Public School Chaplain: Commissioning Service (Optional)

Public School Chaplain: Commissioning Service

This commissioning service may be led by a mentor, pastor, Christian Leaders Church representative, Christian Leaders Alliance 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, house church, or even in a school-adjacent setting with appropriate permissions.

Introduction

We gather today to commission and install [Name] into the sacred role of Public School Chaplain within Christ’s Church and the broader community.

This commissioning affirms [Name]’s calling to serve students, faculty, staff, and families in public school settings—bringing Christ’s presence through compassionate care, ethical leadership, and wise guidance. As a Public School Chaplain, [Name] is charged to minister in ways that respect the diverse beliefs found in our schools while faithfully representing the hope of the Gospel.

This service follows the timeless biblical pattern of commissioning, which includes prayer, laying on of hands, and recognition by the body of Christ.

Timeless Characteristics of Commissioning

Spiritual Qualifications
[Name] is a faithful, tested believer who walks with God and meets the spiritual qualifications for ministry, having been called to this role of service and witness (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 New Testament example (Acts 6:6; 13:3).

Spiritual Leadership
This commissioning comes after prayerful discernment, acknowledging the deep responsibility of ministering in public schools—an environment that calls for wisdom, humility, and unwavering integrity (Acts 13:3; 14:23).

Church Connection
[Name] is committed to Christ’s Church and will seek to build bridges between the school, local congregations, and the wider Kingdom of God (Colossians 3:16–17).

Gospel-Centered Ministry
The ultimate aim of this commissioning is to glorify God and bring His comfort, guidance, and love to students, parents, and staff, in both moments of celebration and times of crisis (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 serve as shepherds, caregivers, and representatives of Christ in various contexts.

Today, [Name] joins a growing movement of chaplains who minister in public schools—serving with legal awareness, ethical clarity, and spiritual conviction. Public School Chaplains are called to be ministers of presence—influencing their school communities through care, listening, and living out Christ’s example.

Acknowledgment of Training

[Name] has completed the Public School Chaplain Credential 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 Public School Chaplain
• Provide emotional and spiritual care while honoring constitutional guidelines
• Respond to crises with wisdom and compassion
• Represent Christ with grace in diverse and multi-faith settings

The Charge to the Candidate

Solemn Responsibility
You are entrusted with the sacred task of guiding, comforting, and supporting those within the school community (2 Corinthians 1:3–4).

Guidance by the Holy Spirit
You are called to rely on the Spirit’s wisdom as you minister, navigating complex situations with both truth and grace (John 14:26; Acts 4:31).

Commitment to Sanctification
This role requires ongoing spiritual growth, humility, and moral integrity, modeling Christ’s character in every interaction (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:

1. Do you believe God has called you to serve as a Public School Chaplain, bringing Christ’s presence into the school environment with wisdom and integrity?
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(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 good of the school community and the glory of His name. Amen."

Final Charge to the Public School Chaplain

[Name], I charge you to serve as a minister of presence in the school God has placed you.

• Be a voice of calm in crisis.
• Speak words of hope to those in despair.
• Listen well to those who need to be heard.
• Respect the laws of the land while faithfully following the ways of Christ.

Go now in the name of Jesus—equipped, empowered, and commissioned to serve as His Public School Chaplain. Amen.