The Meaning and Import of Ordination

Abstract

In this 1940 essay, Pastor Carl H. Buenger explores the theological and practical significance of ordination within the Lutheran tradition. He affirms that the divine call—properly extended by a congregation and accepted by a pastor—is the essential basis for entering the public ministry, not the act of ordination itself. Buenger distinguishes between installation and ordination, noting that ordination typically accompanies a pastor’s first call, while installation applies to subsequent calls. He critiques Roman Catholic and Episcopalian views that elevate ordination to sacramental status and warns against overemphasizing it in Lutheran practice. Buenger also addresses contemporary challenges, such as temporary and specific calls, and defends the legitimacy of ordaining candidates with divine calls, regardless of duration. He advocates for flexibility in the location of ordination and emphasizes the congregation’s authority in calling and assigning pastoral duties. The essay calls for clarity and fidelity to Scripture in Lutheran ordination practices. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)