J.E. Toews urges rethinking ordination

“Ordination for church ministry through the laying on of hands as practised in the church is without biblical foundation,” asserted Dr. John E. Toews Nov. 7, at the 17th annual Benjamin Eby Lecture at Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, Ont.

An educator, New Testament theologian, and president of Conrad Grebel University College from 1996 to 2003, Dr. Toews began his lecture, titled “Toward a Biblical Theology of Leadership Affirmation: Rethinking Ordination,” by stating that he realizes the importance of clearly defined strong church leadership. But, he said, he struggles with ordination, a long-standing practice in the Christian Church, including the Mennonite denomination. Since ordination is seen as a sacramental act and signifies a transfer of power, authority and charisma, it undermines the servant roles of leaders and has no place in Anabaptist theology.

Toews went on to exegete the foundation texts on which ordination is based (1 Timothy 4:14; 5.22; 2 Timothy 1:6). Although the nature of Timothy’s spiritual gift is not revealed in these verses, it is associated with prophecy and the community responds to the charismatic gift with the laying on of hands. Toews emphasized that the text does not say this is for leadership of office. Timothy was never called an elder or even a church leader; he was Paul’s missionary assistant who visited the churches, representing Paul in his absence. The laying on of hands by the elders affirmed Timothy’s faithfulness to the gospel, not his ministry.

Toews cited other relevant New Testament texts: Acts 6:5–6; 8:17; 9:17; 13:3; 19:6. In all of these, the laying on of hands is linked to the coming of the Holy Spirit and to an affirmation for service in the church. The act confirms gifts that already exist; it does not transfer gifts.

Toews concluded his lecture by saying that the biblical laying on of hands is a commissioning for service. It is the church’s blessing given for a specific task such as teaching Sunday school, planting new churches, and so on. Moreover, discontinuing ordination language and the privileges associated with it will underscore the fact that ministry belongs to all. Rather than waiting for members to experience an individual call to service, he said, the church has an obligation to help them discern their gifts and then call them into service.

—Elfrieda Neufeld Schroeder