An Ordination Service for Pastor Frank Mazza (pictured above) was held on September 19, 2026 at the Shiloh SDB Church in Shiloh, NJ. This blessed event was preceded by years of preparation in ministry, in addition to months of preparation for examination by an ordination council. This council, made up of representatives from Shiloh, Sister churches from Eastern Association, and General Conference, convened on the previous Sabbath, September 12th, to consider Pastor Frank’s “sincerity, faith, doctrinal understanding, morality, ability and training for gospel ministries.” (Seventh Day Baptist Manual of Procedures, H-7). After hearing his personal testimony, ministry experience and answers to questions concerning his statement of beliefs and practical ministry, the council enthusiastically recommended him to the Shiloh church for ordination. The following day, the members of Shiloh voted at their business meeting to ordain Pastor Frank.
Ordination among Seventh Day Baptists is done by the individual congregations since we practice the autonomy of the local church. However, we recognize the value of working in association together for the blessing of these relationships and for the advance of Christ’s Kingdom. Our ordination process reflects these complementary values that have been held by Seventh Day Baptists for many generations. As the members of Shiloh have recognized God’s hand on Pastor Frank along with the support of the ordination council, we pray God’s blessing on him and his wife Maura in their future ministry as they begin their church planting efforts in Alabama. May God truly be glorified in and through them!
