✝️ Ordained Fire/EMS Chaplain: Commissioning Service

✝️ Ordained Fire/EMS 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, fire station, EMS gathering, or community event.

Introduction

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

This commissioning affirms [Name]’s calling to bring Christ’s presence into moments of crisis, offering Spirit-led comfort, biblical encouragement, and pastoral presence to first responders, victims, and families in times of trauma, loss, and need.

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 chaplaincy 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 chaplain ministry (Colossians 3:16–17).

Gospel-Centered Ministry
The ultimate aim of this commissioning is to glorify God and minister the presence of Jesus by serving first responders and communities in moments of crisis and care (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Galatians 6:2).

Historical Significance of Commissioning

From the time of the apostles, the Church has recognized and commissioned leaders to guide, comfort, and equip others for godly living and faithful service.

As an Ordained Fire/EMS Chaplain, [Name] now joins this long line of gospel servants—trained, commissioned, and sent to serve as a minister of presence, compassion, and prayer in times of emergency, trauma, and recovery.

Acknowledgment of Training

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

This credential affirms [Name]’s readiness to:

• Serve as a recognized Ordained Fire/EMS Chaplain within the Christian Leaders Alliance

• Bring spiritual and emotional support to first responders, victims, and families

• Minister with wisdom, humility, and Spirit-led discernment

• Represent the Gospel faithfully in crisis and community ministry settings

The Charge to the Candidate

Solemn Responsibility
You are entrusted with bringing Christ’s love and truth to people in their most difficult moments (2 Corinthians 1:3–4).

Guidance by the Holy Spirit
You are called to depend on the Holy Spirit as you provide comfort, prayer, and presence in the name of Jesus (John 14:26; Galatians 5:25).

Commitment to Sanctification
This calling requires a life of holiness, humility, and continued growth in Christ, modeling faith and integrity in every setting (Romans 12:1–2).

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 (Hebrews 10:24–25)

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 Ordained Fire/EMS Chaplain, offering presence, prayer, and care to first responders and those in crisis?

• 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 chaplain 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 Fire/EMS Chaplain

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

• Be a minister of presence in times of trauma and crisis.

• Offer prayer, wisdom, and Spirit-led comfort to first responders, victims, and families.

• Speak God’s Word with grace and courage in moments of need.

• Stand faithfully as a light of Christ in the Fire/EMS community.

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