Prayer of Commissioning Ceremony

3-Minute Local Ordination & Commissioning Ceremony

Christmas Chaplain – 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 / community gathering / Soul Center] in [City, State].

We are here because ordination is always local. It is lived out in real places, among real people, with prayer and witnesses. A study-based ordination pathway has been completed, and 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—especially in seasons of joy, longing, grief, and hope.

Optional insert — choose one:

A — Local Church (Seasonal Ministry)
In the context of [Name of Church], we commission [Name] to serve as a Christmas Chaplain—ministering during the Advent and Christmas season through worship, prayer, Scripture, and pastoral presence.

B — Community / Blue Christmas Setting
In this community of [City/Region], we recognize that Christmas is a season of both joy and sorrow. Today we commission [Name] to serve as a Christmas Chaplain—bringing Christ’s comfort to those who grieve, feel alone, or carry heavy burdens.

C — Soul Center / Outreach Ministry
As a Soul Center in [City/Region], we commission [Name] to offer Christ-centered care during the Christmas season—through candlelight services, Scripture readings, blessings, and compassionate presence.

D — Embedded Seasonal Chaplaincy Role
In this community of [City/Region], we recognize [Name] as an embedded Christmas Chaplain, serving in public spaces, homes, gatherings, and moments of need—bringing the light of Christ into the darkness and hope into weary hearts.

Leader (continue):

Today, we publicly commission [Name] for ministry as a Christmas Chaplain, affirming their training, character, and calling to proclaim the hope of Christ’s incarnation and to offer pastoral care during this sacred season.

2) Scripture (15–20 seconds)

Leader:

Hear the Word of God:

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it.”
(John 1:5, WEB)

3) Recognition of Preparation (15 seconds)

Leader:

[Name] has completed ministry preparation 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 for this season of ministry.

4) Charge (20 seconds)

Leader (to Candidate):

[Name], as a Christmas Chaplain, you are entrusted with ministering in a season that holds deep meaning—joyful celebration, quiet reflection, grief, and longing.

Serve with gentleness and discernment. Speak hope with humility. Pray faithfully.
Proclaim Christ—the Word made flesh—who comes near to the brokenhearted and brings peace to the weary.

5) Questions (20–30 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.

Do you believe God has called you to serve as a Christmas Chaplain, ministering especially during the Advent and Christmas season?

Candidate:
I do, God helping me.

Do you commit to serve with compassion, sensitivity, and faithfulness—honoring both the joy and the sorrow people carry at Christmas?

Candidate:
I do, God helping me.

Do you agree to walk in accountability—and if you stray from the Christian walk, will you notify appropriate leaders and vacate this commissioning?

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.

Grant them tenderness for those who mourn,
joy for those who celebrate,
and wisdom to speak hope into fragile moments.

May their presence reflect the light of Christ,
their words proclaim Emmanuel—God with us,
and their ministry bring comfort, peace, and renewed faith.

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 Christmas Chaplain—locally affirmed and prayerfully sent to serve Christ during this sacred season.

Go in the peace, light, and hope of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.