Antioch Baptist Church

DEACON ORDINATION

Antioch has two Biblical positions of leadership in the Church: pastor and deacons (Philippians 1:1). The Pastor’s office has been translated by: bishop, elder & pastor.” These two officers (Deacon & Pastor) are generally placed in their respected offices by the local congregation through a service called ordination.

The model for this service is found in Acts 6:1-7. The term ordination is the setting aside of an individual for a particular purpose. The purpose of ordination is two fold: the individual is testifying to the will of God for this ministry in their life and second, Antioch is acknowledging the approval and authorization for the individual to serve the church in this leadership position.

In the New Testament there is no prescribed procedure for the service of ordination other than what is depicted in Acts 6. It was something the congregation was called upon to do, rather than an appointment by an individual or group. The church was charged with selecting men whose walk with the Lord was respected, wise and demonstrated by lifestyle that they were full of the Holy Spirit. The one particular thing that stands out ceremonially is the laying on of hands. This was frequently used in the New Testament as a public and formal act of setting aside for ministry individuals (Acts 6:6, 13:3, 1 Timothy 4:14 and 5:22, and 2 Timothy 1:6).