Ordination and the Gospel Commission:

A Church’s Gift to Its Missionaries.

The church’s act of setting individuals apart for gospel ministry, often referred to as ordination, is more than a mere formality. It is a gift—a public recognition of a divine calling that strengthens missionaries, including physicians, to resist discouragement and stand firm in their work. This sacred act acknowledges the unique challenges of carrying the gospel forward in a world filled with competing priorities and temptations. For those engaged in the ministry of medical evangelism, ordination provides a spiritual fortification that helps them resist the lure of financial gain or easier paths that might take them away from their God-given mission.

A Sacred Appointment

The work of the medical missionary is deeply spiritual, requiring the same solemn dedication as that of a minister of the gospel. As stated in Manuscript 5, 1908:

“The work of the true medical missionary is largely a spiritual work. It includes prayer and the laying on of hands; he therefore should be as sacredly set apart for his work as is the minister of the gospel.”

Ordination is not about imparting special abilities or virtues; rather, it is a public affirmation of a call already received from God. This act strengthens the missionary, providing courage and endurance when faced with the inevitable trials of sacrificial service.

The Biblical Model

The practice of ordination is firmly rooted in Scripture. In Acts 13, we see the early church setting apart Paul and Barnabas for their missionary work through prayer and the laying on of hands:

“Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them” (Acts 13:2).

This act of ordination did not confer new grace or qualifications upon them but served as a public acknowledgment of their divine appointment. It united the church in support of their mission, authorized them to act on behalf of the church, and gave them strength to face the opposition and challenges that lay ahead.

A Modern Testimony

I can personally attest to the power of ordination in the life of a missionary. Years ago, I was preparing to move to a new call, bypassing lucrative opportunities for private practice to join a sacrificial ministry with the church. I knew the path ahead would be difficult—financially, emotionally, and professionally. At the same time, I was facing personal challenges that made the road even more daunting.

During a particularly trying period, the head elder of my church surprised me with a visit. After addressing the business at hand, he revealed his true purpose: to set me apart for the gospel ministry as a missionary physician. Quietly, in my office, I knelt as he placed one hand on my head and the other toward heaven, dedicating me to the Lord’s work. Though simple and unassuming, this act of ordination was profoundly impactful.

In the years that followed, I faced significant challenges—working on a pastoral salary, fulfilling the responsibilities of both a physician and a medical evangelist, and dealing with professional and personal trials. Yet, the memory of that elder’s prayer and the spiritual strength imparted by the church’s recognition of my calling gave me the courage to persevere. It was the power of being set apart that anchored me during times of doubt and discouragement.

The Strength to Endure

Ordination is not a magic shield against hardship, but it provides a spiritual foundation that helps missionaries remain steadfast. By publicly recognizing a missionary’s calling, the church affirms its support and acknowledges the divine work being carried out through that individual. This act serves as a reminder to the missionary—and to the community—that the work is not their own but God’s.

In The Acts of the Apostles, Ellen White writes:

“Their ordination was a public recognition of their divine appointment to bear to the Gentiles the glad tidings of the gospel” (p. 161).

This recognition is a vital source of encouragement, especially when medical missionaries face the temptations of medical practice, financial stability, social recognition, or an easier path outside of ministry. The act of being set apart helps them resist these lures and stay focused on their sacred calling.

A Call to the Church

There are many dedicated Seventh-day Adventist medical missionaries today who face the same challenges I did. Some have been discouraged by a lack of recognition or support and have left the work as a result. Others struggle daily to balance their professional and personal lives with the demands of both medicine and ministry.

Ordaining such individuals as missionary physicians is not just a ceremonial gesture—it is a tangible gift that strengthens them for the road ahead. It unites the church in its mission, ensures that those called to service feel supported, and helps missionaries endure the trials and sacrifices that come with their work.

Conclusion

The power of ordination lies in its ability to provide spiritual strength and encouragement to those called to ministry. It does not add to the qualifications of the individual but acknowledges the divine calling already present in their lives. For missionary physicians, ordination serves as a reminder of their sacred responsibility and a source of fortitude in the face of trials.

To pastors, church leaders, and administrators: consider the profound impact that ordination can have on those you send out to serve. By setting apart your medical missionaries for the gospel commission, you are giving them a gift that will sustain them through the challenges of sacrificial ministry.

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