Ministry Resources

Ordination Service and Guidelines for Ordination for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

VII. Additional Matters

Additional matters surrounding the ordination service also need thoughtful attention. This section contains guidelines on invitations, the reception and expenses. A "Host Congregation Checklist" follows.

A. Invitations
Below is a sample of a suggested invitation. The congregation extends the invitation to its members and ordinarily the candidate extends invitations beyond the congregation. The congregation shares in the cost of the invitations and mailing. The candidate and the host pastor consult in advance of the preparation of the invitations to arrive at a mutually satisfactory arrangement on costs.

* * * * * * * * *

The [name of region(s)] and the [name of congregation(s)] of the

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Cordially invite your presence and prayers

For the Ordination to Christian Ministry

of [candidate's full name]

on

[day, date, time]

at

[name of host congregation] Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

of [name of town, address]

Reception at the church following the service

* * * * * * * * *

B. Reception
It is appropriate for the host congregation to provide a reception in honor of the newly ordained person. The host pastor initiates contact within the congregation to make arrangements for the reception. The host pastor also consults with the candidate concerning arrangements for this event. If there are to be special provisions, the candidate is to obtain the consent of the host pastor and congregation before proceeding and shall be prepared to cover any extra costs.

C. General Expenses
The host pastor shall discuss the costs with the candidate. An ordination service is an extraordinary event for a congregation. It can be a time of renewal and significant witness. The host pastor shall encourage the congregation to extend itself generously and fully in celebration of this event. If there are special funds available for such events, the host pastor advises the candidate of such provisions. The following guidelines are intended to provide directions for the customary way in which the expenses are met.

1. Congregation's Expenses
   a. Gifts and/or Signs of the Office of Ministry
   It is usual and customary for the host congregation and, where desirable, for other sponsoring congregations to pay the costs of such gifts.
   b. Reception
   It is usual and customary for the congregation to pay for the expenses involved in the reception. However, other collaborative arrangements are appropriate. The host pastor is to help facilitate discussion of these arrangements.
   c. Invitations
   The congregation prepares and mails invitations to its members. The candidate is responsible for mailing and inviting persons beyond the congregation. A simple style and format for an invitation are suggested in this document.
   d. Preacher
   If the congregation ordinarily gives guest preachers an honorarium, it is appropriate to give the guest preacher the usual amount. Travel expenses are ordinarily paid by the candidate.
2. Candidate's Expenses
   a. Preacher
   The candidate is expected to pay the travel costs of the guest preacher. If the congregation normally gives guest preachers an honorarium, the congregation shall give this to the guest preacher in addition to the travel expenses. College and seminary faculty members do not usually have travel allowances for attending ordination services.
   b. Musicians
   Honoraria for the organist and paid choir members are paid by the congregation. The candidate may pay for any additional musicians. If the congregation has special provisions for this, or desires to help in this area, the host pastor is to facilitate the congregation's contribution to this aspect of the celebration.
   c. Other Guests
   It is usual and customary for the candidate to pay travel costs for other guests. Guests may not expect reimbursement, but the candidate should not presume this. It is appropriate to clarify financial matters with the guests. Further, the congregation may have resources to help in this area. The host pastor shall take the lead in advising the candidate about any such provisions.
3. Unspecified Expenses
   Costs not identified or anticipated in this document are to be talked about openly and fully. In general it is advised that thorough and thoughtful attention be given to these matters and that good stewardship be exercised in the use of all resources, personnel and material.

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