The Anointing Exercise in Celestial Church of Christ remains one of the Church’s most sacred spiritual ordinances. It is a moment of divine consecration, spiritual renewal, and commitment to a higher calling before God. For generations, members looked forward to this solemn exercise with reverence, humility, and gratitude.
Traditionally, members who were anointed by the Pastor at the Beach side & the International Headquarters respectively participated in the spiritual rites with a candle, offering prayers as directed during the exercise. On the following Sunday, they returned to their respective parishes for a Thanksgiving Service. Thereafter, their certificates were presented by their shepherds, officially qualifying them to wear the anointed garment in accordance with the Church’s practice.
The entire process was designed to emphasize spirituality rather than ceremony. The focus was on the grace received through God’s anointing, not on public celebration or social recognition. Today, however, many members have observed a significant shift in how the occasion is celebrated. What was once a quiet expression of gratitude has, in some places, become a grand social event. Large receptions are organised, vendors fill the venues, family members and political associates are invited, and elaborate festivities sometimes become the centre of attention. While there is nothing inherently wrong with expressing joy and thanksgiving, the concern is that the spiritual significance of the ordinance may be overshadowed by the celebration surrounding it.
Another issue deserving thoughtful reflection is the growing perception that there is an officially prescribed dress code for post-anointing celebrations. From the perspective of many long-standing members, there was no specific Church ordinance that mandated elaborate ceremonial dressing or required that newly anointed members be vested in a particular manner during these celebrations. Rather, after the anointing and thanksgiving, members simply received their certificates, returned home, and began wearing their anointed garments as part of their spiritual journey.
This understanding has led some faithful members to question whether certain practices seen today are established Church ordinances or customs that have gradually developed over time. It is important that customs, no matter how well-intentioned, are not mistaken for binding ordinances of the Church.
The purpose of this reflection is not to condemn celebrations or discourage thanksgiving. Celebration has its rightful place in the household of faith. However, every celebration should preserve the dignity, simplicity, and spiritual essence of the ordinance it commemorates.
As the Church continues to grow across the world, there is wisdom in revisiting the spiritual principles laid down by the founding generation. Every generation has a responsibility to preserve the sacred ordinances entrusted to it without allowing culture, personal preference, or social expectations to redefine their original purpose. The Anointing Exercise should remain what it has always been a sacred encounter with God. The celebration should reflect gratitude, humility, and reverence, ensuring that the ordinance itself remains the centrepiece rather than the festivities that follow.
Perhaps the time has come for members to prayerfully reflect on the difference between Church ordinances and evolving traditions, so that the beauty and sanctity of this holy exercise may continue to inspire generations yet to come.
