Commissioning Service for Lay Leaders
A few weeks ago we, as a community of faith, sought out those whom God has set aside to help fulfill the vision for ____________ Christian Church,
in the coming years. Through prayer and reflection we opened ourselves to hear Christ’s leading and today we come to recognize and set aside those who have
accepted this calling as well as to celebrate the gift of service given by those who have helped lead us over the past few years.
Numbers 27:16-17 says: "Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint someone over the congregation who shall go out before them and
come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD may not be like sheep without a shepherd."
We begin by lifting up those who have lovingly served this Church over the past one, two and three years in various positions. For the past _____ year(s) our
Board Chair has been _____________ and for the past _________ our 1nd Vice Chair has been________________, and our 2nd Vice Chair has been ____________. We rejoice in what you have given to Christ in your efforts of serving this church. You have indeed been “good and faithful servants” to our
Lord and to his community here at ___________ Christian. You have enriched this church and advanced Christ’s work in this place. Thank you.
Give gift (e.g. plaque, certificate, gift card)
Many others have made the ministry of this congregation possible over these past years.
Would those who are finishing a term as Elder please stand as we call your name. We thank you for your service as caregivers of Christ’s flock. You have
offered your time, energy and your heart to this congregation and to our Savior. Thank you.—Prayer: O Lord we give thanks for the effort given and love
shown by these your servants. We ask that the seeds you have planted through them will continue to grow. Amen. ------
Would those who are finishing their term as members of the Diaconate please stand as we call your name …. (might want to add at the end “are there
any others” to be sure not to have overlooked anyone).
For your faithfully service we rejoice and give thanks. You have offered yourself to our Lord and as a result lives have been changed and many have been
blessed. Thank you for your loving gift.—Prayer: O Lord it is easy for so many things to fall through the cracks. We thank you for those who have cared
for us in worship, who have cared for us over the telephone and with cards. Amen.
Would those who are finishing their term as department or committee leaders please stand as we call your name: (for example: Education:________, Membership:______________, Property:_______________, Stewardship:_____________, Worship:____________________, Outreach: _______________________, Church Growth:___________________, Chair of the Elders:_____________________, Chair of the Diaconant: ______________________________, Trustees: ______________________).
Through your efforts the sick have been visited, the young have been cared for, many have received the blessing of learning more of our Savior, we have
worshipped, we have reached out to those in need and much more. Thank you for serving our Savoir and helping us to minister in Christ’s name. –
Prayer: O Lord there is so much need in our world. We thank you for the opportunities we have had to minister as a congregation and for the leadership
of these people which helped us make a positive difference. Amen.
We also want to lift us those who will be serving as our Board Chair (_________________), our 1st Vice Chair (_________________) and our
2nd Vice Chair (__________________________) Would you please come forward. You have heard the call of our Lord to serve him through
these particular ways. Do you accept that calling and pledge to honor Christ in your words and actions; working to build his kingdom in
this place?
Kneel for prayer-----------May God work through you and in you as you follow his call to lead this church to where Christ desires it to be, to
do what Christ desires to be done.
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Would those who are accepting the call to be Elder come forward and stand by the Pulpit We set aside_________________________________________________________________________, . ---Titus 1: 7-9 instructs: “Since an overseer is
entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest
gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy
message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”
You have accepted a vital and humbling call. To serve as Elder is to become a servant leader. You are called to open your heart and life
to those in this Congregation. You are called not to demand you desires or preferences but to seek out Christ’s and then to help lead this
congregation in that direction. Do you accept your calling as an Elder; pledging to honor Christ in all your words and actions; working to
build his kingdom in this place?
Kneel for prayer and prayer and blessing.
May Christ lift you up and care for this, His flock, through you. Amen.
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Acts 6:2-4 records that “the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "…Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known
to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.” So what we now call the DIACONATE began. These are those called to faithfully ministry in a very special
way to Christ’s people. Would those who are beginning their ___ year(s) of service as Diaconate members please stand as we call your name:_______________________________________. Are there any others?
We rejoice at your willingness to consider this calling to serve Christ and we gratefully come today to set you apart. Christ has plans for how
you will be able to touch lives and build his kingdom. So do you accept your calling and commit to honor Christ in all your words and actions;
working to build his kingdom in this place? ---------------May God touch your lives and touch the lives of others through your service.
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But just as the work over the past few years was not done by two or three, neither can what is needed in the future be done only by a few. So we also come
to lift up those who have accepted the role of our new Department Leaders and Board members. Would you stand as we call your name:
Treasurer:, Trustee Chair:, Trustee:, Secretary:, Parliamentarian:, Board members:
Church Growth:, Education:, Membership:, Outreach:, Property:, Stewardship:, Worship:
You have heard the call of our Lord to serve him through these particular pathways. Do you accept that calling and pledge to honor Christ
in your words and actions; working to build his kingdom in this place? -------------------------May God work through you and in you as you
follow his call.
February 28, 2008
