Christian Officiant: Commissioning Service

Christian 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 Christian Officiant within the Church and/or the broader community.

This commissioning acknowledges the importance of guiding and officiating sacred ceremonies with Christ-centered principles, offering hope, spiritual guidance, and a reflection of God’s love in life’s significant moments.

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 to point others to the Gospel of Jesus Christ through officiating ceremonies that honor God and bless His people (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).

Historical Significance of Commissioning

Since the time of the New Testament, the Holy Spirit has appointed Christian leaders to shepherd God’s people and guide them through pivotal life moments. Leaders equipped by the Holy Spirit nurture believers, serve others in love, and share the Gospel. This role, as an Ordained Christian Officiant, focuses on officiating weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other 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 a wide range of ceremonies.

This credential equips [Name] to provide spiritual guidance, lead ceremonies with compassion and clarity, and communicate God’s truth and love in diverse ministry contexts.

The Charge to the Candidate

Solemn Responsibility

This commissioning acknowledges your responsibility for guiding individuals and communities with Christ’s love, hope, and truth (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Guidance by the Holy Spirit

You are called to depend on the Holy Spirit, who will guide you in ministering God’s Word and serving His people (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 Christian Officiant, guiding others through life’s significant moments with Christ-centered wisdom and love?
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 Christian Officiant

[Name], I charge you to guard yourself and those you serve, nurturing them with Christ’s love, wisdom, and truth. Be a shepherd to those who seek God’s presence in life’s key moments, bringing His promises and light to every ceremony you officiate (Acts 20:28; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

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