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On the campus of Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary
© 2024 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
We follow a different pattern this week. Instead of providing one complete worship service in detail, we are providing several sample ordination services. These services have been planned and carried out recently to mark the ordination or installation of clergy to various callings. We identify the person and setting of each service, though not all the participants.
If you are planning for an ordination or installation service soon, you will find many ideas here that will aid you in making this worship event inspiring and challenging as well as one that will reflect the honor of Christian ministry and bring glory to God.
Note: You may assume that where sections of these services do not include the script for the service of ordination, the content was taken in most instances from the Services for Ordination/Installation of Ministers of the Word in the Psalter Hymnal [1987 edition], pages 992-1001.
This service took place on November 28, 2004, the first Sunday of Advent, to mark the occasion of the ordination of Dr. John Witvliet as Minister of the Word and Sacraments.
OPENING
Gathering Music
Reformation period chorales for Thanksgiving and Advent,
with variations by Ch. H. Rinck (1770-1846)
*Welcome and Greeting
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.
And also with you.
*Hymn: "Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding" PsH 332
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
Advent Prayer of Confession
Psalm 42: "As a Deer in Want of Water" PsH 42:1-3
Assurance of Pardon: Jeremiah 33:14-16
*Hymn: "View the Present Through the Promise" SNC 90
PROCLAMATION
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings: "On the Glory of God"
From Exodus 40, 1 Samuel 4, Psalm 24, Isaiah 60,
John 1 and Hebrews 1, John 17, Romans 3 and 8, and 2 Corinthians 4
Sermon Text: Isaiah 40:1-5, read in unison
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Response: "In the Lord, I'll Be Ever Thankful" SNC 220 (sing twice)
Sermon: "Glory!"
Proclamation in Song: "Antiphon," Ralph Vaughan Williams
*Hymn and Offering: "Comfort, Comfort Now My People"PH 3, PsH 194, SFL 121, TH 197, TWC 132
During the singing of this hymn, all are invited to come forward to place their
offerings in the baskets located near the communion table-a sign of dedication to
our common vocation of living out the message of Isaiah 40. The offering
is designated for benevolence and diaconal work of the church.
ORDINATION
Introduction
As many of you as were baptized into Christ
have clothed yourself with Christ.
There is one body and one Spirit,
just as we were called to the one hope of our calling.
*The Nicene Creed (in unison)
Ordination Liturgy and Vows
Sung Prayer: "Take, O Take Me As I Am" SNC 215 (three times)
During the singing of this refrain, members of the church council and all
ordained ministers are invited to come forward for the laying on of hands,
and to return during the refrain at the end of the prayer.
Ordination Prayer, followed by "Take, O Take Me As I Am"
Charge to the Ordinand
Charge to Calvin College
Charge to Calvin Theological Seminary
Charge to Church of the Servant
Ecumenical Greetings
Prayer of Dedication
*Hymn: "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" PH 376, PsH 568, RN 196, RL 464, TH 529, TWC 558, UMH 384
*Benediction
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous things.
Blessed be his glorious name forever;
may his glory fill the whole earth.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.
Amen.
(Psalm 72:18-19, NRSV and Numbers 6:24-26, NIV)
Postlude: "Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart," Michael Wise
This service took place on June 9, 2002, for the installation of Rev. Kathy Smith as Director of Continuing Education for the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and Calvin Theological Seminary.
Gathering
Prelude: "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling", Manz, Haan
Welcome and Announcements
Call to Worship: "Come, Bless the Lord", English - arr. Purifoy
*Opening Sentences: Psalm 103:1-4, NIV
Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion.
*God's Greeting
*Opening Hymn: "Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven" PH 478, PsH 475, RL 144, RN 53, TH 76/77, TWC 25/26, UMH 66
*Mutual Greeting
Celebration of Reconciliation
Call to Confession: 1 John 1:8-9
Unison Prayer of Confession 1 SNC 52
Sung response: "Kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy)" (repeat 4x)
Assurance of Pardon: "Psalm 103: Bless the Lord, My Soul" RN 114, SNC 256
(All sing refrain following readings from the psalm)
Call to New Life: 1 John 1:5b-7
*Song of Response: "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light" RN 152, SNC 77, TWC 539, UMH 206, WOV 649
Installation of Rev. Kathy Smith
Instruction
Questions
Laying on of Hands (Those invited to participate will come forward)
Charge to the Pastor
Charge to the Congregation
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Anthem: "I Will Serve the Lord All My Days," Price and Besig
Service of the Word
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21
Sermon: "Where Ministry Begins"
*Hymn of Response: "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" PH 376, PsH 568, RN 196, RL 464, TH 529, TWC 558, UMH 384
The Lord's Supper
The Call to the Table
Sisters and brothers in Christ, the gospels tell us that on the first day of the week,
the day on which our Lord rose from the dead, he appeared to some of his disciples
and was made known to them in the breaking of bread. Come, then, to the joyful
feast of our Lord.
The Thanksgiving
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right for us to give thanks.
It is our joy and our salvation
that we should at all times
and in all places give thanks to you,
Holy Father, Almighty Everlasting God,
through Christ our Lord.
The Prayer of Consecration
The Institution
The Invitation
The Communion
During the passing of the bread, "Eat This Bread" PsH 312, RN 228, SNC 254, UMH 628
During the passing of the cup, "Let Us Break Bread Together" PH 513, PsH 304, RL 304, RL 545, TWC 776
Dedication and Closing
Offering for .
Offertory: "Take My Life, and Let It Be", arr. by Wolaver
Prayer
*Closing Hymn: "O Master Let Me Walk With Thee" PH 357, PsH 573, TWC 651, UMH 430 [vs. 3 - a cappella]
*God's Blessing
*Postlude on "Hymn to Joy", Young
This service took place on October 24, 2004, at the Christian Reformed Church of Ridgewood, New Jersey. It involved the ordination of Candidate Craig Broek to the ministry of the Word and Sacraments.
THE GATHERING
Prelude
The Welcome
*God's Greeting and Call to Worship
Grace and peace to you for him who is, and who was, and who is to come.
(Revelation 1:4b, NIV)
Amen.
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your
calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all
and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4-5, NRSV)
Each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gifts.
Christ appointed some to be apostles, some prophets,
some evangelists, some pastors and teachers.
Christ did this to equip the saints for the work of ministry,
for building up the body of Christ, and for serving a broken world.
And so we come together in oneness of faith
and in certain knowledge of the Son of God. (based on Eph. 4:11-13)
We come to bring glory to God only,
and to celebrate his gracious gifts to all of us.
In this spirit of unity and purpose, let us worship God.
*Songs of Praise:
"O Sing to the Lord" SNC 224
"We Are One in Christ" SNC 179
THE WORD
Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 18:14-22
New Testament Reading: Ephesians 4:7, 11-16
Sermon: "The Biblical Understanding of Ordination"
Our Baptism, Our Calling
In baptism, Craig Broek, was clothed with Christ, and is now called by God
through the voice of the church to enter into the ministry of word and deed
the good news of Jesus Christ.
We celebrate God's particular call.
We also remember with joy our common calling to serve Christ.
Indeed, ordination calls the whole church to renewed commitment
and reminds all of us to bear gladly the yoke of Christ given in the covenant of
baptism. Let us therefore reaffirm our baptismal vows, renouncing all that opposes
God's rule and affirming the faith of the holy catholic church.
Trusting in the gracious mercy of God,
do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world?
We do.
Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior,
trusting in his grace and love?
We do.
Will you be Christ's faithful disciples, obeying his Word and showing his love?
We will, God helping us. (based on TWS, 6.2.2.5, p. 267)
You have put on Christ, in him you have been baptized. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Sung Refrain: "We Have Put on Christ" SNC 240
(sung by soloist, then by all)
*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles' Creed
Instrumental Song of Preparation: "Spirit of the Living God" PH 322 (no v.2), PsH 424, RN 90, SFL 184, TH 726 (no v.2), TWC 297, UMH 393
THE SERVICE OF ORDINATION
The Ordination Vows
*Congregational Vows
The Laying on of Hands
Anthem: "O Sing to God Your Joyful Praise," Handel
The Charge to the Pastor
*The Charge to the Congregation
Prayer
Words of Welcome
THE BLESSING
*God's Blessing
*Song of Blessing: "Now Thank We All Our God" PH 555, PsH 454, RL 61, SFL 33, SNC 228 (refrain only), TH 98, TWC 374, UMH 102
Postlude
This service took place at the Alger Park Christian Reformed Church on November 24, 2002, at the occasion of the ordination of Dr. David Rylaarsdam as a Minister of the Word and Sacraments.
GOD GATHERS US FOR WORSHIP
Prelude: "Create in Me a Clean Heart", Anonymous
"I Know that My Redeemer Liveth", from the Messiah, Handel
*The Call to Worship:
Brothers and sisters, today we rejoice in Christ's special care for His church.
Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ.
We share one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
and one ministry of reconciliation.
For this ministry, Christ has given gifts to all of us.
Christ appoints some to be pastors, evangelists, and teachers.
These people equip all of us for works of ministry.
To God be the glory for building up his church.
Praise His name for His gracious gifts to all of us.
*Holy God, We Praise Your Name" PH 460, PsH 504, RL 619, TH 103, TWC 3, UMH 79
*Greetings:
Brothers and sisters in Christ, the Lord be with you.
And also with you.
To those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in
every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
Grace to you and peace from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
As God has greeted us, let us greet one another.
*"We Know That Christ is Raised and Dies No More" Engelberg: PH 495, PsH 271 (sung to tune 512), RL 528, UMH 610
WE RENEW OUR VOWS TO SERVE GOD
God's Call to Service:
Brothers and sisters, in the water of our baptism, we were baptized into the death of
Christ Jesus. We were buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just
as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live
a new life. (from Romans 6:3-4, NIV)
Praise be to God, who claimed us in our baptism. By his grace, we have been
clothed with Christ. God has called us to a new life, a life of ministry in a
broken world.
"Sing! A New Creation" SNC 241
Let us affirm our vows to serve God by renouncing all that opposes God and
by affirming the faith of the holy catholic church. Please stand.
*Turning from sin to Christ:
Brothers and sisters, trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the
ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world?
I renounce them.
Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept Him as your Lord and Savior,
trusting in his grace and love?
Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.
Will you be Christ's faithful disciple, obeying His Word and showing His love?
God being my helper, I will. (based on TWS, 6.2.2.5, p. 267)
* Profession of Faith
(the formulation of the Apostles' Creed responsively is from SNC 240)
*Dedication
Brothers and sisters, lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called. If
anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All
this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and has given us the
ministry of reconciliation. (from Ephesians 4:1, NRSV; from 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, NIV)
God has entrusted the message of reconciliation to us. We will be Christ's
ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal to the world through us.
(based on 2 Cor. 5:19-20)
*"Here I Am, Lord" PH 525:1-2, RN 149:1-2, SFL 243:1-2, SNC 268:1-2, WOV 752:1-2, UMH 593:1-2
The Offering
The Offertory: "If With All Your Hearts", from Elijah, Mendelssohn
GOD PROCLAIMS HIS WORD
Prayer for Illumination
Old Testament Lesson: Joel 2:26-32
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God!
The Gospel Lesson: Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
New Testament Lesson: 2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2:1-7
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
Sermon: "For God's Legacy to Continue.."
*'Tell Out My Soul" PsH 478, RL 182, RN 130, TH 26, TWC 350
GOD CALLS A MINISTER OF THE WORD AND SACRAMENTS
Minister: The voice of the Lord pierced the darkness of Israel 's night, calling,
"Samuel, Samuel."
David: And Samuel replied: "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening." (1 Samuel 3:10)
Minister: The voice of the Lord said to Isaiah,
"Whom shall I send, and who will go for me?"
David: And Isaiah replied, "Here I am, send me" (Isaiah 6:8-9)
Minister: The voice of the Lord said to Philip, "Draw near to that man's chariot."
David: When Philip drew near, he said to the man,
"Do you understand what you are reading?"
He replied, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" (Acts 8:30-31)
Minister: The voice of the Lord came to David, saying,
"Look the fields are ripe for harvest.
Will you teach the harvesters the things you have heard me say?"
David: "Here I am, send me."
Minister: Brothers and sisters, in baptism, our brother David Rylaarsdam was clothed with Christ. Now he is called by God through the voice of the church to the ministry of the Word and Sacraments to the particular task of teaching a Calvin Theological Seminary. Upon recommendation of the Council of Alger Park Christian Reformed Church and the churches of Classis Grand Rapids South, I present David to you for ordination.
All: We remember with joy our common calling to serve Christ, and we celebrate God's particular call to our brother in Christ.
The Vows:
Minister: David, to show that you promise to fulfill the tasks of this office, you are
requested, in the presence of God and his church, to answer the following questions:
Do you believe that in the call of this congregation, God alone calls you to this holy
ministry ?
Do you believe that the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, the only
infallible rule of faith and life; and do you subscribe to the doctrinal standards of this
church, rejecting all teachings which contradict them?
Do you promise to do the work of your office faithfully, in a way worthy of your calling
and in submission to the government and discipline of the church?
David: I do so believe and promise, the Lord helping me through the power and
grace of the Holy Spirit. (from Ordination/Installation of Ministers of the Word, PsH p. 996)
People of God, you have heard the commitment made by David. What is your
desire?
People: In the name of Christ and relying on God's grace, let us ordain him!
The Laying on of Hands
The Ordination Prayer
"Agnus Dei"
Lord God almighty, You alone are worthy to receive honor and glory and praise! All
authority in heaven and on earth belongs to You. You have called David to be Your
representative and given him authority to be a minister of the Word. But, on his own,
he is not equal to this holy ministry. So enlighten and strengthen him with Your Spirit,
for Your glory and the coming of Your Kingdom. Amen.
Presentation of the Symbols of the Office
The Charges:
To David
To the Congregation
Sung Response: "Spirit of the Living God" PH 322 (no v.2), PsH 424, RN 90, SFL 184, TH 726 (no v.2), TWC 297, UMH 393 (PsH 424:2)
Intercessory Prayers
For David and Alger Park CRC
For David, Calvin Theological Seminary and the CRC in North America
For the holy catholic church
"Be Thou My Vision" PH 339, RL 67, RN 151, TH 642, TWC 532, WOV 776, UMH 451
*God's Blessing
*"Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow" PH 591/592, PsH 638, RL 556, RN 83, SFL 11, UMH 95
Postlude: "Now Thank We All Our God", Bach
Other Suggestions
You may want to consider other suggestions as well.
1. Include multiple participants in the roles of liturgical leadership in the service. Many sections of the service can be meaningfully led by family members, friends, colleagues, and those who have served as models and mentors for the one being ordained.
2. As noted at the beginning, the basic form for Ordination and Installation is found in the Psalter Hymnal[1987 edition], pages 992-1001 (see copyright permissions below). However, you may consider restructuring the content of this form in various ways. It may be presented as read prose, reformulated in responsive fashion, or reshaped as questions for response.
3. Visuals can communicate much in a service of ordination and installation. The appearance of the worship space can meaningfully contribute to the occasion with appropriate banners or other liturgical art. In addition, some have found it meaningful to present the Ordinand with symbols of the work of ministry to be done. In one a Bible for proclamation, a towel for servanthood, a Coke and/or coffee cup for fellowship were presented. In another a Bible, chalice and stole were presented to the Ordinand.
Glossary of Hymnal Abbreviations:
PH The Presbyterian Hymnal (Presbyterian Church USA; Westminster/John Knox Press)
PsH The Psalter Hymnal (Christian Reformed Church; Faith Alive Christian Resources)
RL Rejoice in the Lord (Reformed Church in America; W.B. Eerdmans Publishing Company)
RN Renew! (Hope Publishing Company)
SFL Songs for LiFE (children's songbook; Faith Alive Christian Resources)
SNC Sing! A New Creation (Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Christian Reformed Church,
Reformed Church in America; Faith Alive Christian Resources)
TH Trinity Hymnal (Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Church in America;
Great Commission Publications)
TWC The Worshiping Church (Hope Publishing Company)
UMH The United Methodist Hymnal (United Methodist Publishing House)
WOV With One Voice (Augsburg Fortress)
NIV Bible
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
NRSV Bible
The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright, 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The Worship Sourcebook (TWS)
The materials included here from The Worship Sourcebook are used by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, © 2004, CRC Publications. This permission is granted for one time worship use in an order of service for a congregation, or in a special program or lesson resource, provided that no part of such reproduction is sold, directly or indirectly. For all other uses, please contact the copyright holder.
Ordination/Installation of Ministers of the Word, PsH pp. 992-1001
CRC Publications grants permission for personal use, a ministry setting, or classroom use provided that the material is distributed for free and the copies include this credit line:
© 1987, CRC Publications, Grand Rapids MI. www.crcna.org. Reprinted with permission.
For other uses, please contact CRC Publications at (616) 224-0819, 1-800-333-8300 or info@crcpublications.org.
