Our First Ordination Service

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). 

The officers in a local New Testament church are pastors and deacons (Philippians 1:1). The same office is variously called bishop, elder, or pastor. These two officers are generally placed in their respected offices by the local congregation through a service of 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. In Acts 6, the Greek word for appoint in verse 3, is kathistemi, it is translated “to ordain” or in the case of Acts 6:3, to Appoint. 

The purpose then of ordination for the individual is the signifying of the sense of calling by God and their committing of their life to a particular ministry. For the local congregation it is the acknowledgement, approval and authorization for the individual to serve the church in ministry. Ordination is (1) a function of the local church, (2) It is an open and public service, (3) Consists of the laying on of hands, and (4) It is for deacons and ministers of the gospel. 

On Saturday, September 8th, 2018 we will be conducting our very first Ordination Service of The Church Family Fellowship, as we License and Ordain Cleve Stevens, Lenny Esposito, and Tom Thomazin. We invite you to come participate in this very special event that will be a part of our regular monthly Love Feast starting at 5:00 PM and will be held at Lenny & Chrissy Esposito's house, which is located at 2940 Pecos Way, Riverside, CA 92506.