May 2009
Vestry 101

Commissioning New Parish Leaders

The newly elected and appointed leaders gather at the front of the altar.

Senior warden: On behalf of the congregation of ____________, I present:

__________ for junior warden
__________ for clerk of the vestry
__________ for diocesan representative, etc.

Celebrant: Have these leaders been elected by the congregation or appointed by the vestry in accordance with the bylaws of our congregation?

Senior warden: They have.

Celebrant: (to the new leaders) Do you commit yourselves to carry out the responsibilities of the office to which you have been appointed?

Leaders: I do.

Celebrant: Do you reaffirm your commitment to follow Christ and to serve this congregation in his name?

Leaders: I do.

Celebrant: (to the congregation) Will you do all in your power to support these leaders with your prayers, your honest yet gracious communication with them, and your willingness to help them carry out Christ’s ministry in this church?

Congregation: We will.

Celebrant: In the name of this congregation I commission you for this work, and pledge you our prayers, encouragement, and support. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you, that in this, and in all things, you may do God’s will in the service of the kingdom of Christ. Amen.

Let us pray. Almighty God, look with favor upon these persons who have now reaffirmed their commitment to follow Christ and to serve in his name. Give them courage, patience, and vision; and strengthen us all in our Christian vocation of witness to the world, and of service to others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Rev. Linda Grenz is the publisher, CEO and founder of LeaderResources.

This article is part of the May 2009 Vestry Papers issue on Vestry 101