Ministry Resources
Ordination Service and Guidelines for Ordination for the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ)
III. Preparation for the Service
A. Spiritual Preparation
The tradition of preparation for ordination includes engaging
in prayer, fasting, or retreat just prior to the service of
ordination. Candidates are encouraged to find time in the midst
of the many details of planning the service to focus spiritually
through reflection and prayer.
B. Procedures
This document presumes that the ordination candidate has fulfilled,
or soon will fulfill, the requirements for ordination by the
region. (This document does not consider matters pertaining
to authorization for ordination.) It is advisable to alert and
consult with the region and the proposed host congregation four
to six months in advance of the prospective date for the ordination
service. This will enable the region and the proposed host congregation
to begin to make preparations and schedule the ordination service.
However, no public announcement of the ordination service should
be made prior to regional authorization for ordination. This
protocol protects and preserves the integrity of the nurture
and certification process.
The ordination service requires careful planning and preparation.
There are participants to invite and schedule. There are numerous
details to be arranged with the region, the host congregation
and pastor. The process cannot be rushed. Although the candidate
is expected to take initiative in making arrangements, the process
of preparation and planning will entail close cooperation and
will call for a spirit of mutuality among many persons. While
the candidate has considerable discretion in selecting participants
in the service, the region, the host pastor and congregation
are to be respected as well.
C. Regional Participation
The regional minister, by the nature of the office, represents
the region which authorizes ordination. Therefore, the regional
minister, or designated alternate, ordinarily presides over
the act of ordination. The ordination candidate contacts the
regional minister concerning the date and time for the ordination
service and invites her/him to represent the region.
If the regional minister is unable to represent the region
in the service, she or he will designate an alternate representative.
Further, the leadership of the regional minister in the service
does not preclude the participation of associate regional ministers
in the service. However, the candidate should discuss with the
regional minister plans for the inclusion of associate regional
ministers in the service.
The regional minister or designated alternate ordinarily provides
leadership in the following parts of the ordination service:
- Leads in the service of the "Ordination Covenant."
- Presides at the service of the laying on of hands including
the ordination prayer and presenting of the Certificate of
Ordination.
- Gives the invitation in the service of the Lord's Supper.
The host pastor confirms with the regional minister his or
her leadership in the service of ordination.
D. Selecting a Date and Time
Considerations in selecting an appropriate date and time for
the ordination service include:
- The regional minister's (or a designated alternate's) availability.
- The availability of the host church.
- The availability of guest participants and family.
The candidate is advised to begin selecting a date as soon
as possible, respecting the procedures of the region and working
closely with the host pastor. The regular Sunday worship service
may serve as an occasion for the ordination. However, this may
limit participation due to conflicting schedules.
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