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Ordination – FAQ: YouTube
Can you give me an idea about the, or at least a, Messianic process of ordination? I see many leaders out there bearing titles such as: rabbi, pastor, teacher. What was the process they went about, getting ordained and receiving such a title?
The process of ordination, the formal recognition of someone as a member of religious clergy, is something which has deep origins within the Scriptures. Within the Torah is witnessed the consecration of Aaron and his sons (Leviticus 8), the high priest (Leviticus 21:10), and the Levites (Numbers 8:5-13). Also witnessed is the appointment of Joshua as Moses’ successor (Numbers 27:15-23; Deuteronomy 34:9). Within the Apostolic Scriptures, Yeshua the Messiah specially appointed the Twelve (Mark 3:14; Luke 6:13-16), and with it granted them authority and power (Mark 3:14-15; Matthew 10:1-5). The appointment of special servants should also be considered (Acts 6:6; 13:3). Frequently involved with this kind of consecration or recognition, is the laying on of hands (1 Timothy 4:14; 5:22; 2 Timothy 1:6; Hebrews 6:2), a symbol of both Divine approval and impartation of spiritual gifts.
While there is surely variance, in the more modern Jewish and Christian traditions, the process of ordination for clergy, usually involves:
- some kind of religious education process, involving study of: theology, history, Biblical languages (Hebrew, Greek), and contemporary issues
- some kind of pre-ordination process, involving specific (congregational) assignments, training, and or counseling (by a mentor)
- final approval of a board of leaders of some kind
- an ordination ceremony, which may involve procedures such as: special prayers and blessings, laying on of hands, anointing with oil, and various commitments made by the one being ordained and recognized as a leader
The process for ordination, in a major Jewish or Protestant denomination, is most always a multi-year process. To be sure, the rise of many independent, non-denominational churches over the past several decades, has meant that there are many pastors and religious leaders who may not have gone through a formal process of ordination. Many have been seen to just set up a “church,” and declare themselves a “pastor.” This is something which has also, sadly, been widely encountered throughout a great deal of the independent Hebrew/Hebraic Roots movement. At times, it has also been seen throughout some parts of Messianic Judaism as well, although there are denominationally-styled organizations[1] which do offer ordination, and a network of support. Some of the benefits of having a formal ordination, with approval from a larger organization, may include having the proper license involving various local and state permissions (i.e., ability to marry, visit hospitals, etc.), as well as having a wider network of support and accountability, particularly when various ministry complications may arise.
What about Messianic ordination? What kind of education or process is involved? In 2024-2025, the two major Messianic Jewish organizations in North America[2] are seen to offer ordinations and some level of denominationally-styled support to those who they ordain. Frequently, an undergraduate university degree is required, although a theological degree of some kind may not be required, but preferred. There will likely be an application process, involving some biographical data, one’s experience attending a Messianic Jewish congregation or synagogue, and the recommendation or sponsorship of various Messianic Jewish leaders. This may then be followed by an interview process, approval toward ordination, and perhaps even preliminary licensing. There may be specific courses, those pursuing ordination need to take, through the auspices of the organization.
After several years as different requirements are met, likely also joined with attending different conference level events, ordination will be conferred at a national conference gathering. This will involve different Messianic Jewish leaders laying hands on the person to be ordained, as well as some significant commitments made by the new leader being recognized.
Of the two major Messianic Jewish organizations in North America, one will ordain Messianic Jewish men as Rabbis, and non-Jewish Messianic men as Messianic Pastors or Messianic Teachers. Women may also seen to be licensed as Messianic Teachers, but not ordained. Another Messianic Jewish organization will ordain Messianic Jewish men and women as Rabbis, but not any non-Jews. Many local Messianic congregations or synagogues are seen to ordain their local leaders as elders, deacons, and Rabbis—which may extend to either males or females. There are some non-Jewish men ordained as Rabbis by their local congregations.[3] To be sure, as time moves forward, there will likely be some ongoing developments regarding who can and who cannot be ordained as a Messianic leader, either by a large organization and/or a local congregation.[4]
NOTES
[1] I say “denominationally-styled” here, because a number of the major Messianic Jewish affiliations, would not be willing to call themselves an actual denomination like Conservative or Reform Judaism, or one of the many mainline Protestant groups.
[2] These are the International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues (IAMCS) and the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC).
[3] If necessary, do consult the Messianic Apologetics FAQ, “Rabbi, Title.”
[4] The author’s ordination process as a Messianic Teacher with the IAMCS is covered in “My Family’s Messianic Experience: 1995-2022” (appearing in Introduction to Things Messianic).
