In planning for my ordination service this Sunday night, I thought I’d share a little about why we’ve decided to have the service like we have. Maybe it can give an idea or two to some of you who haven’t had an ordination service yet and are wondering what you’re “supposed” to do.
I didn’t know what to do. I had seen an ordination service or two, but I was unaware of the “standards.” I asked Pastor Mike, and he gave me some pointers.
As far as I know, here are some elements to be included in an ordination service. Feel free to add something to the list if I’ve forgotten anything important.
- Preaching
- A charge–call to responsibility of pastoring/ministry to candidate
- Singing
- Laying on of hands and prayer for the candidate
- Bible presentation
Here is the order of service for Sunday night, including song titles and other details:
- Welcome
- Songs–”By Faith,” “Speak O Lord”
- Sermon
- Song–”Psalm 62″
- Scripture Reading—1 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:11-16; 6:3-16
- Charge/Bible Presentation
- Laying on of Hands/Prayer
We were encouraged to have some food afterward, so Lynsey is taking care of that. We’ve been surprised how willing people have been to volunteer to help her (thanks, friends!). Maybe there could be some variance here, but Cofer’s folk seem to be taking it seriously. I am taking it very seriously, of course, but I didn’t expect others to be too concerned about showing up or whatnot.
