Planting Churches among the City's Poor - Volume 1

442 • P LANTING C HURCHES AMONG THE C ITY ’ S P OOR : V OLUME 1

Commissioning of Our Elders The Urban Ministry Institute • Church Resources CD . Wichita: The Urban Ministry Institute, 2004

Charge to the Elders Our congregation, the members of Anyname Fellowship , has chosen you to fill the office of elders to further the cause of Christ and his Kingdom, as well as to strengthen and guide the congregation to maturity in him. Now, in the presence of God, and before these saints, I charge you to this task in the name of Jesus Christ. 1. Do you all reaffirm your commitment to Christ and His kingdom, to walk with Him as His disciple, doing His will as His Holy Spirit leads and enables? Answer: I do 2. Are you willing to assume the office of Elder with its varied duties, and do you pledge with God’s help to carry out the duties of this office for the glory of God, and the welfare of the entire congregation and its individual members? Answer: I am willing, with God’s help 3. Finally, will you further pledge yourself to be an example to the members of this flock, to pray consistently for the welfare of its mem bers, and to continue to grow toward Christian maturity through your obedience to Christ, fellowship within the Body, prayer, worship, nurturing from the Word of God, and instruction from others? Answer: I will Charge to the Congregation You the members of Anyname Church have called these leaders to serve in the office of Elder on the Council of this church. These leaders have now declared their willingness to take on this important responsibility. Now I ask you to declare your willingness to cooperate with and to give your loyal support to these men in their work. Will you declare this by standing now together as a congregation as the office is being conferred? Commission In the name of Christ and his church I confer upon you the office of Elder of Anyname Fellowship with its duties and responsibilities for the term of office determined by the congregation. May our Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, give you grace as you guide and shepherd this congregation under His leadership. May the Lord