Commissioning for Licensed Lay Ministers in the Church

Concerning the Occasion

All Christians are commissioned for ministry at their baptism and no further form of commissioning is necessary for lay ministry. Individuals who undertake a particular ministry on behalf of the Church share in the task of equipping “the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the “Body of Christ” (Eph 4.12).

The form which follows is intended for use when public recognition of a Licensed Lay Minister is desired. The individual(s) receiving their license(s) will also be presented with a medallion, symbolizing the office they are being commissioned into. The medallion is the property of the church and is a symbol of the office of Licensed Lay Minister. It is to be worn when they are participating in a licensed ministry. When they are no longer licensed, they will return the medallion to the church.

This service of Commissioning may be used following the (and creed) at the eucharist, or before the Intercessions and Thanksgivings at morning or evening prayer, or other convenient time in a service. Those who are to receive their license and be commissioned will stand before the presiding minister for the commissioning. Commissioning for Licensed Lay Ministers The presiding minister addresses the congregation. The presiding minister will invite those to be commissioned to come Minister Will you uphold him/her in this service? forward and stand at the front of the congregation. People We will.

Minister: Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are all baptized by the one Minister Let us pray. Spirit into one body, and given gifts for a variety of ministries for the Blessed are you, gracious God, our creator and redeemer. common good. Our purpose today is to recognize and affirm the In every age you call people to minister in your name. ministry of Licensed Lay Minister, the ministry for which this person May the work of this your servant so build up your Church, has offered himself/herself. that we may faithfully serve you and show your love in all the world. Blessed are you, O God, now and for ever. Amen. Before our gives a license for this office, we in this congregation indicated that we support N (NN) to represent us in this Present each Licensed Lay Ministers with a medallion and license ministry. We also promise to support and work with them in fulfilling . this ministry. Our have also indicated the ongoing support of Minister: N (or NN), the Lord enable and uphold you in this ministry. those accepting this ministry, and will continue to do so. The service continues with the Prayers of the People, The following N (those) who will soon receive a license have taken the required prayers may be included in these prayers. training. We pray for this congregation or () and for all who minister here (especially N or NN), that we may find joy in your service. We now take time to pray for N (them)) as they begin this ministry in People Lord, hear our prayer. the midst of us, for us, and with us, as we too continue in our or baptismal ministries. For the ministry of this parish, (and especially for N or NN), that we may bear faithful witness to the gospel of Christ, let us pray to the People are licensed to represent our congregation and the church Lord. through a variety of ministries. People Lord, have mercy. _____ will be licensed to (read what is on the license) Collect. Minister Is it your will that N (NN) fulfil this ministry? Almighty God, People It is. by your grace alone we are accepted and called to your service. The presiding minister addresses those to be commissioned. Strengthen us by your Holy Spirit N (or NN), you have been called to this ministry. and make us worthy of our calling; Will you, as long as you are engaged in this work, through Jesus Christ our Lord, perform it with care, to the honour of God and the benefit of the who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, Church? one God, now and for ever. Amen. Answer I will. The exchange of the Peace,