group. It allows people to be more involved in the life and ministry of the church while still working in their regular jobs.
• Ordination as a Deacon: Ordination as a deacon is a separate process in some Christian groups, like the Anglican, Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox churches. Deacons are called to be servants and agents of charity. They help priests and bishops with different liturgical and pastoral tasks and do community outreach and social justice work.
• Ordination to Certain Roles: The ordination process leads to specific jobs or ministries within a church or religious group. It happens in some spiritual traditions. Some jobs included deacon, elder, bishop, missionary, chaplain, and other specialty roles in the religious or clergy hierarchy. The requirements and customs of the denomination determine the duties, responsibilities, and expectations for each type of ordination.
• Ordination to Religious Orders: Some religious traditions offer ordination to lay members of the congregation who feel called to serve in specific ministry roles or leadership positions within the church. People who join these religious groups undergo special ordination as part of their promise to live a life of prayer, reflection, and service in a community.
• Permanent Ordination: Getting permanently ordained means committing to ministry or service in the religious group for life. Permanently ordained individuals are usually seen as clergy or spiritual leaders responsible for teaching, preaching, administering sacraments, and caring for the community on a pastoral level. Permanent ordination needs more education, training, or certification than the initial transitional priesthood.
• Transitional Ordination: People ordained to a specific job as a clergy member in a religious institution, like becoming a priest, minister, or pastor, usually go through a transitional type of ordination. Formal ceremonies and laying hands by ordained ministers are common parts of transitional ordination. The transitional ordination is one of the types of ordination meant to show that the person is now spiritually responsible for leading and caring for others in the faith community.

Who can be ordained?

Who can be ordained varies significantly depending on the religious tradition, denomination, and specific requirements set forth by each faith community. People who want to be ordained usually go through discernment to see if they are ready for ministry or leadership roles in the religious group. Personal qualities, spiritual maturity, theological education or training, and support from the faith group are often needed to be ordained. Some religious traditions only let ordained clergy or members of religious orders become bishops. Other religious traditions let laypeople or people from different backgrounds become bishops if they have the calling, skills, and qualifications for ministry. People seeking ordination must meet the unique age, gender, marital status, and theological belief standards of various faith communities. The religious leaders or governing bodies of each faith make the final decision about who gets ordained. They carefully consider candidates based on their readiness, commitment, and ability to carry out the duties of ordained ministry.

What is the primary purpose of ordination?

The primary purpose of ordination is to give people the spiritual power and permission to carry out particular roles or hold certain offices in the religious group. Priests are entrusted with sacred duties, sacramental administration, and pastoral care of the congregation upon receiving the legal recognition, which serves as the beginning of their official leadership or ministry obligations. Many religions use ordination as a solemn and holy ceremony to show that a person is ready, willing, and called to serve God and the faith group in a certain way. It recognizes personal qualities or accomplishments and a divine calling to live out the faith tradition’s values, teachings, and purpose. 

Ordination gives people the spiritual care and leadership of a group, acting as a link between God and people and providing spiritual direction, teaching, and care to individuals under their care. Another thing that comes with ordaining is a sense of authority, responsibility, and accountability within the religious hierarchy. Ordained clergy are expected to live by their faith’s principles, be ethical, and carry out their ministerial duties faithfully according to their religion’s teachings and traditions. 

How does ordination differ from other forms of religious appointment?

Ordination differs from other forms of religious appointment because it includes a formal and holy ceremony that gives people the spiritual authority and recognition to hold specific roles or offices within the religious community. Ordination is usually seen as a divine appointment made by God and approved by the faith community. It is different from other types of religious appointments that are based only on administrative choices or organizational structures. It comes with a sense of being called and sent by God, shown by the putting on hands, prayer, and blessings from religious leaders or ordained clergy. 

Ordination differs from being appointed or given a job because it comes with a sacred trust and responsibility to live out the faith tradition’s spiritual values, teachings, and purpose. Ordaining usually includes a discernment process, theological education or training, and approval by the religious leaders or governing bodies in the candidate’s tradition. It ensures that the candidates are fully prepared and qualified for the duties of ordained ministry. Other religious appointments, however, are based on organizational needs, personal qualifications, or administrative needs. They do not have the same spiritual meaning or divine authority as ordination. Ordination, in contrast to both types of appointments, such as divine appointment, is a holy and solemn ceremony that designates persons for service to God in line with His will; both types involve leadership duties within the religious community.

What role does ordination play in a religious community?

The role that ordination plays in a religious community are listed below.

• Community Building: Ordained preachers are important for creating and maintaining a sense of community within a religious congregation. They encourage members to get along, work together, and help each other.
• Governance and Administration: Ordained preachers help run the church by making decisions, managing the organization, and planning for the community’s growth and development.
• Interfaith Dialogue: Ordained preachers often represent their faith, talking to and working with people of other religions to promote peace, understanding, and tolerance.
• Mission and Outreach: A minister who has been ordained leads mission and outreach projects that involve the community in acts of service, social justice, and evangelism to share the message of love and kindness.
• Pastoral Care: Ordained ministers offer pastoral care and support to congregation members in times of joy, grief, and spiritual need. “What can an ordained minister do?” is counseling, praying for, and being there for people and families emotionally.
• Prayer and Worship: Ordained ministers lead worship services for congregations. They lead prayers, hymns, and rituals that inspire respect, awe, and devotion.
• Sacramental Administration: An ordained priest can perform sacraments like baptisms, weddings, and Holy Communion. These help people in the community grow spiritually and connect them with God’s grace.
• Spiritual Guidance: An ordained minister helps people looking for direction on their faith journey by giving them spiritual advice and mentoring, as well as support and encouragement on their path to spiritual satisfaction.
• Spiritual Leadership: Being ordained gives people the power to lead others in their faith, morality, and personal growth as a spiritual leader in a religious group.
• Teaching and Preaching: It is the job of ordained preachers to teach and preach the Bible, giving believers theological insights and helping them understand their faith better.

Do you need to be ordained to become a prophetic minister?

No, you do not need to be ordained to become a prophetic minister. Many believe that prophetic ministry is a spiritual gift or calling that comes to anybody, regardless of whether they are ordained or not, even if ordination is sometimes necessary for specific leadership positions within religious institutions. Many religious groups believe that God gives people prophetic ministry if they are able to hear and share messages from the divine world. It is thought that the prophetic gift is given directly by the Holy Spirit and is not necessarily based upon formal ordination, although ordination provides specific responsibilities and recognition within the religious community. Individuals who have a sense that they are called to prophetic ministry are able to function in such a way regardless of whether or not they have been ordained, given that they are acknowledged and supported by the community of their faith.