Ordination = a ceremony bestowing a person with a position of spiritual responsibility and authority for a specific office.
I. A Time of Recognizing God’s
Ephesians 4:11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
II. A Time of Anointing and
Consecrate = set apart; to devote permanently to the worship and service of God by a solemn ceremony.
Leviticus 8:10 Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it, and so consecrated them … 12 He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.
III. A Time of Laying on Hands and
1 Timothy 4:12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
IV. A Time of Turning Over
Acts 6:1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, 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 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” … 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly …
V. A Time of Issuing Charges
A. Charge to Pastors Kirk and Shianne Pearson:
Will you carry out the same charge given to Timothy that says, In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction … 5 … keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:1)
Will you proclaim the whole counsel of God from the Scriptures without fear or hesitation with the goal of seeking to please God over trying to please men? (Acts 20:27-28, Ephesians 4:1,)
Will you watch over and pray for the flock of God entrusted to your care as one who must give an account to God? (Hebrews 13:17)
Will you love, guide, and care for God’s people, not by constraint, but from a willing spirit; not motivated by personal gain, but eager to serve; not lording over those entrusted to you, but rather being an example to the flock in speech, life, love, faith, and purity? (1 Peter 5:2-3, 1 Timothy 4:12)
Will you study the Scriptures so that you will teach sound doctrine and proclaim the whole counsel of God’s Word? (2 Timothy 2:15, Titus 2:1)
B. Charge to the Church:
- Will you receive Pastors Kirk and Shianne as gifts Jesus has given this church and that you will seek to grow and mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ? (Ephesians 4:11-13)
Will you submit to their authority in line with the scriptures so their work will be a joy and not a burden? (Hebrews 13:17)
Will you love, honor, and pray for them as they seek to lead Love of Christ Church in accomplishing God’s will? (1 Timothy 2:1-3, Romans 12:10-11)
Will you refuse to gossip or listen to accusations against them unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. (1 Timothy 5:19)