[Zionist Conspirator]

If you prefer, I could say that my s-i-l's father and brother were "formally selected as pastors by the elders of their respective Church of Christ congregations."

Would that suit?

Perfectly.

"Ordain" at least implies or connotes a ritual of anointment or laying on of hands.

[wideawake]

"Ordain" at least implies or connotes a ritual of anointment or laying on of hands.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, when used of people, the primary meaning of ordain is:

"To appoint to a charge, duty or office (with the official name or position as simple object or complement)."

In none of the 16 separate definitions proffered by the OED is anointing mentioned.

I think we're word-chopping.

[NicknamedBob]

"Ordain" at least implies or connotes a ritual of anointment or laying on of hands.

Heh, heh, heh! It's quite amazing what things I can dredge up from my dark and sordid past.

No titles, please. It's just Bob.