Step Six: Commissioning Prayer Service

3-Minute Local Ordination & Commissioning Ceremony

Ministry Chaplain – 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 real places, 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—sent to care for souls and strengthen ministry.

Optional insert — choose one:

A — Local Church Ministry
In the context of [Name of Church], we commission [Name] to serve as a Ministry Chaplain—supporting leaders, volunteers, and members through prayer, counsel, and pastoral presence.

B — House Church / Network Ministry
In this house church or ministry network, we commission [Name] to serve as a Ministry Chaplain—walking alongside leaders and participants with encouragement, discernment, and care.

C — Soul Center / Ministry Hub
As a Soul Center in [City/Region], we commission [Name] to serve as a Ministry Chaplain from this spiritual home base—offering soul care, prayer, and guidance to those engaged in ministry.

D — Embedded Ministry Chaplaincy Role
In this community of [City/Region], we recognize [Name] as an embedded Ministry Chaplain, serving within ongoing ministry life—supporting leaders, teams, and volunteers through seasons of growth, stress, conflict, and renewal.

Leader (continue):

Today, we publicly commission [Name] for ministry as a Ministry Chaplain, affirming their training, character, and calling to provide Christ-centered soul care and pastoral support within ministry settings.

2) Scripture (15–20 seconds)

Leader:

Hear the Word of God:

“Carry each other’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
(Galatians 6:2, WEB)

3) Recognition of Preparation (15 seconds)

Leader:

[Name] has completed chaplaincy 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 Ministry Chaplain, you are entrusted with caring for those who serve—pastors, leaders, volunteers, and ministry participants.

Serve with humility and discretion. Listen deeply. Pray faithfully.
Offer wisdom without control, presence without pressure, and care that reflects the heart 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 Ministry Chaplain?

Candidate:
I do, God helping me.

Do you commit to serve ministry leaders and teams with compassion, confidentiality, and integrity?

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 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 them discernment to care wisely, patience to walk alongside others,
and strength to support those who carry heavy responsibility.

May their presence bring rest, their prayers bring renewal,
and their ministry strengthen those who labor for Your kingdom.

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 Ministry Chaplain—locally affirmed and prayerfully sent to support and strengthen Christ’s servants.

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