The word “Ordain” means to “set in order,” or “to arrange.” For instance, the Psalmist said, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained” (Psalm 8:3). What David is saying is God ordered and arranged all the stars by his fingers just as He planned. The universe is not random or the result of a chance episode — What scientists call the “Big Bang.” Everything that is created is ordained — orderly and the product of God’s design.
The apostle Mark used the word in a different way. He said, “And He (Jesus) appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach, and to have authority to cast out demons"(Mark:3-14-15). In this instance, the ordination was about the right of Jesus to choose, equip and send messengers to proclaim the gospel. These 12 disciples were given the privilege to be close to Him, learn from Him and be empowered to do ministry like He did. Ordination was not only an appointment; it was a granting of ability to do the work of Jesus.
The apostle Paul used this word in another way when he said, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepare (ordained) beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). God’s plan of salvation which is available to the whole world is not a developing plan worked out is phases or different periods of time. God’s plan which makes it possible for us to live for Jesus was ordained from the very beginning of time. Our salvation and our discipleship were ordered and arranged by God’s hand. Every one of us is ordained to not only be the people of God, but to do the work of God. Think about that. You have been ordained — set apart by God, and for God.
This morning we are ordaining two of our men to serve as deacons, Mike House and Doug Hutson. After we have prayed and asked God to show us who within our church should serve, the church chose 6 men: Doug Bryant, Bill Gabler, Phil Callahan, Edward Grant, Mike House and Doug Hutson. All chosen have previously been ordained except the two we ordain today. In ordaining Mike and Doug this morning, we believe that God has not only ordained them, arranged them, appointed them to be saved, but we believe God has put His hands on them to serve, to lead, and to minister among us for His glory. They are not better than any other believer in our church. Their ordination as deacon does not make them higher or more in touch with God than anyone else who has been ordained as a believer. What it does mean is that they are “set in order” to carry a heavier load, a greater burden for Christ. They are taking on, by the appointment of God, the care, health and well-being of our church fellowship. By ordination of these good men, we believe God has done His work in overseeing and strengthening our church’s fellowship. Praise God for what He has done and praise God for every one of our new deacons.