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Laying on of Hands

 To impart Authority

In the New Testament the role of special priests was
dispensed with, though some in the church still take this title.
The work of Christ created a new group of people, called
CHRISTIANS. Of them it says in 1Peter 2 v9 'But you are a
royal priesthood a holy nation, a people belonging to
God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called
you out of darkness into His wonderful light.'

In other words all Believers are priests.

There are those called to have special authority in the
Church. First there are those who are called by Jesus to
build the worldwide church by bringing christians to maturity.
Ephesians 4 v11 'It was He who gave some to be
apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists
and some to be pastors and teachers.'

These are sometimes called the Five-fold ministries.

Then there are those who govern the church. They are
described in 1Timothy 3 v1 ..If anyone sets his heart on
being an overseer, he desires a noble task.' In v8
'Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect....'

In some translations of the Bible the word overseer has been
translated Bishop, in others Elder. They are all the same
office. Deacon is a separate office, subordinate to the
Overseer, but both are to do with governing and serving the
local church.

For those who are set apart to build the church to maturity
and those who are to govern within the church there is a
need to receive authority from God. This is sometimes
called being ordained.

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