A Few Quotes from Walther on Ordination
“To ordain does not mean to consecrate. Accordingly, if we know of a godly man, we choose him and, on the strength of the Word which is ours, we give him authority to preach the Word and administer the sacraments. This is what it means to ordain.”
“The ministry is not to be unduly exalted above the other callings of life. All callings, which, in the order of creation, contribute to the community are equally holy.”
“On the other hand, the ministry is not to be degraded and made common. The office of the Word and sacrament not only lends dignity and authority, but also makes exacting demands. It is not a man’s gifts, his learnings, his efficiency, or the charm of his personality which makes a minister, but the Gospel which he is called upon and ordained to preach.”
“He must therefore, stand before his people as one of them, a fellow-sinner, yet in full dignity and authority of his office, which he strives to adorn with a holy life and conduct.”
(taken from C.F.W. Walther, Church & Ministry 221, and Essays for the Church 2:56)
