The Order for Installation of a Minister

The Order of Worship or the Evening Service shall be used, with these, or other suitable Lessons: I Peter 5:1-4; John 21: 15-17.

After the Sermon, the presiding Minister shall say,

Beloved in the Lord; in the Name of God, and in the presence of this Congregation, we shall now install as Pastor of this Church, our brother in Christ, N N.

The Charge to the Pastor

The Minister-elect, his name having been announced, shall present himself and the presiding Minister shall say,

Beloved Brother in Christ; the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls has called you to the office of the Christian ministry and to the pastorate of this Church. I therefore ask you in the presence of God and this Congregation: Are you ready and willing to take upon yourself the holy office of the ministry in this Church and faithfully to discharge its duties in accordance with the word of God?

Answer. I am, with the help of God.

Do you promise, to the best of your ability, to proclaim to all, both old and young, the counsel of God unto salvation according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to lead an exemplary life, and to avoid everything that might hinder the fruitfulness of your office and work?

Answer. I do so promise, with the help of God.

The Charge to the Congregation

The presiding Minister shall say,

Beloved in the Lord; You have heard the solemn promise made by your Pastor. Do you, now, on your part, receive him in this character and office, promising to show him the love, honor and obedience in the Lord due to a shepherd and guide? Do you further promise, according to the grace that is given you, to labor with him, and support him adequately in his ministry?

Answer. We do.

The Installation

The presiding Minister shall then say,

Upon this mutual assurance and pledge, and by the authority of the N Classis of the Evangelical and Reformed Synod, I now install you N as pastor of this N Church, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Lord, who hath called you to his service, enlighten, strengthen and guide you through his Holy Spirit, that you may serve this Congregation as a faithful laborer bringing forth fruit unto life eternal.

Let us pray.

Blessed be thy name, O God, for the Church of Jesus Christ and the ministry of reconciliation! We pray thee, bless this Congregation and Pastor, and seal thou the union into which they have entered, that in all things they may faithfully work together in the building of thy kingdom.

Fill thy servant with the gifts of thy Holy Spirit, enrich his ministry with thy love and peace, strengthen his messages with thy truth and power, and preserve his life in purity to be an example unto many. Grant, O Lord, that he may be truly an ambassador of thine, to proclaim the Gospel of redemption.

Do thou also visit this Congregation with thy love and favor. Prepare the hearts of old and young to receive and obey thy Word. Enlighten the minds of all with the light of thy Gospel. Quicken all members of this Church to faithful service, willing sacrifice and fervent zeal for thy kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

The newly installed Pastor shall conclude the Service.