Commissioning Service

Commissioning Service for a Licensed Minister

This Commissioning Service is a sacred occasion where a called church leader is commissioned into the role of Licensed Minister, prepared to serve within the Church and the broader community.

This service may be led by the candidate’s mentor, pastor, church leader, Christian Leaders Church representative, Christian Leaders Alliance member, or a denominational minister. It can be integrated into a worship service, conducted as a standalone event, or included in a church or house church gathering.

Introduction

Today, we gather to commission and install [Name] into the role of Licensed Minister. This service celebrates the call of God on [Name]’s life and the commitment to serve Christ, the Church, and the world.

This commissioning includes timeless characteristics of ministry appointments, as outlined in Scripture:

1. Spiritual Qualifications
   [Name] has demonstrated a walk with God, meeting the spiritual qualifications for ministry and showing faithfulness to the call (Acts 6:2-6; 14:23).

2. Public Prayer and Commissioning
   We will publicly pray over [Name] and lay hands on them as a sign of their commissioning (Acts 6:6; 13:3).

3. Spiritual Leadership
   This commissioning has been prepared with prayer, recognizing the spiritual significance of this moment (Acts 13:3; 14:23).

4. Church Connection
   [Name] is connected to the local Church and committed to building the Kingdom of God (Colossians 3:16-17).

5. Gospel-Centered Ministry
   The ultimate purpose of this commissioning is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).

Acknowledgment of Training

[Name] has completed formal ministry training through the Christian Leaders Institute, including comprehensive coursework and examinations. They have earned the Licensed Minister Credential with a GPA of [specific GPA, if applicable] and have fulfilled the requirements of the Christian Officiant Role and the Licensed Minister Commissioning Course.

Since 2006, the Christian Leaders Institute has provided rigorous, college-level ministry training to equip leaders for service in God’s Kingdom.

The Charge to the One Being Commissioned

As a newly commissioned minister, you are charged with solemn responsibilities, guided by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.

Responsibilities

• Spiritual Care: Shepherd the flock entrusted to you (Hebrews 13:17).
• Holy Spirit Guidance: Rely on the Spirit to lead you in God’s Word and ministry (John 14:26; Acts 4:31).
• Sanctified Living: Lead a life of sanctification, rejecting sin and embracing new life in Christ (Romans 8:13-17; Colossians 3:5-10).
• Rejection of Darkness: Renounce allegiance to sin and darkness, living as a testimony to God’s transformative power (Colossians 3:5-10).
• Living the Qualifications: Exhibit the qualifications for ministry as outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

A Statement of Accountability

As with all church leaders, if [Name] becomes delinquent in doctrine or life, those gathered today are encouraged to contact the commissioning authority and the Christian Leaders Alliance to ensure accountability and restoration.

Questions to the Candidate

To affirm your acceptance of this role, please answer the following:

1. Do you believe that in the call of this congregation or ministry, God Himself is calling you to serve as a Licensed Minister?
2. Do you believe that the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and life?
3. Do you subscribe to the biblical doctrinal standards practiced in this community of believers, rejecting all teachings that contradict them?
4. Do you promise to do the work of your office faithfully, in a way worthy of your calling, and in submission to the governing authorities God has placed in your life?

Candidate Response

"I do, God helping me."

The Laying on of Hands

The officiating leader(s) shall lay hands on the candidate, offering this prayer:

"May God, our heavenly Father, who has called you to this solemn office, guide you by His Word, equip you with His Holy Spirit, and prosper your ministry so that the Church may grow and His name be glorified. In Christ’s name, Amen."

Final Charge to the Newly Commissioned Minister

[Name], I charge you to guard yourself and the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you a leader. Be a shepherd of the Church of God, which He bought with His own blood (Acts 20:28). Serve faithfully, rely on His Spirit, and glorify God in all you do.

Go forth in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to build His Kingdom and proclaim His Gospel. Amen.