Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
This passage of scripture teaches us of the formal ordination of church elders, deacons, pastors, and bishops, a process by which those who serve in leadership positions are duly designated to do so, after prayer and fasting is accomplished for the guidance of God in such matters. This practice is not the invention of man, but is instead ordained by God Himself, and it is described in the Bible as being a doctrine, to which all those in leadership positions should subscribe. Let's read:
Hebrews 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands"...
This doctrinal practice also comes with specific instructions that are incident to the importance of the offices that are to be filled, and the apostle Paul enumerates some of them which should be observed. Even though in the following example, the apostle Paul is speaking in the context of bishops and elders, yet the admonition extends out to deacons and pastors, for the requirement of holiness remains the same for each office. For instance, he says that a bishop must be vigilant and sober, not a drunkard, but of good behavior, given to benevolence and apt to teach. These qualifications are equally applicable to elders and deacons also, for they too stand in leadership positions, and as such are required by God to carry about themselves circumspectly, lest they misrepresent Christ in any way. Let's read:
1st Timothy 3:This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
This practice and qualifying process was carried out diligently by the early church, and comes down to our day as a general format to follow. After the outpouring of The Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian women who complained that the distribution of goods and services was not being conducted evenly, and therefore a council was called, consisting of the apostles and general assembly, in order to address the problem. It was then determined by everyone that seven faithful men should be searched out, men who hated covetousness and who had a good report amongst the people, and when this was done, prayer and fasting was made for God's guidance, and in their behalf, after which the apostles laid their hands on them and separated them for the sacred work they were called to do. Let's read:
Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
In our day the same practice is to be followed, for there are many who are called to serve by God in different capacities, and in different parts of the vineyard. Some of those who are called do not live in countries like America where we enjoy the freedom of religion and the freedom of speech, but are instead subject to serious persecution, just for taking the name of Jesus. And so for this reason, whenever the practice of formal ordination can be carried out, it must be done according to the scriptural guidelines laid down. As Christians we should always manifest an attitude to be willing to adhere to whatsoever God says, for when this is done, it makes for a streamlined and orderly operation of the church as an organized body.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which stresses the unity of the brotherhood, which in the Bible is closely associated with ordination, and it is the will of God that we adhere to the mandates given on this subject, whenever and wherever possible. Let's read:
Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!