Frequently Asked Questions

The rite of ordination is the climax of a process in which the faith community discerns and validates the call, the gifts, and effectiveness for apostolic ministry by agency of the Holy Spirit. As a liturgical act, ordination is also understood as the public prayer of the church confirming the Spirit’s call to individuals and asking for them gifts and power for the ministry of deacon or elder. Ordination of deacons and elders is both to an office and for a lifetime. Ordination confers a new identity in the life of the church as well as authority for ministry. Upon ordination, ordained deacons and elders become accountable to the whole church, to the community of the ordained, and to the order of deacons or elders of which they are a part. In the rite of ordination, ordinands express loyalty to The United Methodist Church, accepting its order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline; accept the responsibility of accountability to the bishop and to the annual conference; and are charged with authority for leadership in their places of service. This year calls for special celebration as it is the 30th anniversary of the Order of Deacon! Credit: PNW 2026 Ordering of Ministry bulletin.