3-Minute Local Ordination & Commissioning Ceremony

Ordained Pet Assisted Chaplain — Laying on of Hands

(Adapted from the provided ordination ceremony template for an Ordained Digital Community Chaplain.)

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

Leader:

Today, we gather as a local expression of the Church of Jesus Christ at [Name of place—church / home / community setting / Soul Center] in [City, State].

We gather because ordination is not merely a private achievement. It is a public recognition of calling, preparation, character, and faithful service. It is confirmed in real places, among real people, with prayer, witnesses, and the laying on of hands.

The Church is not confined to a building. The Church is the people of God, gathered in the name of Jesus Christ and sent into the world to bring truth, mercy, presence, comfort, and hope.

Today, we recognize a chaplaincy calling that brings Christ-centered care into places where people are helped through the calming and relational presence of animals. Pet Assisted Chaplaincy honors the ministry of presence, the dignity of every person, and the goodness of God’s creation.

Optional insert — choose one:

A — Local Church Partnership

In partnership with [Name of Church], we commission [Name] as an Ordained Pet Assisted Chaplain—to bring Christ-centered care, prayer, Scripture, and compassionate presence to individuals, families, churches, and communities through appropriate pet-assisted ministry.

B — Care Setting or Facility Context

In connection with [Name of facility / ministry / care setting], we recognize [Name] as a chaplain who will walk alongside people facing loneliness, grief, illness, stress, trauma, aging, disability, or emotional need—offering steady spiritual care with the supportive presence of a trained or approved companion animal.

C — Soul Center / Community Chaplaincy

As a Soul Center in [City/Region], we commission [Name] as an Ordained Pet Assisted Chaplain—to offer prayer, encouragement, spiritual care, calm presence, and gospel hope through approved pet-assisted ministry settings and community relationships.

D — Community Comfort and Support Focus

In this community of [City/Region], we recognize [Name] as an Ordained Pet Assisted Chaplain with a heart to serve people who are isolated, grieving, anxious, weary, or spiritually searching—bringing the compassion of Jesus Christ through prayerful presence, wise boundaries, and the gentle support of pet-assisted care.

Leader continues:

Today, we publicly commission [Name] for ministry as an Ordained Pet Assisted Chaplain, affirming training, character, and calling to serve with humility, steadiness, prayer, and Christ-centered care—under wise boundaries and in cooperation with pastors, leaders, caregivers, facility staff, families, and appropriate authorities.

2) Scripture

Leader:

Hear the Word of God:

“The Lord is good to all.
His tender mercies are over all his works.”
Psalm 145:9, WEB

3) Recognition of Preparation

Leader:

[Name] has completed a study-based preparation pathway for this chaplaincy calling. Now, as a local Christian community, we complete this process by publicly commissioning [him/her] with prayer and the laying on of hands.

4) Charge

Leader to Candidate:

[Name], you are being set apart to serve as an Ordained Pet Assisted Chaplain.

You are called to bring the presence of Christ into places where people may be lonely, grieving, anxious, ill, weary, traumatized, or in need of gentle encouragement. You are called to serve with compassion, patience, humility, and wisdom.

Honor the people you serve. Honor the settings where you minister. Honor the animal entrusted to your care. Practice appropriate consent, safety, cleanliness, boundaries, confidentiality, and accountability.

Listen carefully. Pray faithfully. Speak truth gently.
Be a calm and trustworthy presence, a comfort to the burdened, and a faithful witness to the hope found in Jesus Christ.

5) Questions

Leader:

Do you confess that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior and affirm the Holy Bible as the Word of God?