Ordinances: What are They?

What is the difference between an ordinance and a sacrament? In the minds of average Christians, they seem to be clear and well-defined. But when pressed to actually define the terms, it is not a task that is easily undertaken. In fact, the Church has seen a tremendous amount of diversity as to what an ordinance really is. From the early post-apostolic era, in which little attention or definition was offered, to the height of Scholasticism in the Middle Ages, when a list of 30 sacraments was presented, theologians have discussed and debated this subject. Ordinances: What Are They? is written by Grace Brethren pastor David Plaster and explores the possible parameters which Biblical data and theological deduction place on the term “ordinance.” He provides an overview of the term and its history, reviews its ceremonial aspects, highlights any intended significance, and discusses what constitutes an expectation of perpetuation regarding ordinances.

David R. Plaster (1949-2010) served for twelve years in pastoral ministry in Pennsylvania and Indiana before joining the faculty of Grace Theological Seminary in 1984, ultimately serving as vice president of academic affairs and professor of theology at Grace College and Seminary, Winona Lake, Ind. From 2007 to 2010, he was senior pastor at the Grace Brethren Church of Columbus, Ohio. He was a graduate of the University of Lyon (diplome), Grace College, B.A.; Grace Theological Seminary, M.Div., Th.M.; and Dallas Theological Seminary, Th.D. in Systematic Theology.