Which component completes the ordination description?

Which component completes the ordination description?

• A. Laying on of hands
• B. Sending ministers forth by the Holy Spirit
• C. The laying on of hands and sending ministers forth by the Holy Spirit in response to divine calling
• D. Water baptism

Answer: (C)

In ordination, two elements come together to truly set someone apart for ministry: consecration through the laying on of hands, and commissioning by sending forth by the Holy Spirit in response to God’s call. The laying on of hands is the visible sign of the church recognizing and dedicating the person to sacred service, while being sent forth by the Spirit confirms that God is empowering and sending them into that ministry. Water baptism is a different rite and does not describe the ordination act itself. When you include both laying on hands and sending forth by the Holy Spirit in response to divine calling, you capture the full, proper description of ordination as both separation and commissioning.

In ordination, two elements come together to truly set someone apart for ministry: consecration through the laying on of hands, and commissioning by sending forth by the Holy Spirit in response to God’s call. The laying on of hands is the visible sign of the church recognizing and dedicating the person to sacred service, while being sent forth by the Spirit confirms that God is empowering and sending them into that ministry. Water baptism is a different rite and does not describe the ordination act itself. When you include both laying on hands and sending forth by the Holy Spirit in response to divine calling, you capture the full, proper description of ordination as both separation and commissioning.