Ordination Service

Join us for this sacred ceremony as we celebrate the ordination of new elders into the Free Methodist Church in Southern California. The ordination service represents a significant milestone in the journey of ministers who have completed their preparation and have been called to serve as elders in our conference.

Service Details

Date & Time: Saturday, May 17, 2025, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Centerpoint Church, Murrieta
Address: 24470 Washington Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562

The ordination service will begin shortly after the conclusion of the main Annual Conference sessions, following a brief 30-minute break. This special service includes worship led by the Centerpoint team, a message from Bishop Kenny Martin, and the formal ordination ceremony for our incoming elders.

To-go desserts will be available following the service so you can celebrate with the newly ordained elders before departing.

The Meaning of Ordination

In the Free Methodist Church, ordination represents formal recognition of divine calling to ministry. It confers authority to administer sacraments and provide spiritual leadership while acknowledging a commitment to lifelong ministerial service. The laying on of hands during the ceremony connects these new ministers to the biblical practice established in the early church and to the historic continuity of Christian ministry across generations.

Candidates

The ordination service honors those who have completed the Conference Ministerial Candidate (CMC) process and are being ordained as elders in the Free Methodist Church. Each candidate has completed the required theological education, served effectively in their appointed ministry, and been examined and approved by the Ministerial Education & Guidance Committee (MEG).

Special Elements

The ordination service includes several meaningful ceremonial components that reflect our Wesleyan-Holiness heritage:

The Examination

During this solemn exchange, candidates publicly affirm their call to ministry, their commitment to scripture as the foundation of faith and practice, their adherence to Free Methodist doctrine, and their willingness to serve under denominational authority.

The Laying on of Hands

This sacred moment symbolizes the conferring of spiritual authority, the blessing of the community, the work of the Holy Spirit in calling and equipping ministers, and connection to the historic church. It physically embodies our conference theme as we witness ministry passing from generation to generation.

Photography Guidelines

We welcome families to capture this meaningful occasion during specific moments:

  • Before and after the ceremony
  • During the standing/greeting time
  • After the dismissal

We ask that guests refrain from flash photography and movement during the examination and laying on of hands to maintain the sacred atmosphere of these significant moments.

Supporting Our New Elders

The FMCSC community plays an important role in supporting these new leaders. Consider:

  • Praying regularly for their ministry
  • Sending messages of encouragement
  • Welcoming them into the connection of ordained ministry
  • Supporting their ongoing development as leaders

We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful ceremony as we celebrate God’s work in raising up new leaders for our conference. The ordination service is a vital part of our Annual Conference and a beautiful opportunity to witness God’s continued faithfulness from generation to generation.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” — Ephesians 3:20-21