On the appointed day, a sermon or exhortation is given on the duty and office of such as come to be admitted, how necessary that order is in the Church of Christ, and also how the people ought to esteem them in their office. The Minister then presents those who are to be ordained.
THE PRESENTATION
Brothers and sisters, on this day we intend, God willing, to ordain [Names] as Elders. For after proper examination, we find that they are lawfully called and qualified for this ministry. But if there is anyone who knows any just reason why any of them should not be received into this holy ministry, let him come forth in the name of God, and show what the crime or impediment is.
If any just reason is objected, the Minister ceases from ordaining that person, until such time as the accused party is found clear of that crime or impediment. Then, prayer may be made by the whole congregation, followed by the Collect below.
PRAYER FOR THE CANDIDATES
Almighty God, you are the giver of all good things, and by your Holy Spirit you have appointed various orders of ministers in your Church. Mercifully behold your servants now called to the office of Elders. Replenish them with the truth of your doctrine, and adorn them with innocence of life, that both by word and good example they may faithfully serve you in this office, to the glory of your name, and the edification of your Church; through the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns, with you and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.
THE SCRIPTURE LESSONS
Then, Ephesians 4:7–14 and John 10:1–16 are read. Other suitable passages include 1 Peter 5:1–4, Acts 20:28–35, Ezekiel 34:1–24, Isaiah 6:1–8, and Psalm 119:33–40.
THE EXHORTATION
You have heard, both in your private examination, and in the exhortation which was now made to you, and in the Holy Scriptures themselves, how weighty, dignified, and important is this office to which you are called. And now we exhort you, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to be messengers, watchmen, and stewards of the Lord; to teach, admonish, feed, and provide for the Lord’s family; and to seek for Christ’s sheep who are in the midst of the wicked world, that they may be saved through Christ forever.
Always remember how great a treasure is committed to your charge. For they are the sheep of Christ for whom he shed his blood. The Church and Congregation whom you must serve is his bride and his body. And if this Church, or any of her members, is hurt or hindered by your negligence, you must know the greatness of your fault, and the horrible punishment that will ensue.
Therefore, consider the purpose of your ministry to the children of God. Work diligently, until you have done all that lies within you, to bring those in your care to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of God, and to maturity in Christ, that there be no place left among you either for error in religion or for immorality in life.
And since this office is of such great difficulty, you must study and apply yourselves with care, that you may show yourselves dutiful to the Lord, and beware that you do not sin or cause others to sin. For you cannot do so weighty a work, pertaining to the salvation of souls, except with doctrine and exhortation from the Holy Scriptures, and with a life agreeable to the same. Consider, then, how studious you ought to be in reading and learning the Scriptures, and in framing your life, and that of your household, according to the discipline of Christ.
Therefore, pray earnestly and continually to God the Father, by the mediation of our only Savior Jesus Christ, for the heavenly assistance of the Holy Spirit, who gives this will and ability, which you cannot have on your own, that you may grow ever stronger in your ministry.
HYMN
“A Charge to Keep I Have” or another fitting hymn may be sung at this time.
A charge to keep I have,
a God to glorify,
a never-dying soul to save,
and fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age,
my calling to fulfill,
O may it all my pow’rs engage
to do my Master’s will!
Arm me with watchful care
as in Thy sight to live,
and now Thy servant, Lord,
prepare a strict account to give!
Help me to watch and pray,
and still on Thee rely,
O let me not my trust betray,
but press to realms on high.
PREFACE TO THE EXAMINATION
We have good hope that you have weighed and pondered these things long before this time; and that you have clearly determined, by God’s grace, to lay aside all worldly distractions, and to give yourselves wholly to this office. And now, that this congregation of Christ may also know your mind and will, you shall answer plainly to these things which we, in the name of God, and of his Church, shall require of you.
THE EXAMINATION
Do you think in your heart that you are truly called, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the Order of Elders?
I believe so.
Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain all things necessary for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ?
I am so persuaded.
Are you determined, out of these Scriptures, to instruct the people committed to your charge, and to teach nothing as necessary to salvation but that which may be concluded and proved by the Scriptures?
I am so determined, by God’s grace.
Will you then give your faithful diligence always so to minister the doctrine, sacraments, and discipline of Christ, as the Lord has commanded?
I will, the Lord being my helper.
Will you be ready, with all faithful diligence, to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrines contrary to God’s word; and to use both public and private admonitions and exhortations, to the weak and to the strong, as need shall require and occasion shall be given?
I will, the Lord being my helper.
Will you be diligent in prayer, and in the reading of Holy Scripture, and in such study as may further the knowledge of the same, laying aside all distractions of the world and of the flesh?
I will, the Lord being my helper.
Will you be diligent to frame and fashion your own selves, and your families, according to the doctrine of Christ; and to make both yourselves and them, as much as you are able, wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Christ?
I will, the Lord being my helper.
Will you maintain and set forward, as much as lies within you, quietness, peace, and love among all Christian people, and especially among those who are or shall be committed to your charge?
I will, the Lord being my helper.
Will you reverently obey those ministers who have charge and authority over you, following with a glad mind and a good will their godly admonitions, and submitting yourselves to their godly judgments?
I will, the Lord being my helper.
Then, the Minister says,
May Almighty God, who has given you the will to do all these things, give you strength and power to perform them, that he may accomplish the work which he has begun in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A time of silence may be kept for the congregation to make their humble supplications to God for all these things.
VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS
Then the Candidates kneel, and the Minister says or sings the hymn below.
Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire.
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
Who does your sevenfold gifts impart.
Your blessed Unction from above
Is comfort, life, and fire of love.
Enable with perpetual light
The dullness of our blinded sight.
Anoint and cheer our soiled face
With the abundance of your grace.
Keep far our foes, give peace at home;
Where you are guide, no ill can come.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And you, of both, to be but one;
That, through the ages all along,
This may be our endless song:
Praise to your eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Let us pray.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, of your infinite love and goodness you have given to us your only Son Jesus Christ to be our redeemer and the author of everlasting life. After he had made perfect our redemption by his death, and was ascended into heaven, he sent abroad into the world his apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers, and pastors; by whose labor and ministry he gathered together a great flock in all the parts of the world, to set forth the eternal praise of your holy name. For these great benefits, and for graciously calling these your servants here present to the same office and ministry, we offer you most hearty thanks; and we humbly ask that we may daily increase and go forward in the knowledge and faith of you and your Son by the Holy Spirit; so that by these Ministers, and by those over whom they shall be appointed, your holy name may be forever glorified, and your blessed kingdom enlarged; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE CONSECRATION
Then, the presiding Minister, and any Elders who are present, shall lay their hands upon the head of each one that is to receive the order of Elders, the receivers humbly kneeling upon their knees, and the Minister saying,
Receive the Holy Spirit for the office and work of an Elder in the Church of God, now committed to you by the imposition of our hands. And be a faithful minister of the Word of God, and of his holy sacraments; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then the Minister delivers the Bible into the hands of every one of them, saying,
Take authority to preach the Word of God, and to administer the holy sacraments in the congregation.
PRAYER FOR THE NEWLY ORDAINED
Most merciful Father, we ask you to send upon these your servants your heavenly blessing; that they may be clothed with righteousness, and that your Word, spoken by their mouths, may have such success, that it may never be spoken in vain. Grant also that we may have grace to hear and receive what they shall deliver out of your most holy Word as the means of our salvation; that in all our words and deeds we may seek your glory, and the increase of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.