Commissioning Service for a Field Minister

Commissioning Service for a Lay/Field Minister

This service should be led by the candidate's mentor, pastor, church leader, Christian Leaders Church representative, Christian Leaders Alliance member, or a denominational minister.

The service may be integrated into other worship elements, conducted as a standalone commissioning service, or included as part of a church or house church gathering.

Introduction

We gather today to commission and install a called church leader into the role of Lay/Field Minister to serve within the Church and/or the broader community.

This commissioning of [Name] includes the following timeless characteristics of commissioning into ministry:

1. Spiritual Qualifications
   This individual is a seasoned and tested believer, walking with God, meeting spiritual qualifications, and called to specific ministries or tasks (Acts 6:2-6; 14:23).

2. Public Prayer and Commissioning
   This individual will be publicly prayed over and commissioned with the laying on of hands (Acts 6:6; 13:3).

3. Spiritual Leadership
   This commissioning has been bathed in prayer and/or fasting, recognizing its profound spiritual significance (Acts 6:6; 13:3; 14:23).

4. Church Connection
   This individual is connected to the Church and desires to build both the local church and God’s Kingdom (Colossians 3:16-17).

5. Gospel-Centered Ministry
   The ultimate purpose of this appointment is the spreading of the Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).

Since the time of the New Testament, the Holy Spirit has appointed and anointed Christian leaders to build the Church. These leaders, equipped by the Holy Spirit, nurture believers in their faith, lead families, serve others in love, and share the Gospel.

The apostle Paul encouraged early church leaders to remain rooted in God and His Word, the foundation for every commissioned leader. Paul writes in Acts 20:32:
"Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified."

Acknowledgment of Training

[Name] has completed formal ministry training at the Christian Leaders Institute, including comprehensive coursework and examinations. Since 2006, the Christian Leaders Institute has provided rigorous college-level ministry training, encompassing reading materials, lectures, quizzes, and tests.

[Name] has earned the Field Minister credential with at least a 2.0 GPA. (You may insert your specific GPA here.) In addition, [Name] has completed the Christian Officiant Role requirements and a capstone course designed to ensure competence in Lay/Field Minister responsibilities.

The Charge to the One Being Commissioned

1. Solemn Responsibility
   This commissioning acknowledges your responsibility for the spiritual care of others (Hebrews 13:17).

2. Guidance by the Holy Spirit
   Your commissioning calls for the filling of the Holy Spirit, who will guide you in God’s Word (John 14:26; Acts 4:31).

3. Commitment to Sanctification
   This commissioning requires a life of sanctification, putting to death the sinful nature and living anew in Christ (Romans 8:13-17; Colossians 3:5-10).

4. Rejection of Darkness
   You renounce allegiance to Satan and the kingdom of darkness (Colossians 3:5-10).

5. Living the Qualifications
   You are called to grow in the qualifications outlined for church office bearers in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

You are charged to be:

• A person of peace (Galatians 5:22-23; Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:4-7).
• A person free of bitterness and offense (Hebrews 12:15).
• A person of humility and teachability (Philippians 2:3).
• A person who is balanced, moderate, and impartial (James 2:1; 1 Timothy 5:21).
• A person accountable to other believers (Galatians 6:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-25).
• A Spirit-filled servant leader (Ephesians 3:7; 2 Timothy 2:24).

A Statement of Accountability

As with all church office bearers, if this individual should become delinquent in doctrine or life, those present today are encouraged to contact the local commissioning authority and the Christian Leaders Alliance.

Questions to the Candidate

To affirm your acceptance of this role, please respond to the following questions:

1. Do you believe that in the call of this congregation or ministry, God Himself is calling you to serve as a Lay/Field Minister?
2. Do you believe that the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and life?
3. Do you subscribe to the biblical doctrinal standards practiced in this community of believers, rejecting all teachings that contradict them?
4. Do you promise to do the work of your office faithfully, in a way worthy of your calling, and in submission to the governing authorities God has placed in your life?

Candidate Response:
"I do, God helping me."

The Laying on of Hands

The officiating minister/mentor/ordained leader, along with other chosen leaders, shall now lay hands on the candidate while saying:

"May God, our heavenly Father, who has called you to this solemn office, guide you by His Word, equip you with His Holy Spirit, and prosper your ministry so that the Church may grow and His name be glorified. In Christ’s name, Amen."

Final Charge to the Newly Commissioned Minister

[Name], I charge you to guard yourself and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you a leader. Be a shepherd of the Church of God, which He bought with His own blood (Acts 20:28).