The word ordination, as it is used in ecclesiastical language, simply refers to God’s choosing of leaders and man’s  laying his hands upon them to confirm His choice and to publicly approve their ministry. This word comes from the Latin verb ordinare, which means ”to put in order or arrange; to appoint.” Webster lists at least four purposes for ordination:  

(1) to introduce to the Christian ministry by the laying on of hands.  

(2) to set apart by the ceremony of ordination.  

(3) to invest with official functions.  

(4) to establish appointment by decree of supreme authority.