¶873 SERVICE FOR THE COMMISSIONING OF MINISTERS
Presentation of Candidate
[The MEGaP representative (or Regional Coach or board
chair/delegate) will present the candidate to the NLT member (or
designate) saying the following:]
(Name of NLT), on behalf of the Ministerial Education
Guidance and Placement committee of The Free Methodist Church
in Canada it is my privilege to present to you (name of candidate) to
be set apart as a Commissioned Minister in the FMCIC.
[The NLT person will say:]
Friends, this is a big day. We are here to recognize and
respond to somebody stepping into God’s call on his/her life. We are
here as a church and a movement to commission him/her into
leadership in the church and in God’s Kingdom. (Name of
candidate) is being set apart today as a Commissioned Minister of
the FMCIC. That means s/he is responding to God’s specific
ministry and leadership call on his/her life. You have supported
him/her in pursuing this call as a church. We have walked alongside
him/her as the FMCIC. And together today we say s/he is ready to
be set apart. Not that this is the end, just a moment in a journey as
s/he continues to embrace all that God has for him/her.
[MEGaP rep will say:]
As a denomination, we have examined (name of candidate)
and find him/her to be called by God and shaped by God to this
Commissioned Ministry.
The Collect
[NLT will say:] Please bow with me in prayer:
Almighty God, we recognize that you call all of your children
to a life of ministry and service in your kingdom. But in these
moments we recognize that you set some apart for specific leadership
and ministry roles, and you have done that with (name of candidate).
We ask that you would continue to be with him/her, just as you have
been up to this point. Continue to mold and shape him/her for the
ministry you have given him/her. Continue to supply him/her with all
they need to do the things you have called him/her to do. May s/he
never doubt your presence with him/her and your love for him/her.
Help him/her to minister and live out of those certainties, so that Your
name will be glorified and Your Church will be built up. We ask all of
this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who lives and
reigns with you and Your Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen
The Old Testament – Jeremiah 1:4-10
Now the word of the Lord came to me saying,
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do no know how to speak for
I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me,
“Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’;
for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,
and whatever I command you, you shall speak.
Be not afraid of them,
for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.”
Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord
said to me,
“Behold, I put my words in your mouth.
See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms,
to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow,
to build and to plant.”
The Epistle – I Peter 4:10-11
Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one
another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks
must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves
must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory
and the power forever and ever. Amen.
The Gospel – Luke 4:14-19
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news
about Him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their
synagogues, and every one praised Him. He went to Nazareth, where
He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the
synagogue, as was His custom. And He stood up to read. The scroll
of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the
place where it is written:
The Spirit of the Lord is on me;
therefore He has anointed me to preach
good news to the poor.
He sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.
Questions for Commissioned Ministers
[NLT shall say:]
All of these Scripture verses speak to this idea of God forming and
calling people into specific ministry roles, and then equipping them.
We believe that call is tested and affirmed by the church – both local
and national – and then we arrive at these moments. In order that
(name of candidate) can fully step into God’s specific call for
him/her, we ask the following questions.
1. Do you believe you are inwardly moved by the Holy Spirit to be
set apart as a commissioned minister in the church of Christ, to
serve God, promoting His glory and edifying His people?
Answer: I so believe.
2. Do you sincerely believe all the canonical Scriptures of the Old
and New Testaments?
Answer: I believe them all.
3. Will you diligently read, teach and expound the same, as
opportunity is given?
Answer: I will.
4. It belongs to the office of a commissioned minister to serve the
people of God in a specialized ministry under the leadership of
an ordained minister. Will you do this gladly and willingly?
Answer: I will do so by the help of God.
5. Will you diligently regulate and pattern your life (and that of
your family) according to the model and teaching of Christ and
make (both) yourself (and them), as far as you are able, (a)
wholesome example(s) to the flock of Christ?
Answer: I will do so, the Lord being my helper.
6. Will you respectfully obey those who are called to serve as
leaders and overseers, following with glad mind and will their
godly admonitions?
Answer: I will endeavour so to do, the Lord being my helper
[The candidate will then turn and face the congregation.]
[NLT will introduce the lead pastor (if applicable), the delegate or
board chair, the MEGaP representative and/or Regional Coach, and
ask all of them to stand and join the NLT and the candidate.]
[NLT will say:]
These leaders represent the coming together of call, from the
local church and the national church, for this setting apart of (name
of candidate) as a Commissioned Minister.
[All leaders present will place hands on the candidates shoulders for
prayer. The NLT member, with hands on the candidate shoulder,
will pray:]
Heavenly Father, send Your Holy Spirit upon Your servant
(name of candidate) for the office and work of a Commissioned
Minister in Your church. Let the Scriptures guide the authority
given (name of candidate) this day to set forth God’s Word to His
people and to serve them in His name.
Continue to work in him/her and through him/her for your
Kingdom sake. Make him/her, we pray, more and more like you each
day. Continue to build his/her servant’s heart. Help him/her continue
to deepen his/her relationship with you through observing all spiritual
disciplines and partaking in your means of Grace. Help him/her live
and minister in a way that brings honor and glory to you at all times.
Help him/her stand strong and with a clear conscience. Grant him/her
wisdom for work, patience in ministry and fill him/her with the holy
joy that will give him/her strength. These petitions we offer in the
name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and
honour, now and ever. Amen.
[NLT will say to the congregation:]
Please stand.
[Church rep will say:]
(Name of candidate) – We, as the Church, represented by those
standing before you, commit to pray for you and support you as
you participate in the opportunities at this church to continue
your growth and development.
[Presentation of credentials and congratulations.]
Benediction
[NLT will pray:]
The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and
minds in the knowledge and love of God and of His Son, Jesus Christ
our Lord. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
