Ordained Ministry Officiant: Commissioning Service

Ordained Ministry Officiant: Commissioning Service

This commissioning service should be led by a mentor, pastor, church leader, Christian Leaders Church representative, Christian Leaders Alliance member, or a denominational minister.

The service may be integrated into other worship elements, conducted as a standalone commissioning service, or included as part of a church or house church gathering.

Introduction

We gather today to commission and install [Name] into the sacred role of Ordained Ministry Officiant within the Church and/or the broader community.

This commissioning acknowledges the importance of guiding and officiating sacred ceremonies and ministries with Christ-centered principles, contributing to the flourishing of individuals, families, and communities.

This service includes the following timeless characteristics of ministry commissioning:

Timeless Characteristics of Commissioning

Spiritual Qualifications

[Name] is a seasoned and tested believer, walking with God, meeting spiritual qualifications, and called to specific ministries or tasks (Acts 6:2-6; 14:23).

Public Prayer and Commissioning

This individual will be publicly prayed over and commissioned with the laying on of hands (Acts 6:6; 13:3).

Spiritual Leadership

This commissioning has been bathed in prayer and/or fasting, recognizing its profound spiritual significance (Acts 6:6; 13:3; 14:23).

Church Connection

[Name] is connected to the Church and desires to build both the local church and God’s Kingdom (Colossians 3:16-17).

Gospel-Centered Ministry

The ultimate purpose of this appointment is the spreading of the Gospel and the celebration of Christ-centered relationships (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).

Historical Significance of Commissioning

Since the time of the New Testament, the Holy Spirit has appointed Christian leaders to build the Church. Leaders equipped by the Holy Spirit nurture believers, serve others in love, and share the Gospel. This role, as an Ordained Ministry Officiant, focuses on officiating sacred ceremonies in alignment with God’s Word and His design for ministry and community life.

Acknowledgment of Training

[Name] has completed ministry training at Christian Leaders Institute, including rigorous coursework, examinations, and a capstone course designed to ensure competence in officiating ministry.

This credential equips [Name] to officiate weddings, lead ceremonies, and provide ministry guidance that honors God and edifies the Church.

The Charge to the Candidate

Solemn Responsibility

This commissioning acknowledges your responsibility for guiding individuals and communities in their commitments to each other and Christ (Hebrews 13:17).

Guidance by the Holy Spirit

You are called to depend on the Holy Spirit, who will guide you in ministering through God’s Word (John 14:26; Acts 4:31).

Commitment to Sanctification

This commissioning requires a life of sanctification, living anew in Christ and setting an example for others (Romans 8:13-17; Colossians 3:5-10).

Living the Qualifications

You are called to exemplify:

• Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
• Humility and teachability (Philippians 2:3).
• Accountability to other believers (Galatians 6:1-2).

Questions to the Candidate

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

1. Do you believe God has called you to serve as an Ordained Ministry Officiant, guiding others in Christ-centered ministry?
2. Do you accept the Old and New Testaments as the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and life?
3. Do you promise to carry out the work of this ministry faithfully, with integrity, and in submission to God’s Word?

Candidate Response: "I do, God helping me."

The Laying on of Hands

The officiating leader, along with other chosen leaders, shall lay hands on the candidate and pray:

"May God, our heavenly Father, who has called you to this role, guide you by His Word, fill you with His Spirit, and bless your ministry for the glory of His name. Amen."

Final Charge to the Ordained Ministry Officiant

[Name], I charge you to guard yourself and the ministries you lead, nurturing them in Christ's love. Be a shepherd to those who seek to honor God in their commitments, for His glory and the strengthening of His Church (Acts 20:28).

Go forth in the name of Christ, equipped and empowered for this sacred ministry