Christian Ordination

The sacrament of Holy Orders, in three degrees: deacon, priest, and bishop. Most priests are ordained deacon first, months before priesthood. Seminary is normally six to eight years. The bishop ordains within a Mass by the laying on of hands, anointing the new priest's hands with chrism. The next day the priest celebrates a first Mass, and family receive his first blessing.

Also three degrees: deacon, priest, and bishop, conferred by the bishop within the Divine Liturgy by the laying on of hands. A candidate may be married, but only before ordination; a married man cannot become a bishop, and bishops are chosen from the monastic clergy. A first Liturgy follows, with vestments and a Gospel book among the customary gifts.

The same three orders, set out in the Book of Common Prayer ordinal and followed by TEC, ACNA, and the continuing Anglican bodies. Candidates are ordained to the transitional diaconate first, then priesthood some months later. Seminary is typically three years. The bishop ordains, usually at the cathedral, and a first Eucharist with the parish follows.

Varies by polity. Methodists are ordained deacon or elder by the bishop at annual conference; Lutherans at the call to a parish; Presbyterians by the presbytery. Candidates normally hold a Master of Divinity and are examined on theology and polity. They are vested in an alb and stole; a stole, a study Bible, and ministry books are the usual gifts.

Often described as commissioning rather than sacramental ordination. Southern Baptist, Assemblies of God, and non-denominational churches ordain pastors through a process led by the local church, examining the candidate's call, doctrine, and fitness. The rite is the congregation's public ratification. A preaching Bible and a ministry library are the fitting gifts, not vestments or a chalice.