Defining an Ordained Minister
Ordination is the acknowledgment by a community of believers that a person has been called to ministry, accompanied by their commission to serve the cause of Christ through recognized Christian service. In the case of those ordained through the National Association of Christian Ministers, ordination reflects recognition by a community of Christian ministers who affirm calling, character, and readiness for service.
What is an ordained minister. Christian ordination represents calling, service, and recognition within the Body of Christ.
Understanding what an ordained minister is requires careful attention to language and biblical meaning. Ordination does not elevate a person above other believers, nor does it grant legal standing, professional licensing, or institutional authority. Instead, ordination recognizes that a believer has been set apart by God and affirmed by the Christian community for service within ministry.
To understand this clearly, it is helpful to examine the biblical roots of the words involved.
The Biblical Meaning of an Ordained Minister
The root meaning of the term ordained minister:
- In general as well as biblical terms, the word ordain is connected to the Greek term diatasso, which conveys the idea of appointing, arranging, or setting in order for a purpose.
Likewise, the word minister comes from the Greek word diakoneo, which means to serve. In its most literal sense, it refers to attending to the needs of others, even to the humble task of waiting on tables. This definition emphasizes service rather than status.
When these two terms are combined, the phrase ordained minister carries the meaning of one appointed to serve or an appointed servant. This definition is foundational for understanding Christian ministry rightly.
Why is this important? There are two primary reasons.
Ordained Ministry and Servanthood
1) Because Jesus taught that ministry is rooted in servanthood.
- Jesus said, “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:11–12).
- Christian ministers are called to lead by serving, following the example of Christ Himself, who demonstrated servant leadership when He washed His disciples’ feet.
An ordained minister, therefore, is not defined by power, title, or office, but by faithfulness, humility, and willingness to serve others for the sake of the Gospel.
Who May Be Ordained and What Ordination Means
2) Because questions often arise about who may be ordained and what ordination qualifies a person to do.
It is important to recognize that being an appointed servant does not automatically place a person into a specific church office such as pastor, elder, or deacon. While these roles are often filled by individuals who have been ordained, ordination itself does not assign or impose a particular position.
- For this reason, disagreements over whether men or women may serve in certain ministry roles should be approached carefully and biblically. Ordination recognizes calling to service, not assignment to office.
Who would object to men or women being appointed as Christian servants? To deny that God may call believers of any gender to serve Him is to misunderstand the nature of Christian service and calling. Scripture affirms that all believers are called to faithfulness, obedience, and service within the Body of Christ.
- For this reason, independent churches and ministries prayerfully determine their own leadership structures and ministry roles. It is not the role of the National Association of Christian Ministers to assign individuals to offices such as pastor, elder, or deacon.
The purpose of the National Association of Christian Ministers is to recognize ministers through ordination as appointed servants. This recognition affirms calling and accountability while allowing ministers to pursue their convictions faithfully and independently within Christian ministry, without implying legal authority, institutional control, or civil endorsement.
Therefore, an ordained minister is a believer who has been affirmed by a community of believers as one called to serve humanity on behalf of God. Ordination recognizes service, humility, and faithfulness, and it calls the ordained minister to live and serve in a manner worthy of the Gospel.
FAQs About What Is an Ordained Minister
What is an ordained minister in Christianity?
An ordained minister is a believer who has been recognized by a Christian community as called by God to serve through ministry, marked by service, accountability, and faithfulness rather than authority or status.
Does ordination give legal or professional authority?
No. Ordination does not grant legal standing, professional licensing, or institutional authority. It is spiritual recognition within the Christian community.
Can women be ordained as ministers?
Ordination recognizes calling to service, not assignment to office. Scripture affirms that God calls believers of both men and women to serve faithfully within Christian ministry.
Is ordination the same as being a pastor?
No. Ordination does not automatically assign a person to the role of pastor, elder, or deacon. Those offices are determined by individual churches and ministries.
What is the purpose of ordination?
The purpose of ordination is to recognize calling, affirm accountability, and commission believers as servants of Christ within ministry.