Reading: Commissioning Form of an Ordained Minister of the Word

A Commissioning Service for Installation into Ministry and Inclusion in the Christian Leaders Alliance Directory

(This service is to be done by the candidate's mentor, pastor, church leader, denominational leader, house church representative or ministry leader)

We gather today to ordain and install a called church leader as a Minister of the Word. 

This commissioning of _______________________ includes the following characteristics that are timeless about ordination and commissioning into ministry: 

(1) This one set apart is a seasoned and tested believer who is walking with God, is spiritually qualified, is called and will be placed into specific ministries or tasks (Acts 6:2-6; 14:23).  

(2) This one set apart will be publicly prayed over and commissioned through the laying on of hands (Acts 6:6; 13:3).

(3) This one set apart is commissioned to spiritual leadership. This commissioning has been bathed in prayer and/or fasting recognizing the spiritual nature of this event (Acts 6:6; 13:3; 14:23). 

(4) This one set apart is connected to the church and the work of the church. He desires to build the church and God's kingdom (Colossians 3:16-17).

(5) This one set apart ultimately understands that the object of this appointment into ministry is the spreading of the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).

Since New Testament times, the Holy Spirit has appointed and anointed Christian leaders to build the church. The Holy Spirit equips them so that through their leadership believers may grow their faith, lead their families, serve others in love, and share the gospel.

The apostle Paul encouraged early church leaders to stay connected to God and His Word, which is the foundation and handbook for every commissioned and ordained leader as well as for all believers. 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."

____________________ has completed over 120 credit hours of formal ministry training at Christian Leaders Institute, plus comprehensive examinations. Christian Leaders Institute has been providing scholarships for ministry training since 2006. This college level training is not easy. This training is rigorous, including reading materials, lectures, quizzes, and test. _________________ has received his award earning at least a 2.0 grade point average (you can insert your grade point average here if you choose).  __________________ was first ordained as a deacon minister, now he is being commissioned as an Ordained Minister of the Word. 

The Charge to the One Being Commissioned:

1) This commissioning is a solemn occasion. You are not going into this lightly. Understand that you are being raised up to greater responsibility in your service to God. This greater responsibility includes the care of the spiritual life of the soul (Hebrews 13:17).

2) Your commissioning will invoke a greater filling of the Holy Spirit in your life. You understand that the Holy Spirit will guide your life in God’s Word (John 14:26; Acts 4:31).

3) Your commissioning is given to those who are serious about putting to death the sinful nature and living a new life in Christ (Romans 8:13-17; Colossians 3:5). Understand, that though no one is free from sin and the effects of sin, you must commit your life to the sanctification process where you are being transformed into the image of Christ (Colossians 3:10).

4) Your commissioning is a rejection of any allegiance to Satan and the kingdom of darkness (Colossians 3:5-10).

5) Your commissioning means that the qualifications for office bearers in 1Timothy 3 and Titus 2 apply to you and that you will continue to grow in these qualifications.

Finally, your commissioning challenges you to be:

- A person of peace (Galatians 5:22,23; Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:4-7).

- A person who holds no bitter roots; you will not take offense easily (Hebrews 12:15).

- A person who is humble and teachable (Philippians 2:3) 

- A person who is balanced and moderate, one who does not show favoritism (James 2:1; 1 Timothy 5:21).

- A person who will remain accountable to other believers, whether officially or unofficially (Galatians 6:1,2; Hebrews 10:24,25).

- A person who will give Spirit-filled servant leadership to the best of your efforts (Ephesians 3:7; 2 Timothy 2:24).

A Statement of Accountability:

As with all office bearers in the church, if this person should become delinquent in doctrine or life, you witnesses here are encouraged to contact this local commissioning authority and the Christian Leaders Alliance. 

To express your acceptance of this Minister of the Word ministry role in our community of faith, you are asked these questions in the presence of those assembled here.  

Do you believe that in the call of this congregation or ministry, God himself is calling you to serve as a Minister of the Word?
Do you believe that the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and life?
Do you subscribe to the Biblical doctrinal standards practiced in this community of believers, rejecting all teaching which contradicts them?
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?  

_________________________, what is your answer?

Answer [by the candidate]: I do, God helping me.

The officiating minister/mentor/ordained leader shall then say, with the laying on of hands at this point (may include any leaders to lay on their hands that the officiating leader or candidate sees fit):

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 so prosper your ministry ordination so that the church may increase and His name will be praised. In Christ's name, Amen.

Final Charge to the newly Commissioned Minister:

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).