Ordination is the public recognition and appointment of someone for the role of eldership. Ordination is serious. Therefore, all the qualifying criteria need to be met. The Bible does not recommend some of the criteria. Each criterion set by Scripture is to be taken seriously. Each criterion not met means that the individual is not currently fit for the role of elder. Sometimes an individual will have a clear calling from God, but lack the Character of an elder. Then they are not fit for eldership. Sometimes, there is an individual who displays exemplary character and competency, but no clear calling is evident. Then they are not fit for the role of elder. Of all the criteria, the Calling is first. The one that is given by God, and cannot be “developed” or earned. Any person who wants to stand as an elder firstly needs a clear calling. The other criterion is the components that the individual develops. It also means that they can lose it. “Once ticked doesn’t mean always ticked”. Public recognition ordination is not a once-off achievement or qualification. It is an ongoing commitment for life. Practically, it means that ordination can (and should) be reviewed or revoked when an individual no longer meets the Biblical criteria. They should be tested according to Titus.

fcca international's criteria for ordination

1The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. 

1 Tim 3:1-7 (ESV)

1So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 

1 Pet 5:1-4 (ESV)

Our Criteria is based the Biblical Criteria for Eldership in the Church is summarised in the following 5 Pillars:

1.  Clear Calling

2. Convincing Character 

3. Competent and Capable 

4. Consistently Credible 

5. Community Connected