The commissioning of a member to a specific ministry taken from the BCP

(this service is used to commission a member of the NBC to a specific ministry in their local community  This form may be used when a person wishes to make or renew a commitment to the service of Christ in the world, either in general terms, or upon undertaking some special responsibility.)

The person engaged in a new ministry begins with these words.

“O God come to my assistance, O Lord make haste to help me.”

One of the Leaders of the community asks the member.

What do you ask of this community?

Member: I ask the community for their blessing on my new ministry and work in the church and for the people of God.  (here the person shares in their own words a specific task or work they hope to accomplish)

Leader:  Do you renew your commitment to Christ as a Baptized child of God and as a professed member of the New Benedictine Community? 

Member: I do with the help of God. 

A sign of this ministry may be given or blessed (a cross, an instrument used in the ministry, a candle, or a vestment or habit which will be used during the ministry)

The Blessing of a sign of ministry

Leader:  Let us pray. Everliving God, whose power is limitless, we place before you, with our praise and thanks, these tokens of your servant’s ministry and dignity. Grant that N., who has been called to leadership in your Church, and bears these signs, may faithfully serve you and share in the fullness of your life-giving Spirit; through the high priest and good shepherd of us all, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Community: May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you, that in this, and in all things, you may do God’s will in the service of the kingdom of his Christ. Amen.

Leader:  In the name of our community I commend you to this work, and pledge you our prayers, encouragement, and support.

Leader:  Let us pray. Almighty God, look with favor upon this person who has now reaffirmed his/her commitment to follow Christ and to serve in his name.

(a moment of silence may be observed)

Give him/her courage, patience, and vision; and strengthen us all in our Christian vocation of witness to the world, and of service to others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

All say together.

Blessed are you, O God, who have helped me and comforted me.  Amen.