THE COMMISSIONING FOR LAY MINISTRIES IN THE CHURCH

The Ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons. Lay Persons are
commissioned for their ministry by the Sacrament of Baptism, and no form of commissioning
for special function is necessary. The form which follows is intended for use when a public
recognition of a special function is desired. It may adopted for the admission of persons to
ministries not provided for in the text.

This form may be used following the Homily (and Creed) at the Eucharist, or at the time of the
Hymn or Anthem following the Collects in the Morning or Evening Prayer or separately.

After the Examination, group of candidates is presented separately by an appointed sponsor.

Symbols appropriate to the ministry may be given to the candidates as they are commissioned.

When the number of candidates for any office is large, it is sufficient to say the sentence of
commissioning once over the entire group, but it is desirable that each person be greeted
individually (and be given on appropriate symbol).

THE EXAMINATION

The congregation, being seated, and the Celebrant stands in full view of the people. The
Presentors and Candidates stand facing the celebrant.

The celebrant says these or similar words

Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, we are all baptized by the one Spirit into one Body, and
given gifts for a variety of ministers for the common good. Our purpose is to commission this
persons in the Name of God and of this congregation to a special ministry to which they are
called.

The Celebrant asks the Presentor or Presentors

Are these persons you are to present prepared by a commitment to Christ as Lord, by regular
attendance at worship, and by the knowledge of their duties, to exercise their ministry to the
honor of God, and the well-being of his church.

Presentor I believe they are

The Celebrant then says these or similar words

You have been called to ministry in this congregation. Will you, as long as you are engaged in
this work, perform it with diligence?
Candidate I will.

Celebrant Will you faithfully and reverently execute the duties of your ministry to the
honor of

God, and the benefit of the members of this congregation?

Candidate I will.

The Commissioning

One or more of the following forms is used as appropriate.

The appointed antiphons may be read or sung by all, or by the Celebrant, or by some other
persons.

Wardens and Members of the Vestry

Presentors I present to you theses persons to be admitted to the ministry of Warden (

Members of the Vestry) in this congregation.

Antiphon

The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knwoledge and understanding; he stores up
sound wisdom for the upright; he is shield to those who walk in integrity.

V. I am your servant; grant me understanding:

R. That I may know your decrees.

Let us Pray. (Silence)

O Eternal, God, the foundation of all wisdom and the source of all courage: Enlighten with your
grace the Wardens and Vestry of this Congregation, and so rule their minds, and guide their
counsels, that in all things they may seek your glory and promote the mission of your Church;
through Jesus Christ or Lord. Amen.

In the name of God and of this congregation; I conmmission you N. as Warden (Members of the
Vestry) in this congregation and give you this ____________ as a token or symbol of your
ministry.

Bible or a pamphlet that spell out their function as Wardens or Members of the Vestry may be
given.
Deputies to synod or delegates to diocesan convention.

Presentor I present to you these persons, duly elected by people and clergy of this diocese
as a Deputy to the synod (Delegate to Convention), to be commissioned for their
ministry.

Antiphon

Call a Solemn assembly gather the people, assemble the elders, and sanctify the congregation.

V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance.

R. Govern and uphold them, now and always.

Let us pray. (Silence)

Eternal Lord God, who by the Holy Spirit presided at the council of the Apostles to guide them
in all knowledge and truth: be present with the deputies of this diocese soon to be assembled
in synod. In the passions of debate give them a quiet spirit, in the complexities of the issues
give them clear minds, and in the moments of decision give them courageous hearts. Guide
them in all things to seek only your glory and the good of your church; through Jesus Christ our
Lord . Amen.

In the name of God and this diocese (congregation), I commission you N. as deputies of synod (
Delegates to Diocesan Convention) and give you this ____________as a token or symbol of
your ministry.

The Deputies or Delegate should be given a paper spells out what they report or share to their
respective diocese or congregation