Christian ordination should never be treated as the beginning of ministry. God calls the minister. Christian formation prepares the minister. Ordination recognizes that calling within the Body of Christ.
This guide brings together the major questions surrounding Christian ministry, calling, discernment, preparation, ordination, ministerial recognition, accountability, and practical service. Follow the sections in order or choose the subject that best answers your present question.
1. Understand Christian Ministry
Before asking how to become ordained, begin with a more basic question: What is Christian ministry? Ordination exists within ministry. Ministry does not exist merely to produce ordination.
Christian Ministry Defined
Christian ministry is service to God expressed through service to others under the lordship of Jesus Christ. It is rooted in Scripture, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and carried out through the life and mission of the Church.
2. Recognize and Discern the Calling
Christian ministry begins with God’s calling, not with a title, certificate, application, or position. A sense of calling should then be tested carefully through Scripture, prayer, character, spiritual fruit, and Christian community.
Calling to Ministry
A calling to ministry concerns God’s direction, the work of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, Christian character, and a growing desire to serve Jesus Christ and His Church.
Discern a Call to Christian Ministry Biblically
A sincere desire to serve should still be examined carefully. Biblical discernment helps distinguish a genuine calling from emotion, ambition, pressure, or a temporary interest in ministry.
3. Understand Christian Ordination
Once ministry and calling are understood, ordination can be placed in its proper context. Ordination does not create God’s call. It publicly recognizes calling, responsibility, and readiness for ministry within the Christian community.
Ordination Defined
Ordination is the acknowledgment by a community of believers that a person has been called to ministry, accompanied by recognition and commissioning for Christian service.
Is Ordination Required for Christian Ministry?
Not every act of Christian service requires formal ordination. However, recognized ministry leadership often carries responsibilities for which public acknowledgment and accountability are appropriate. This resource explains the distinction.
The Spiritual Significance of Ordination
Christian ordination carries spiritual meaning because it reflects recognition, accountability, responsibility, and public affirmation within the Body of Christ. Its purpose is faithful service rather than personal status.
Spiritual Significance of Ordination
Who Can Ordain?
God alone calls and equips ministers. Christian ordination is the recognition of that calling by other believers, churches, ministers, or ministerial associations. This resource explains why ordination should involve Christian community and accountability rather than self-declared authority.
Validity of Ordination
Questions about validity often arise when comparing online processes, in-person recognition, the laying on of hands, denominations, and independent ministerial associations. Learn how Christian recognition, accountability, and genuine ministry calling relate to the validity of ordination.
4. Prepare for Ministerial Recognition
A sense of calling should be followed by spiritual formation, biblical grounding, tested character, accountability, and practical readiness. Recognition should follow preparation rather than replace it.
Spiritual Preparation Before Christian Ordination
Preparation concerns who a person is becoming in Christ. Prayer, Scripture, obedience, humility, spiritual maturity, character, and participation in Christian community should already be shaping the person who seeks public ministerial recognition.
Requirements for Ordination
Ministerial recognition carries standards. Christians considering recognition through the National Association of Christian Ministers should understand the qualifications and requirements before beginning the application process.
5. Understand the Boundaries of Ordination
Christian ordination is meaningful, but it should never be represented as providing authority, qualifications, or privileges that it does not actually provide.
What Christian Ordination Does Not Provide
Christian ordination is ministerial recognition. It does not automatically create civil authority, professional licensing, employment rights, clinical qualifications, government jurisdiction, or authority over churches and individuals.
Licensed vs. Ordained Minister
Christian organizations use the terms licensed minister and ordained minister in different ways. Understanding the distinction helps prevent confusion between ministerial recognition and government-issued professional licensing.
6. Continue in Accountability and Integrity
Ordination should not be treated as a permanent badge disconnected from Christian conduct. Ministers remain responsible for character, accountability, truthfulness, and their continuing relationship with the fellowship that recognizes them.
Annual Ministry Renewal
Annual renewal confirms a minister’s continuing relationship and good standing with the ministerial fellowship. It provides a recurring point of accountability rather than treating ordination as something received once and forgotten.
The Problem of Fake and Misrepresented Degrees
Christian ministers have a responsibility to represent their education and qualifications truthfully. Misleading claims involving fake, non-accredited, or improperly represented academic degrees can damage ministerial credibility and public trust.
7. Put the Calling Into Practice
Ordination is not the destination. It recognizes a minister so that the minister may faithfully serve Jesus Christ and participate in the mission of His Church.
Become a Christian Wedding Officiant
Wedding ministry is one practical way an ordained Christian minister may serve. Christian wedding officiating involves more than conducting a ceremony. It is an opportunity to represent Jesus Christ and communicate the biblical meaning of marriage with faithfulness and integrity.
Become a Christian Wedding Officiant
Rethinking the Mission of the Church
Calling, preparation, ordination, and recognition ultimately exist for the mission Christ gave His Church. Christian ministry extends beyond buildings and programs into homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, relationships, and everyday life.
Considering Ministerial Recognition Through the NACM?
If you have considered Christian ministry, calling, discernment, preparation, ordination, accountability, and the responsibilities of recognition, learn how NACM membership provides a different path for Christian ministers.