Conclusion of Ordination of Minister-When?

In view of Jesus' command recorded at Matthew 28:19, 20, we can sure that at some point Timothy's faith moved him to imitate Jesus and be baptized.  (Matthew 3:15-`7; Hebrews 10:5-9) This was a symbol of Timothy's whole-souled dedication to God. At his baptism Timothy became a minister. From then on, his life, his strength, and everything he had belonged to God.  This was integral part of his worship, "a sacred service."  However, Timothy only did not then rest on his laurels.  He continued to grow spiritually, becoming a mature Christian minister.  This occurred because of Timothy's close association with such mature Christians as Paul, his own personal study, and his zealous preaching activity. -1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 2:2; Hebrews 6:1. 

Today, ordination for the Christian ministry is similar. One who is "rightly disposed for everlasting life" is helped to learn about God and his purposes by means of a Bibles study.  (Acts 13:48)  The individual learns to apply Bible principles in his life and to pray meaningfully to God.  (Psalm 1:1-3; Proverbs 2:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18)  He associates with other believers and takes advantage of provisions and arrangements made by the "faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47; Proverbs 13:20; Hebrews 10:23-25)  Thus he makes progress in a structured process of education. 

Eventually, the Bible student, having developed a love of Jehovah God ans a strong faith in the ransom sacrifice, wishes to dedicate himself completely to his heavenly Father.  (John 14:1) He makes that dedication in personal prayer and then gets baptized as a public symbol of that private act. His baptism is his ordination ceremony because that is when he is recognized as a fully dedicated servant, a di-a'ko-nos, of God.  He must remain separate from the world.  (John 17:16; James 4:4)  He has presented his whole self "a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God" without reserve or condition.  (Romans 12:1) He is God's minister, imitating Christ.

Next time: What Is the Christian Ministry? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000