✝️ Officiating Chaplain: Commissioning Service

✝️ Officiating Chaplain: Commissioning Service

This commissioning service may be led by a mentor, pastor, clergy member, denominational minister, or other trusted leader in the body of Christ.

The ceremony can be integrated into a worship service, held as a standalone event, or included within a local church, ministry, or house church gathering.

Introduction

We gather today to commission and install [Name] into the sacred role of Officiating Chaplain within the Church and broader community.

This commissioning affirms [Name]’s calling to officiate meaningful life ceremonies, offer pastoral presence, and bring Christ-centered care into diverse ministry settings—including homes, public events, hospitals, senior centers, community groups, and more.

This service includes the following timeless characteristics of biblical commissioning:

Timeless Characteristics of Commissioning

• Spiritual Qualifications
  [Name] is a faithful, tested believer who walks with God and meets spiritual qualifications, having been called to this role of ministry and service (Acts 6:2–6; 14:23).
• Public Prayer and Commissioning
  [Name] will be publicly prayed over and commissioned through the laying on of hands, following the early Church’s example (Acts 6:6; 13:3).
• Spiritual Leadership
  This commissioning has been sought through prayer and discernment, acknowledging the deep spiritual responsibility this role carries (Acts 13:3; 14:23).
• Church Connection
  [Name] is committed to Christ’s Church and seeks to build up both the local church and the greater Kingdom of God through their ministry (Colossians 3:16–17).
• Gospel-Centered Ministry
  The ultimate aim of this commissioning is to glorify God and minister the presence of Jesus through officiating ceremonies, offering care, and proclaiming hope (2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14).

Historical Significance of Commissioning

From the time of the apostles, the Church has recognized and commissioned leaders to shepherd others, perform sacred ceremonies, and offer Christ’s presence at life’s turning points.

As an Officiating Chaplain, [Name] now joins this long line of gospel servants—trained, commissioned, and sent to serve in weddings, funerals, public prayers, dedications, crisis moments, and blessing ceremonies, wherever God leads.

Acknowledgment of Training

[Name] has completed the Officiating Chaplain Program through Christian Leaders Institute, including theological and practical training, coursework, examinations, and mentoring.

This credential affirms [Name]’s readiness to:

• Serve as a recognized local officiating Chaplain 
• Lead sacred ceremonies
• Minister with wisdom, humility, and spiritual authority
• Represent the Gospel faithfully in public and private settings

The Charge to the Candidate

• Solemn Responsibility
  You are entrusted with guiding others through life’s sacred moments with Christ’s love, comfort, and truth (2 Corinthians 1:3–4).
• Guidance by the Holy Spirit
  You are called to depend on the Holy Spirit as you minister the Word and officiate in the name of Jesus (John 14:26; Acts 4:31).
• Commitment to Sanctification
  This calling requires a life of holiness, humility, and continued growth in Christ, modeling faith and integrity in every setting (Romans 8:13–17).
• Living the Qualifications
  You are to exhibit:
  ✅ The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)
  ✅ Humility and teachability (Philippians 2:3)
  ✅ Accountability within the Body of Christ (Galatians 6:1–2)

Questions to the Candidate

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

• Do you believe God has called you to serve as an Officiating Chaplain, bringing Christ’s presence through sacred ceremonies and ministry?
• Do you accept the Old and New Testaments as the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and life?
• 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(s) shall lay hands on the candidate and pray:

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

Final Charge to the Officiating Chaplain

[Name], I charge you to shepherd those entrusted to you with Christ’s compassion and courage.

Be a minister of presence at life’s most meaningful moments.
Officiate with reverence.
Speak the Word of God with clarity.
Extend the hope of the Gospel to those in sorrow and joy.

Go now in the name of Christ—equipped, empowered, and commissioned to serve as His Officiating Chaplain. Amen.