Commissioning

Pastoral Ministry  Evaluations  Transitions  Relationship

Licensing toward Ordination   Ordination   Licensing for Specific Ministry   Commissioning   Transferring Credentials

"Commissioning is a blessing given by a congregation for persons performing specialized tasks in the congregation, for missionaries, or for Christian service workers. It is congregation based and does not require area-conference (regional church) action"

A Shared Understanding of Ministerial Leadership: Polity Manual for Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA.
Harrisonburg, Kitchener, MennoMedia, 2014 p. 41.

The commissioning service shall be arranged by the congregation chairperson and candidate, in consultation with the church leadership minister, and if pertinent, a representative from the ministry for which the candidate is being commissioned. This service generally occurs as a special part of the regular worship service in the congregation of the one being commissioned. The regional church representative shall lead the commissioning ceremony portion of the service, which will include the signing of a covenant of ethics. Others from the wider church community may also be invited to attend or participate. 

It may be especially appropriate to invite the candidate for commission to offer that day's sermon. Scripture and hymns lifting up the mission of the church could be used. Inviting a representative of the regional church leadership council, a representative from the ministry for which the person is being commissioned, or other persons significant to the candidate will be a meaningful part of this occasion. They may be invited to bring special greetings, read scripture, or have a prayer. 

During the commissioning ceremony, the church leadership minister shall ask the candidate particular questions in order to affirm commitment to Christ, devotion to the church, and faithful service in ministry. (If desired by the spouse, the candidate's spouse may be invited to stand alongside the candidate at this time as a symbolic gesture of support.) A prayer of blessing, a statement of declaration, and a handshake follow the questions. (See Minister’s Manual, pp. 170-174, “Licensing/Commissioning for Specific Ministry.”) 

Traditionally a congregation will find ways to enhance the celebration of the event like hosting a meal or a reception. 

Adapted from Ceremonies of licensing, ordination and Licensing/Commissioning for specific ministry - part of the Ministerial Credentialing Series found at CommonWord. 

Pastoral Ministry  Evaluations  Transitions  Relationship

Licensing toward Ordination   Ordination   Licensing for Specific Ministry   Commissioning   Transferring Credentials