Commissioned vs. Ordained — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 15, 2024
Commissioned individuals are appointed for specific duties in secular or religious contexts, while ordained ministers are consecrated to perform all religious rites.
Difference Between Commissioned and Ordained
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Commissioned roles are typically specific to tasks or roles within an organization, highlighting a targeted appointment. In contrast, ordained ministers are generally authorized to perform a broad range of religious duties across many contexts.
Commissioned individuals might not always have a permanent status in their roles, which can be temporary or project-specific. Whereas, ordination usually confers a lifelong commitment and status within a religious community.
The process of commissioning can be more secular and varied, depending on the organization's requirements. On the other hand, ordination is a strictly religious practice, deeply embedded with theological education and spiritual dedication.
In some religious contexts, commissioned individuals can perform certain rites but are restricted from sacraments reserved for ordained clergy. Ordained ministers, however, typically have the authority to administer all sacraments and conduct full religious services.
The authority of commissioned individuals is often limited to the jurisdiction of the appointing body or organization. Conversely, ordained ministers are recognized across different denominations and often have broader spiritual authority.
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Comparison Chart
Scope of Role
Specific duties or roles
Broad range of religious duties
Duration of Role
Often temporary or project-specific
Lifelong commitment
Nature
Secular or religious, depending on context
Strictly religious
Religious Authority
Limited to certain rites
Includes all sacraments and services
Recognition
Within the appointing organization
Broad, across denominations
Compare with Definitions
Commissioned
Authorized by an organization to undertake specific tasks.
He was commissioned to lead the new project.
Ordained
Permanent religious status achieved through ordination.
Once ordained, he committed his life to serve his community.
Commissioned
Appointed to perform specific duties.
She was commissioned as an officer in the army.
Ordained
Consecrated as a minister or priest in a religious context.
He was ordained as a priest last year.
Commissioned
Assigned with a specific mission or function.
They were commissioned by the city council to assess the housing needs.
Ordained
Officially invested with ministerial or priestly authority.
She was ordained after completing her theological studies.
Commissioned
Empowered temporarily for a particular role.
She was commissioned to act as the interim director.
Ordained
Authorized to perform all religious rites and sacraments.
He was ordained and can now conduct weddings and baptisms.
Commissioned
Conferred with specific responsibilities by an official body.
He was commissioned to oversee the election process.
Ordained
Endowed with spiritual authority within a religious tradition.
She was ordained in a ceremony attended by the entire congregation.
Commissioned
The act of granting certain powers or the authority to carry out a particular task or duty.
Ordained
To invest with ministerial or priestly authority; confer holy orders on
Ordain a priest.
Commissioned
The authority so granted.
Ordained
To authorize as a rabbi.
Commissioned
The matter or task so authorized
Investigation of fraud was their commission.
Ordained
To order or decree by virtue of superior authority
The management ordained that business attire should be worn in the office at all times.
Commissioned
A document conferring such authorization.
Ordained
To prearrange unalterably; predestine
Events that were ordained by fate.
Commissioned
A public board or administrative body
The Federal Trade Commission investigates false advertising.
Ordained
Established by authority.
Commissioned
Often Commission A ruling council within the Mafia that adjudicates family disputes and regulates family activities.
Ordained
Admitted to the ministry of the church.
There was much pomp at the ceremony that made him an ordained minister.
Commissioned
The act of committing or perpetrating
The commission of a crime.
Ordained
Simple past tense and past participle of ordain
Commissioned
A fee or percentage allowed to a sales representative or an agent for services rendered.
Ordained
Fixed or established especially by order or command;
At the time appointed (or the appointed time
Commissioned
An official document issued by a government, conferring on the recipient the rank of a commissioned officer in the armed forces.
Ordained
Invested with ministerial or priestly functions;
An ordained priest
Commissioned
The rank and powers so conferred.
Commissioned
To grant a military commission to.
Commissioned
To grant authority for (something to be made or done); place an order for
Commission a new symphony for the festival.
Commissioned
To authorize or engage (someone to do something)
Commission an architect to design a building.
Commissioned
To put (a ship) into active service.
Commissioned
Simple past tense and past participle of commission
Commissioned
Holding by virtue of a commission a rank of second lieutenant or ensign or above; - of military officers. Contrasts with noncommissioned.
Commissioned
Given official approval to act; as, commissioned broker.
Commissioned
Created according to an order; as, a commissioned painting.
Commissioned
Of military officers; holding by virtue of a commission a rank of second lieutenant or ensign or above
Commissioned
Given official approval to act;
An accredited college
Commissioned broker
Licensed pharmacist
Authorized representative
Common Curiosities
Can a commissioned person perform religious ceremonies?
Commissioned individuals might perform certain ceremonies, but they are typically restricted from sacraments reserved for ordained clergy.
Is ordination recognized universally across different religions?
Ordination is recognized within many religions, but the specific authority and role can vary significantly between different religious traditions.
How does one become commissioned?
Becoming commissioned usually involves being appointed by an organization or authority, often after meeting specific qualifications or undergoing training relevant to the designated role.
Are there any legal distinctions between commissioned and ordained individuals?
Yes, there can be legal distinctions, especially regarding what religious rites they are permitted to perform, such as marriages, which often require ordained status in many jurisdictions.
What does it mean to be ordained?
Ordained refers to the consecration of an individual to perform all duties and sacraments as a minister or priest in a religious setting.
What is the main difference between being commissioned and being ordained?
The main difference lies in the scope of authority and duration of role, with ordination providing broader, lifelong religious authority, whereas commissioning is often more specific and temporary.
Can someone be both commissioned and ordained?
Yes, it's possible for someone to be both commissioned and ordained, especially in contexts where different roles or duties are delineated between secular and religious responsibilities.
Do commissioned roles exist outside of religious contexts?
Yes, commissioned roles are common in various sectors, including the military, public service, and arts, where individuals are appointed to perform specific tasks or projects.
What does it mean to be commissioned?
Commissioned refers to being officially assigned a specific duty or role, often for a limited time or project.
What training is required for ordination?
Ordination typically requires theological education, which can include seminary training, spiritual formation, and practical ministry experience, depending on the religious denomination.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
