Ordination in Germany (June 13, 1749)

On June 13, 1749, in Germany, minister John Henry Schramm ordained Philip William Otterbein, setting him apart for the public ministry of Word and sacrament. What looked like a quiet church act was a solemn calling: a young pastor placed under Scripture, prayer, and accountability, entrusted to feed Christ’s flock. “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2)

Philip William Otterbein

Otterbein was marked by humble zeal—neither chasing novelty nor shrinking back from hard truths. Trained in the faith of the church, he carried a shepherd’s heart for ordinary people: families, farmers, laborers, and the spiritually weary. His courage was not loud, but steady: to speak plainly of sin, to call for repentance, and to point hearers to living faith in Jesus Christ rather than mere religious form. His life showed that heroism can look like persistence, purity, and prayer.

Across the Atlantic: Shepherd of German-Speaking Settlers

In time Otterbein crossed to the American colonies, where German-speaking settlers needed faithful preaching and pastoral care. He labored among scattered communities, bringing the Scriptures to homes and congregations, urging believers to seek the new birth and to walk in holiness. In a setting of hardship, distance, and spiritual drift, he modeled a minister’s willingness to go where the need was greatest, trusting God to gather fruit from faithful sowing.

“We Are Brethren” and Renewed Witness

Otterbein’s friendship with Martin Boehm became a signal mercy to the church. Their famed “We are brethren” moment—born in a spirit of repentance, love, and shared devotion to Christ—helped kindle renewed evangelistic witness beyond inherited boundaries. Out of such fellowship and preaching grew the United Brethren movement, a testimony that unity is strongest when it is grounded in truth and warmed by grace.

Enduring Significance

Otterbein’s story reminds the church that God often advances His work through hidden beginnings: one ordination, one obedient minister, one courageous friendship. “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16)