Commissioning Service Outline

3-Minute Local Ordination & Commissioning Ceremony

Christian Wedding Officiant – 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. Christian Leaders Alliance recognizes a study-based ordination pathway, but 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 that ordination is meant to be lived out in the life of a local congregation—serving under 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 with humility and faithfulness—wherever believers gather in Jesus’ name.

C — Soul Center
As a Soul Center in [City/Region], we are a local gathering for worship, discipleship, and ministry care. Today we commission [Name] to serve from this spiritual home base—bringing prayerful presence and Christ-centered leadership into our community.

D — Embedded Ministry Role
In this community of [City/Region], we recognize [Name] as an embedded Christian leader, serving within everyday relationships and real-life settings. From this local base, they are commissioned to carry Christ-centered ministry into marriages, families, and sacred moments—faithfully representing Christ where life and ministry naturally intersect.

Leader (continue):

Today, we publicly commission [Name] for ministry as a Christian Wedding Officiant, affirming their training, character, and calling to serve bride and groom—and to bless families and communities—through Christ-centered wedding ceremonies.

2) Scripture (15–20 seconds)

Leader:

Hear the Word of God:

“When they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
(Acts 13:3, WEB)

3) Recognition of Preparation (15 seconds)

Leader:

[Name] has completed ministry training 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 Christian Wedding Officiant, you are entrusted with moments that matter deeply—joining bride and groomunder God’s design for marriage. Serve with grace and truth. Prepare diligently. Pray faithfully. Point every couple to Christ as the sure foundation of love.

5) Questions (20 seconds)

Questions to the Candidate (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.

Leader:

Do you believe God has called you to serve as a Christian Wedding Officiant?

Candidate:
I do, God helping me.

Do you affirm that marriage is a sacred covenant, established by God and centered in Christ?

Candidate:
I do, God helping me.

Leader:

Do you commit to carry out this ministry with care, integrity, and reverence for God’s Word? If I stray from the Christian Walk, I will let Christian Leaders Alliance and others know that I 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.

May their words bring truth, their presence bring peace, and their ministry bring honor to Christ.
Bless the brides and grooms they serve. Strengthen marriages. Build Your Church. Advance 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 Christian Wedding Officiant—locally affirmed and prayerfully sent to serve Christ in this community and beyond.

Go in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.