THE PROPER ADMINISTRATION OF THE
RITE OF LAYING ON OF HANDS
lb. On what occasions should this rite be administered.
lc. At the time of conversion will be the most prevalent.
Acts 8:17-18; 19:6
This may be done at the time of baptism, or at some special time in a regular church service.
2c. At the time of confession of sin and re-consecration of life.
Acts 9:17 cf. Acts 22:16
This second passage has to do especially with a turning away from sin which was an ordinary thing for a Jew, and is parallel with our coming back to the Lord. At such a time there is a new filling of the Spirit.
3c. At the time of presentation of self as a living sacrifice.
Matt. 19:13, 15; Mark 10:16; Rom. 12:1
This may be at the time of the presentation of one's children or one's own self.
4c. At the time of ordination to service no matter what kind.
Acts 13:3; Acts 6:6; 1 Tim. 4:14; 5:22; 2 Tim. 1:6
ld. This may be ordination to some special task such as that of pastor, missionary, or evangelist, etc.
Acts 13:3; 1 Tim. 4:14; 5:22; 2 Tim. 1:6
2d. This may include installation into any service whatsoever in the church. And all servants in the church should be regarded as deacons, which they are.
Acts 6:6
5c. At the time of the anointing of the sick with oil and prayer.
Acts 28:8 with James 5:13-18
This is significant of the part the Spirit has in healing the body which He indwells.
6c. At any other time or occasion which the church deems wise.
Instances will arise which cannot be foreseen and are therefore not dealt with in the Scriptures. But just as the seven deacons were chosen as the need arose, so must this rite be administered.
2b. By whom should this rite be properly administered?
Three classes of individuals may be cited in answer to this.
lc. It is best for those in authority, such as the ruling elder or pastor to administer this rite along with any whom he may choose to assist; for he represents the congregation.
Acts 6:6 with 2 Tim. 1:6 and 1 Tim; 4:14
2c. It is perfectly in order for elders or deacons to administer this rite.
1 Tim. 4:14 - These elders served in much the same capacity as the deacons in our congregation.
3c. It is not out of order for a layman to perform this task when specially appointed, for the blessings of God are not confined to any clerical class. Acts 9:17 - Ananias was a layman in the church at Damascus.
3b. In what manner should this rite be administered.
1c. Careful instruction should be given so that no one observing or participating in the rite is in doubt as to its significance.
2c. Special preparation should be made so that everyone participating knows exactly what he is to do. Decency and order will greatly contribute to the teaching value of the form.
3c. Proper songs, appropriate scriptures, etc., should be provided for the occasion, and in the proper order. This is for the preliminary part of the service.
4c. The service should be conducted in a place easily accessible to the on looking audience. What they see helps to make the impression.
5c. The pastor should always have someone to assist him. If it is impossible to have other elders, then he should use deacons or specially consecrated laymen. One and perhaps more should assist.
6c. When in a public service, those to receive the laying on of hands should kneel. It is often helpful for the one to be ordained to kneel at a chair, although this may not be necessary.
7c. The hands of each assisting in the service should be laid on the head successively, first one hand of each on top of each other, then the other hand of each, until both hands of each are placed.
8c. Then the prayer or prayers may be offered. The prayers should always be adapted to the special kind of service that is being conducted. Care should be given to what will be prayed.
9c. After the prayer or prayers, the one kneeling should rise and a proper charge, a cordial Christian welcome, or whatever is suitable for this service should be extended.
10c. The service then may be closed in a way in keeping with the occasion.
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