Calvin Institute of Christian Worship - Christian Reformed Church

ORDINATION OF MINISTERS OF THE WORD
FORM NUMBER 1

Congregation of Jesus Christ:
For some time you have known that (name) is to be ordained to the Ministry of the Word [or: installed in the ministry to which he has been called]. No one has alleged anything against his person or teaching. We shall therefore proceed, in the name of the Lord, to his ordination [installation].

The Holy Scriptures teach us that God, our heavenly Father, intends to gather his church out of the corrupt human race to life eternal, and to give to his church such teaching and care that it may grow in faith and love and service. Thus God, by a particular grace, appoints his people to preach the gospel and to build up the body of Christ. The apostle Paul solemnly charged Timothy to "preach the Word" (2 Tim. 4:2), and our Lord Jesus charged his disciples to "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19-20). The apostle Paul declares that the Lord Jesus Christ intended "some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up" (Eph. 4:11-12).

Let us now hear what the Scriptures say concerning the office of minister of the Word: The minister of the Word is called by the command of God to preach the gospel of his kingdom. This preaching has the twofold object of calling sinners to reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ and nurturing believers in the faith and life of the kingdom of God. Ministers are called "Christ's ambassadors," as though God were pleading by them, "Be reconciled to God" (2 Cor. 5:20). This preaching must be addressed to all people. The preaching of the gospel must also be addressed to the gathered congregation for the nurturing of Christian faith and life and for strengthening them against the ploys of the devil. Paul charged Timothy, "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus . . . preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season, correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction" (2 Tim. 4:1-2), and he charged Titus that a minister "must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it" (Titus 1:9).

The minister of the Word is called to administer the sacraments which the Lord has instituted as signs and seals of his grace. Christ gave this charge to his apostles, and through them to all ministers of the Word, when he commanded them, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matt. 28:19); and when he said of the Lord's supper: "Do this in remembrance of me" (1 Cor. 11:24-25).

The minister of the Word is called to the service of prayer. In speaking of their calling, the apostles said: "We will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). So, too, it is the calling of all God's ministers to lead the people of God in "requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgivings. . . for everyone—for kings and all those in authority" (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

The minister of the Word is called, together with the elders, to shepherd the people of God in the Christian life, guiding and counseling, exhorting them to contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3), and keeping the church of God in good order and discipline. They are pastors, appointed to shepherd the church of Christ which he purchased with his own blood, in keeping with the Lord's command: "Feed my sheep!" "Feed my lambs!" They, together with the elders, watch over the house of God for the right and fruitful ordering of the faith, life, and worship of the people of God. In their exercise of the keys of the kingdom, what they bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and what they loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven (Matt. 18:18).

[The officiating minister shall now read section (1), (2), (3), or (4), depending on whether this is the ordination, or installation, of the pastor of an established congregation, a foreign missionary, or a home missionary, or the ordination of a teacher of theology.]

(1) For the Pastor in an Established Congregation

We will now ordain [install] a minister of the Word in this congregation. We rejoice that in his faithful love the Lord Jesus has provided a minister to serve as pastor and teacher to this people, and also as their leader in the missionary calling of this church. We receive this servant of our Lord from the hand and heart of the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. We thank our Savior for committing preaching, teaching, and pastoral care to the office of the ministry, and we pray that he will continue to use sinful people for such high and holy purposes until the day of his return.

We are not equal to this holy ministry in our own strength. We put our hope in Jesus Christ, our Lord, who has said: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matt. 28:20).

Now, to show that you, (name), intend to accept this office, you are requested to stand and, in the presence of God and his church, answer the following questions:

Do you believe that in the call of this congregation, God himself calls you to this holy ministry?
Do you believe that the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and life; and do you subscribe to the doctrinal standards of this church, rejecting all teachings which contradict them?
Do you promise to do the work of your office faithfully, in a way worthy of your calling and in submission to the government and discipline of the church?

Answer: I do so believe and promise, God helping me.

[The officiating minister shall then say (in the case of ordination with the ceremony of the laying on of hands, other ministers present participating)]:

God, our heavenly Father, who has called you to this sacred office, guide you by his Word, equip you with his Spirit, and so prosper your ministry that his church may increase and his name be praised. Amen.

[The officiating minister shall address the congregation]:

Dear people of God and members of this church:
Since this solemn act obligates you also, I ask you before God:

Do you in the name of the Lord welcome this brother as your pastor?
Do you promise to receive the Word of God proclaimed by him and to encourage him in the discharge of his duty?
Will you pray that he may, in the power of the Spirit, equip you to build up the church, so that God's children may be saved and his kingdom advanced for the honor of Christ our Lord?

To these questions, what is your answer?

Answer: We do, God helping us.

[The officiating minister (and/or others designated) shall then exhort the ordained minister and the congregation in the following manner]:

Beloved brother and fellow-servant in Christ, keep watch over yourself and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you an overseer. Shepherd the church of God which he bought with his own blood (Acts 20:28). Love Christ and feed his sheep, serving as an overseer not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly. Set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Attend to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect your gifts. Be patient in all trials. Be a good soldier of Jesus Christ, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will be given the unfading crown of glory.

And you, brothers and sisters, joyfully receive your minister in the Lord and honor him. Remember that through him God himself speaks to you. Receive the Word which he, according to the Scripture, shall preach to you, not as the word of human beings but, as it is in truth, the Word of God. Let the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace and bring the good news be beautiful and pleasant to you. Submit to those whom God has placed over you, for they care for you as those who will give account. If you do these things, the God of peace will enter your homes. You who receive this person in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward and, through faith in Jesus Christ, the inheritance of eternal life.

We cannot do these things on our own. Let us call upon the name of God:

Merciful Father, we thank you that it pleases you by the ministry of your people to gather your church out of the lost human race to life eternal. We acknowledge the gift of your servant, sent to this people as a messenger of your peace.

Send now your Holy Spirit upon him. Enlighten his mind to know the truth of your Word. Give him speech to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. Endow him with wisdom to care for and guide the people over whom he is placed. Through his ministry preserve your church in peace and grant that it increase in number and in virtue. Give to your servant courage to fulfill his calling against every difficulty and power through your Spirit to be steadfast to the end.

Help these people receive him as your servant. May they receive his teaching and exhortation reverently, and believing in Christ through his Word, become partakers of eternal life.

Grant this, O heavenly Father, for the sake of your dear Son, in whose name we pray:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For yours is the kingdom
and the power
and the glory for ever.
Amen.

(2) For a Foreign Missionary

We will now ordain [install] (name) as a foreign missionary for service in (place). It is the task of the foreign missionary to bring the gospel to other lands, so that all people may learn of salvation and so that the church of Jesus Christ may be established in all the earth. Jesus Christ has said, "This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matt. 24:14). Through its missionaries the church reaches into the lives of those who are yet without God and without hope. It brings to all lands the witness that Jesus is the Son of God, that the glory of the nations belongs to him, and that his grace, love, and redemption are offered to them in the way of repentance and faith. In this work of missions the church may lift up its eyes to the Lord's coming and look with longing to the day when the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord.

We are not equal to this holy ministry in our own strength. We set our hope on Jesus Christ our Lord, who has said, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matt. 28:20).

Now, to show that you, (name), accept this office, you are requested to stand, and in the presence of God and his church to answer the following questions:

Do you believe that in the call of this congregation God himself calls you to this holy ministry?
Do you believe that the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and life; and do you subscribe to the doctrinal standards of this church, rejecting all teachings which contradict them?
Do you promise to do the work of your office faithfully, in a way worthy of your calling and in submission to the government and discipline of the church?

Answer: I do so believe and promise, God helping me.

[The officiating minister shall then say (in the case of ordination with the ceremony of the laying on of hands, other ministers present participating)]:

Go, then, brother, and bring the gospel to those to whom you are sent. Make disciples of them and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. God, our heavenly Father, who has called you to this holy ministry, enlighten you with his Spirit, strengthen you with his hand, and so govern you in your ministry that you may be engaged in it faithfully and fruitfully, to the glory of his name and the coming of the kingdom of his Son Jesus Christ.

And you, brothers and sisters, be in continuing fellowship with this missionary whom you send forth in the name of Christ. Sustain him with your fervent prayers. Support him with your gifts. Strengthen his hand and heart in every need. As Christ received you, be ready to receive those who are brought into the body of Christ through his ministry, that there may be one flock, one Shepherd.

We cannot do these things on our own. Let us call upon the name of God:

Send now your Holy Spirit upon him. Enlighten his mind to know the truth of your Word. Give him speech to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. Endow him with wisdom to care for and guide the people over whom he is placed. Through his ministry build up your holy church, and grant that it increase in number and in virtue. Give to your servant courage to fulfill his calling against every difficulty, and power through your Spirit to be steadfast to the end.

Let those to whom he comes see in him the ambassador of Christ, calling them to be reconciled to God. May they receive his teaching and exhortation reverently, and believing in Christ through his Word, become partakers of eternal life.

Grant this, O heavenly Father, for the sake of your dear Son, in whose name we pray:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For yours is the kingdom
and the power
and the glory for ever.
Amen.

(3) For a Home Missionary

We will now ordain [install] (name) as a home missionary for service in (place). The home missionary is called to preach the gospel and to care for the spiritual nurture and instruction of those in our homeland, who, though exposed to the witness of the church and the gospel have been alienated or are yet estranged from the Lord and his church. In the parable of the great banquet the Lord Jesus Christ spoke about the master who sent his servants out into the streets and lanes of the city, into the highways and hedges to invite all people to his feast. Even so our Lord calls us to bring others into the house of the King through the ministry of his love in order that his house may be filled. The gospel of the kingdom shall be preached for a testimony to our own nation as well as to all nations of the world. In this way all people will be called to walk in the way of God's commands and promises. And together we look to the day of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, when the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord.

We are not equal to this holy ministry in our own strength. We set our hope on Jesus Christ, our Lord, who has said: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matt. 28:20).

Now to show that you, (name), accept this office, you are requested to stand, and in the presence of God and his church to answer the following questions:

Answer: I do so believe and promise, God helping me.

[The officiating minister shall then say (in the case of ordination with the ceremony of the laying on of hands, other ministers present participating)]:

Go then, brother, and bring the gospel to those to whom you are sent. Call the unbelieving to faith, the faithless to obedience, and invite people in the name of the Lord into the house of your King. God, our heavenly Father, enlighten you with his Spirit, strengthen you with his hand, and so govern you in your ministry that you may fulfill it faithfully and fruitfully, to the glory of his name and the coming of the kingdom of his Son Jesus Christ.

We cannot do these things on our own. Let us call upon the name of God:

Send now your Holy Spirit upon him. Enlighten his mind to know the truth of your Word. Give him speech to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. Endow him with wisdom to care for and guide the people over whom he is placed. Through his ministry build up your holy church and grant that it increase in number and in virtue. Give to your servant courage to fulfill his calling against every difficulty and power through your Spirit to be steadfast to the end.

Let those to whom he comes see in him the ambassador of Christ, calling them to be reconciled to God. May they receive his teaching and exhortation reverently and, believing in Christ through his Word, become partakers of eternal life.

Grant this, O heavenly Father, for the sake of your dear Son, in whose name we pray:

(4) For the Teacher of Theology

This form is to be used only when the person assuming this position is to be ordained to the office of minister of the Word. For the appointment of those who are already ordained ministers, the form for the Teacher of Theology under "Forms for the Commissioning of Ministers to Extraordinary Tasks" is to be used.]

We will now ordain a minister of the Word and commission him to the particular task of teaching in the theological seminary of the Christian Reformed Church. We recognize the need for the training of those who, as ministers of the Word, shall preach the gospel of salvation to people both inside and outside the church of Christ.

The first messengers of peace in the days of the New Testament were personally taught and sent by our Lord Jesus Christ. After Pentecost the Holy Spirit gave the church a diversity of extraordinary gifts and knowledge of the mysteries, to continue this work of teaching for the salvation of sinners and the edifying of the saints. But these extraordinary methods lasted only as long as the Lord judged them to be necessary for the founding of his church among the nations. The church soon recognized the necessity of training pastors for the holy ministry under the ordinary dispensation of the Spirit by the regular methods of education. Thus Paul wrote to his fellow minister, Timothy: "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others" (2 Tim. 2:2).

To fulfill this task in our day, the church has established a theological school and appoints ministers of the Word who will serve the cause of the gospel by teaching and training those who are to become ministers of the Word in Christ's church. Our brother, (name), has been called to serve in this important task.

We are not equal to this holy ministry in our own strength. We set our hope on Jesus Christ our Lord, who has said: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matt. 28:20).

Now, to show that you, (name), accept this office and fulfill this task, you are requested to stand and in the presence of God and his church answer the following questions:

Answer: I do so believe and promise, God helping me.

[The officiating minister shall then say (in the case of ordination with the ceremony of the laying on of hands, other ministers present participating)]:

God, our heavenly Father, enlighten you with his Spirit, strengthen you with his hand, and so govern you in your calling that you may discharge its duties faithfully and fruitfully, to the glory of his name, and the coming of the kingdom of his Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

[The service is then concluded with appropriate prayer.]

FORM FOR THE ORDINATION (or INSTALLATION) OF MINISTERS OF THE WORD FORM NUMBER 2

The Announcement

Congregation of Jesus Christ:

Today we rejoice in Christ's special care and love for his church since we have the privilege of ordaining (name) [or: installing (name)] to the ministry of the Word in this church [or: for a special ministry of this church]. Because he has accepted the call of the congregation, we shall now proceed with his ordination [installation].

The Introduction

From its beginning the entire New Testament church was called to proclaim the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ to the whole world: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19-20). It soon became apparent that the task committed to the church was extremely vast and complex. Therefore the church under the guidance of the apostles, instituted distinct ministries to insure that the work would be done well (Acts 6:1-6). Those engaged in these ministries were to function with Christ's power and authority, a power and authority rooted in obedience to his Word and expressed in loving service.

These ministries are therefore to be distinguished from the more general ones given by Christ to all believers. The office of the minister of the Word is one of those distinct ministries.

The Instruction

The Scriptures portray the minister's duties in various ways. He is a servant both of Christ and of the church; he is a steward in the household of God; he is a teacher to explain the mystery of the gospel; he is a shepherd who cares for the flock; and he is an ambassador and a herald of his king, proclaiming the message of reconciliation.

The preaching of the Word is one of the minister's chief tasks. Such proclamation must faithfully reflect the Word of God and relate it to the needs of the listeners. Paul stressed this demand when he wrote, ". . . Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage. . ." (2 Tim. 4:2). And because the sacraments are closely related to the preaching of the Word, the minister has the privilege of administering holy baptism and the Lord's supper. Since the minister has the responsibility to preach the Word and to administer the sacraments in public worship, it is his task to conduct the worship service in such a manner that God receives glory and the congregation is edified.

When Jesus said to Peter, "Feed my Iambs," he entrusted the office bearers with special care for the young. The minister must instruct the baptized members of the congregation in the way of salvation, and he must also encourage and assist those who teach with him (2 Tim. 2:2).

As a pastor, the minister visits the members of the congregation. He calls on "the sick and suffering, he comforts those who mourn, he admonishes those who stray, he counsels those in need of guidance, and he encourages the weak. He rejoices with those who rejoice and weeps with those who weep (Rom. 12:15).

Yet the minister is called not only to serve those who already are members of the church of Christ, but also to engage in and to promote the work of evangelism. As a true disciple of his Master, he should show that the church exists also for the world and that the missionary task of the church forms an essential part of its calling.

As a servant of Christ, the minister must help and encourage the people of God as they care for the hungry, the thirsty, the strangers, the naked, the sick, and those in prison (Matt. 25:31-46).

In all his work, the minister proclaims, explains, and applies Holy Scripture in order to gather in and build up the members of the church of Jesus Christ. For this work, the minister devotes himself to the ministry of prayer, joining all Christians in confession, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise.

The Questions

(name), in order that all God's people assembled here may witness that you, in the strength of the Lord, accept the responsibilities of this office, you are requested to stand and answer the following questions:

Do you believe that in the call of this congregation God himself calls you to this holy ministry?
Do you believe that the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and life?
Do you subscribe to the doctrinal standards of this church, rejecting all teaching which contradicts them?
Do you promise to be a faithful minister, to conduct yourself in a manner worthy of your calling, and to submit to the government and discipline of the church?

(name), what is your answer?

Answer: I do, God helping me.

[The officiating minister shall then say (with the laying on of hands in case of ordination)]:

God, our heavenly Father, who has called you to this great and glorious office, enlighten, strengthen, and govern you by his Word and Spirit that you may serve faithfully and fruitfully in your ministry, to the glory of his name and the coming of the kingdom of his Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

[The members of the congregation are now requested to stand to make their vows. The officiating minister addresses them]:

Dear congregation of Christ:

Do you in the name of the Lord welcome this brother as your minister and pastor?
Do you promise to take to heart the Word of God as he proclaims it?
Do you promise to pray for him, to share with him in the work of his ministry, to encourage him in the exercise of his tasks, and to respond to his work with obedience, love, and respect?

Congregation, what is your answer?

Answer: We do, God helping us.

[The officiating minister (or whoever has been designated) shall then congratulate and encourage the minister and the congregation in the following manner]:

Dear brother and fellow servant of Christ:

We rejoice with you on this day that, after years of preparation, you have been ordained to the ministry of the Word. [Or: We all rejoice with you on this day as you begin your work in this congregation.]

May you experience much joy in fulfilling your calling. As you exercise the authority of the office entrusted to you, may you always remain a humble servant

Look faithfully after the whole flock, the old and the young, the faithful and the unfaithful, the healthy and the sick, the strong and the weak. Rejoice with those who rejoice and suffer with those who suffer.

Use all your talents to the utmost of your ability, and do not neglect any of your gifts.

And one day our chief Shepherd will give you the crown of glory, saying,"Well done, good and faithful servant."

And to you, dear fellow Christians, congratulations also.

This is truly the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Keep your vows. Receive your minister as a gift of God. Listen to him with all the respect due his office. Encourage him when he needs strength, and pray for him daily.

Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward (Matt. 10:41).

May you as pastor and congregation live as the bride longing for the coming of our heavenly Bridegroom, praying, "Come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20).

Let us now give thanks and ask the Lord to help us do what we have promised.

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, on this day for your many blessings. Thank you for your church, "elect from every nation, yet one o'er all the earth." Thank you for giving your church the task of calling others to your saving grace in Jesus Christ and to the fellowship of the covenant community.

Today we thank you in particular for giving the church the special office of the minister of the Word. We rejoice that we as a congregation have received a new pastor to work among us. We pray that you will bless him as a servant of Christ and the church. Help him to be an inspired ambassador for his King, bringing the message of salvation and reconciliation to all. Bless him as a preacher and a teacher, as a pastor and a counselor. May he prove himself a faithful steward in the household of God.

Enable us, as a congregation, to listen gladly and attentively to him, recognizing in his words the voice of the good Shepherd. Strengthen us all in the work of the ministry so that we may be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Help us, congregation and pastor, to endure the heat of the day and the darkness of the night, sustained by your healing and guiding presence.

All this we ask with thankful hearts in the name of your dear Son, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

ORDINATION OF AN EVANGELIST

Congregation of Jesus Christ:
For some time you have known that (name) has accepted the call of God and of this church to serve as evangelist in (city). Today we ordain him to that office.

Jesus began his ministry by declaring, "The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" He called disciples to follow him saying, "Come, follow me," "and I will make you fishers of men" (Mark 1:15, 17). It was in this way that the gospel harvest began. Later the disciples received power at the Spirit's outpouring, and soon a large church was established in Jerusalem.

When the work of the church proved to be too much for the apostles, they appointed "seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom" to help them (Acts 6:3). At least one of these men, Philip, proved to be a gifted evangelist who "preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ" and who baptized new believers (Acts 8:12). Later the apostle Paul declared that Christ "gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God" (Eph. 4:11-13).

The work of an evangelist is to preach the good news. He calls people to heed the voice of the good Shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep, and urges them in the name of Christ to be reconciled to God. He also gathers new believers into an emerging congregation, where he ministers the Word and sacraments. In our congregation (name) will be acknowledged as an elder. Although every believer is called to bear witness to Christ, and every elder, deacon, and minister is called to engage in the work of evangelism, the evangelist is called to this work as his primary task under the supervision of the consistory. (name), we now ask you to answer the following questions here in the presence of God and his people:

Do you believe that in the call of this congregation, God himself calls you to the office of evangelist?
Do you believe that the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and life?
Do you subscribe to the doctrinal standards of this church, rejecting all teaching which contradicts them?
Do you promise to do the work of your office faithfully, in a way worthy of your calling, and in submission to the government and discipline of the church?

Answer: I do, God helping me.

Laying on of hands [optional]

God our heavenly Father, who has called you to your sacred office, guide you by his Word, equip you with his Spirit, and so prosper your ministry that his church may increase and his name be praised.

Charge to the Evangelist

(name), hear the words of the apostle, "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead. . . : Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season, correct, rebuke and encourage, with great patience and careful instruction. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry" (2 Tim. 4:1-2, 5).

Charge to the Congregation

I charge you, people of God, to receive (name) as called by God to the office of evangelist. Recognize in him one way in which the church fulfills Christ's mandate to "therefore go and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). Hold him in honor as one called upon to seek and to save the lost. Support him with your gifts and assistance. Sustain him with your prayers. Accept him as one who brings the good news. Encourage him in times of difficulty and opposition.
Do you, congregation of the Lord, pledge to receive him as you have been charged?

Answer [by the congregation in unison]: We do, God helping us.

Prayer

Merciful and sovereign Father, we praise and thank you for the good news of salvation which has come to us and must come to many more. We thank you for equipping and ordaining (name) for the work of evangelism as your ambassador and our representative. Fill him with your Spirit of truth. Give him love for those who are as yet sheep without a shepherd. Encourage him with fruit on his labor, and renew your mercies to him from day to day.

We pray for this congregation and each of its members. You have entrusted to us the message of reconciliation. Give us courage to declare your wonderful deeds and show your love to the world. This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ and for the sake of his coming kingdom. Amen.

ORDINATION OF ELDERS AND DEACONS FORM NUMBER 2

Congregation of Jesus Christ:
Today we celebrate God's gift of faithful leadership for his people. We joyfully thank him for elders and deacons who have served well and completed their terms of office. And we praise him for providing their successors.

In the office bearers of the church we see the love of Christ for his people. As the Lord of the church he appoints leaders and by his Spirit equips them, so that believers may grow in faith, develop disciplined Christian living, serve others in selfless love, and share with all the good news of salvation. He taught us the spirit of true leadership when he said, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave—-just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:26-28).

Elders serve by governing the church in Christ's name. They received this task when Christ entrusted the apostles and their successors with the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 16:19). Elders are thus responsible for the spiritual well-being of God's people. They must provide true preaching and teaching, regular celebration of the sacraments and faithful counsel and discipline. And they must promote fellowship and hospitality among believers, insure good order in the church, and stimulate witness to all people.

Deacons serve by showing mercy to the church and to all people. They received this task in the early church when the apostles designated special persons for the work of mercy (Acts 6 and 2 Cor. 8, 9). In Christ's name the deacons relieve victims of injustice. By this they show that Christians live by the Spirit of the kingdom, fervently desiring to give life the shape of things to come. Deacons are therefore called to assess needs, promote stewardship and hospitality, collect and disburse resources for benevolence, and develop programs of assistance. They are also called to speak words of Christian encouragement. Thus in word as well as deed they demonstrate the care of the Lord himself.

These tasks of elders and deacons call for believers who are Christlike, who are mature in the faith, and who exercise their offices with prayer, patience, and humility.

Now we intend to ordain elders and deacons and to install them for terms of service in this congregation. Those appointed to the office of elder are (names). Those appointed to the office of deacon are (names).

To express your acceptance of these offices, you are asked to stand, and here In the presence of God and his church, to answer the following questions:

Do you believe that in the call of this congregation God himself is calling you to these holy offices?
Do you believe that the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and life?
Do you subscribe to the doctrinal standards of this church, rejecting all teaching which contradicts them?
Do you promise to do the work of your offices faithfully, in a way worthy of your calling and in submission to the government and discipline of the church?

Answer [by each office bearer]: I do, God helping me.

[The officiating minister shall then say; the laying on of hands at this point is optional]:

God our heavenly Father, who has called you to these sacred offices, guide you by his Word, equip you with his Spirit, and so prosper your ministries that his church may increase and his name be praised. Amen.

Charge to the Elders
I charge you, elders, to "guard yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood" (Acts 20:28). Be a friend and Christlike example to children. Give clear and cheerful guidance to young people. By word and example, bear up God's people in their pain and weakness, and celebrate their joys with them. Encourage the aged to persevere in God's promises. Be wise counselors who support and strengthen the pastor. Be compassionate, yet firm and consistent in rebuke and discipline. Know the Scriptures, which are "useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16). Pray continually for the church. Remember at all times that if you would truly give spiritual leadership in the household of faith, you must be completely mastered by your Lord (1 Tim. 3:2-7).

Charge to the Deacons
I charge you, deacons, to inspire faithful stewardship in this congregation. Remind us that "from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded" (Luke 12:48b). Teach us to be merciful. Prompt us to seize new opportunities to worship God with offerings of wealth, time, and ability. Realize that benevolence is a quality of our life in Christ and not merely a matter of financial assistance. Therefore, minister to rich and poor alike, both within and outside the church. Weigh the needs of causes and use the church's resources discerningly. Be compassionate to the needy. Encourage them with words that create hope in their hearts and with deeds that bring joy into their lives. Be prophetic critics of the waste, injustice, and selfishness in our society, and be sensitive counselors to the victims of such evils. Let your lives be above reproach; live as examples of Christ Jesus; look to the interests of others.

Charge to the Congregation
I charge you, people of God, to receive these office bearers as Christ's gift to the church. Recognize in them the Lord's provision for healthy congregational life. Hold them in honor; take their counsel seriously; respond to them with obedience and respect; accept their help with thanks. Sustain them in prayer and encourage them with your support, especially when they feel the burden of their office. Acknowledge them as the Lord's servants among you.

Do you, congregation, pledge to receive them as you have been charged?
Answer [by the congregation in unison]: We do, God helping us.

Prayer
Our merciful Father in heaven, we thank you that you have provided faithful and gifted people to serve as elders and deacons. As these new office bearers assume their responsibilities, fill them with your Spirit, endow them with your wisdom, and grant them strength. Make them faithful workers in your vineyard. Under their guidance may your church grow in every spiritual grace, in faith which is open and unashamed, and in the committed service that promotes your reign in the world. Help them to perform their duties with enthusiasm and humility. In their work, grant them a sense of sustained awe which is rooted in daily adoration of you, their Lord. Through them may your name be honored and your church be served.

Help us, your people, accept them gladly, encourage them always, and respect them for the sake of your precious Son, our Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen.