Commissioning Service

3-Minute Local Ordination & Commissioning Ceremony

Licensed Minister – Laying on of Hands

(Leader note: Read straight through. Where you see brackets, fill in the details. Choose ONE optional insert—A, B, C, or D—and delete the others.)

1) Opening & Introduction (30 seconds)

Leader:

Today, we gather here as a local expression of Christ’s Church at [Name of place—church / home ministry / Bible study / ministry team / Soul Center] in [City, State].

We are here because ordination is always local. It is lived out in a real place, among real people, with prayer and witnesses. A study-based ordination pathway has been completed, and this local and public commissioning completes the biblical pattern through prayer and the laying on of hands.

The Church is not only a building. The Church is God’s people gathered in Jesus’ name.

Optional insert — choose one:

A — Local Church
In the context of [Name of Church], we recognize this Licensed Minister as serving under local spiritual covering, with accountability, and with a heart to build up the Body of Christ.

B — House Church
In this house church fellowship, we remember that the early Church often gathered in homes. In that same spirit, we commission [Name] to serve faithfully as a Licensed Minister among God’s people.

C — Soul Center
As a Soul Center in [City/Region], we commission [Name] to serve as a Licensed Minister from this spiritual home base—offering prayer, teaching, and pastoral care within our community.

D — Field / Embedded Ministry Role
In this community of [City/Region], we recognize [Name] as a Licensed Minister serving both within the Church and in the field—bringing Christ-centered ministry into everyday settings with wisdom and accountability.

Leader (continue):

Today, we publicly commission [Name] for ministry as a Licensed Minister, affirming their training, character, and calling to serve Christ and His Church with defined responsibility and trusted authority.

2) Scripture (15–20 seconds)

Leader:

Hear the Word of God:

“The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.”
(2 Timothy 2:2, WEB)

3) Recognition of Preparation (15 seconds)

Leader:

[Name] has completed ministry preparation and has been recognized through a study-based ordination pathway. Now, as a local Christian community, we complete this process by commissioning [Name] publicly in prayer.

4) Charge (20 seconds)

Leader (to Candidate):

[Name], as a Licensed Minister, you are entrusted with ministerial responsibility—serving under accountability while exercising leadership in teaching, prayer, care, and service.

Serve with humility and faithfulness. Guard sound doctrine. Love people well.
Let your ministry strengthen the Church and reflect the character of Christ.

5) Questions (20–30 seconds)

Leader:

Do you believe that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior and affirm the Bible as the Word of God?

Candidate:
I do, God helping me.

Do you believe God has called you to serve as a Licensed Minister?

Candidate:
I do, God helping me.

Do you commit to serve faithfully under spiritual authority, with integrity, humility, and obedience to God’s Word?

Candidate:
I do, God helping me.

Do you agree to walk in accountability—and if you stray from the Christian walk, will you notify appropriate leaders and vacate this license and ordination?

Candidate:
I do, God helping me.

6) Laying on of Hands & Prayer (45 seconds)

(Leader and/or elders place hands gently on the candidate.)

Leader:

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father,
we thank You for [Name] and for the calling You have placed upon their life.

As we lay hands upon them today, we recognize and bless what You have already begun.
Guide them by Your Word. Fill them with Your Spirit. Guard their life and witness.

Grant wisdom to lead responsibly, humility to remain teachable,
and courage to serve faithfully in every assignment You entrust to them.

May their ministry bring strength to the Church, care to Your people,
and honor to the name of Jesus Christ.

We commission and send [Name] now,
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

7) Final Declaration & Blessing (10–15 seconds)

Leader:

By prayer and the laying on of hands, we publicly commission you, [Name], as a Licensed Minister—locally affirmed and prayerfully sent to serve Christ and His Church.

Go in the grace, wisdom, and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.