nonordained

Nonordained is an adjective describing a person who has not been ordained, especially within a religious context. Ordination is a formal rite in many religious traditions that confers authority to perform certain religious functions, administer sacraments, or provide pastoral leadership. Those who have not undergone ordination are typically described as laypeople or non-ordained members of a faith community.

In many Christian denominations, nonordained individuals participate in worship, education, service, and governance, but do not hold the office of clergy. The exact scope of what nonordained people may do varies by tradition. Some churches reserve certain rites and functions for ordained clergy, while others authorize lay leaders or deacons to lead worship, teach, or perform specific tasks under supervision or with approval. In others, most formal sacraments and rites remain restricted to the ordained.

Outside strict Christian usage, the term can apply to members of religious organizations or communities with a defined path of ordination. It can also be used more broadly to distinguish between those who hold formal credentials or offices within a religious body and those who do not. The term is less common in everyday language outside religious contexts, where terms like clergy, laity, or layperson are often used instead.