Ordination Offering

Definition and Meaning

An ordination offering is an offering made by a person newly receiving a church office, that is, by the ordinand, around the time of the ordination service. The offices involved include elder, kwonsa (a female lay office in Korean churches), and deacon, particularly ordained deacon. In Korean churches the offering is often understood as a form of thanksgiving offering. It expresses gratitude for the office received and a commitment to dedicated service.

Biblical and Historical Background

No passage of Scripture directly prescribes an ordination offering. Supporters of the practice cite passages about offerings given willingly, such as Exodus 25:2. On this basis, they describe it as a voluntary offering that arises from a grateful heart.

Critics point to the account of Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8:18–24. Simon offered money for the power to confer the Holy Spirit, and Peter rebuked him. In church history, the buying and selling of church offices or holy orders came to be called "simony" after Simon. Simony was repeatedly prohibited in the medieval church. During the Reformation it was also condemned as an example of ecclesiastical corruption.

Practice in Korean Churches

The practice of ordinands making an offering in connection with the ordination service is widespread in Korean churches. The offering goes into the church finances and is reportedly used for purposes such as church construction, missions, and relief work. In some cases ordinands also help pay for the ordination ceremony or for commemorative gifts.

The practice varies from church to church.

• Some churches let ordinands decide the amount themselves and give voluntarily.
• Some churches reportedly set de facto amounts for each office.
• Some churches have abolished ordination offerings altogether.

Opinions on the practice are divided.

• Supporters hold that church office is received by grace and that the offering is an expression of gratitude and dedication in response.
• Critics point out that when the amount is fixed or large, members of limited means may find it difficult to receive office. They also argue that linking church office to money makes the practice resemble simony.

Church reform organizations and some pastors have persistently voiced such criticism.