ORDINATION SERVICE
You will know from the announcement last Sunday and the reading of the si quis that we are having an ordination service later this month. As these are not a regular occurrence, I thought it would be good to explain what “ordination” is all about and in the hope of clearing up any misunderstandings. To ordain someone is a recognition of their calling, gifting and godly character and to set them apart for Word ministry and leadership within the local church. We usually refer to such people as “Ministers”.
In REACH SA, and Anglicanism generally, we have three offices: Bishop, Presbyter and Deacon. Technically speaking, we “consecrate" Bishops, “ordain” Presbyters and “make” Deacons. These are separate orders where no one order is a “stepping stone” to another - Deacons don’t necessarily become Presbyters and Presbyters don’t necessarily become Bishops.
At our Synod in 2021, REACH SA voted to admit women who meet the qualifications to the office of Deacon. This decision was taken to recognise women in ministry within our REACH structures and also to provide leadership for women in our congregations.
Given our “complementarian” stance with respect to the differing roles and responsibilities for men and women, there is potential for misunderstanding when a woman is referred to as “Reverend” or as a “Minister” and wears a clerical shirt and collar.
We are convinced from the Scriptures that spiritual headship of the family and local church is given to men. Therefore, the task of leading a local church and preaching in the gathered congregation is reserved for men only. Local REACH congregations are therefore led by Rectors who must be Presbyters, an office not open to women. To be clear then, we will not have a situation where a woman leads a local church and preaches in the gathered congregation.
At our ordination service, Matthew Courtney and Johan Walters will be “ordained" as Presbyters and Sigrid Holscher will be “made” a Deacon. A woman Deacon will be a first for us at +CSW and we should welcome her and this necessary change!
If anyone has a question or needs further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact Gavin in person or by email: gavin.millard@gmail.com