Commission Prayer Service

3-Minute Local Ordination & Commissioning Ceremony

Ordained Minister – 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 / Bible study / ministry team / Soul Center] in [City, State].

We are here because ordination is always local. It is lived out in a real place, 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.

Optional insert — choose one:

A — Local Church
In the context of [Name of Church], we recognize this Ordained Minister as set apart to serve the congregation through preaching, sacramental ministry, pastoral care, and leadership, under spiritual accountability.

B — House Church
In this house church fellowship, we remember that the early Church often gathered in homes. In that same spirit, we commission [Name] to shepherd God’s people faithfully wherever the Church gathers.

C — Soul Center
As a Soul Center in [City/Region], we commission [Name] to serve as an Ordained Minister from this spiritual home base—offering Word, prayer, sacraments, and pastoral oversight.

D — Field / Embedded Ministry Role
In this community of [City/Region], we recognize [Name] as an Ordained Minister serving both within gathered worship and in the field—bringing Christ-centered leadership, sacramental care, and pastoral presence into everyday life.

Leader (continue):

Today, we publicly commission [Name] for ministry as an Ordained Minister, affirming their training, character, and calling to shepherd God’s people with the Word of God, prayer, and faithful leadership.

2) Scripture (15–20 seconds)

Leader:

Hear the Word of God:

“Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord.”
(Acts 20:28a, 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.

4) Charge (20 seconds)

Leader (to Candidate):

[Name], as an Ordained Minister, you are entrusted with shepherding God’s people—preaching the Word, administering the sacraments, offering pastoral care, and equipping others for ministry.

Serve with humility and faithfulness. Guard sound doctrine. Love the flock. Pray continually.
Let your life and leadership reflect the grace, truth, and holiness of Jesus Christ.

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 an Ordained Minister of the gospel?

Candidate:
I do, God helping me.

Do you commit to preach and teach the Word faithfully, administer the sacraments reverently, and shepherd God’s people with integrity and love?

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 ordination?

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 wisdom to teach faithfully, courage to lead humbly,
and compassion to shepherd Your people with care.

May their preaching proclaim truth, their prayers invite Your presence,
and their ministry build up the Church and advance Your kingdom.

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 an Ordained Minister—locally affirmed and prayerfully sent to serve Christ and His Church.

Go in the grace, authority, and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.