Commissioning Service for a Field Minister

3-Minute Local Ordination & Commissioning Ceremony

Lay / Field 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 that ordination is meant to be lived out in the life of a local congregation—serving under spiritual covering, with accountability, and with a heart to build up the Body of Christ.

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 serve with humility and faithfulness—wherever believers gather in Jesus’ name.

C — Soul Center
As a Soul Center in [City/Region], we are a local gathering for worship, discipleship, and ministry care. Today we commission [Name] to serve from this spiritual home base—bringing prayerful presence and Christ-centered leadership into our community.

D — Field / Embedded Ministry Role
In this community of [City/Region], we recognize [Name] as a Lay / Field Minister, serving beyond church walls in everyday places—workplaces, neighborhoods, families, and community spaces. From this local base, they are commissioned to bring Christ-centered ministry into the field where life is lived.

Leader (continue):

Today, we publicly commission [Name] for ministry as a Lay / Field Minister, affirming their training, character, and calling to serve Christ faithfully in everyday life and mission.

2) Scripture (15–20 seconds)

Leader:

Hear the Word of God:

“As you go, make disciples of all nations.”
(Matthew 28:19a, 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 a Lay / Field Minister, you are called to live your ministry where God has placed you—among coworkers, neighbors, friends, and the wider community.

Serve with humility and faithfulness. Love people well. Speak truth with grace. Pray without ceasing.
Let your everyday life be a faithful witness to 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 a Lay / Field Minister?

Candidate:
I do, God helping me.

Do you commit to serve Christ faithfully in everyday life—at work, in relationships, and in your community?

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.

Send them into the field with courage and compassion.
May their presence reflect Christ, their words point to truth,
and their actions display Your love.

Use their everyday faithfulness to draw others toward You
and to build Your Church in places unseen and unexpected.

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 Lay / Field Minister—locally affirmed and prayerfully sent to serve Christ in everyday life and mission.

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