Updated April, 2025
This service was built on earlier examples, especially the ordination service of Cindy Holtrop, who serves on the staff of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.
As with the preceding service of installation, this service of ordination draws significantly on baptism imagery.
—ERB
Gathering
Prelude
God's Greeting and Call to Worship
Grace and peace to you from him who is, who was, and who is to come. (Rev. 1:4-5)
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.
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.
We come to bring glory to God only, and to celebrate his gracious gifts to all of us.
In this spirit of unity and service, let us worship God.
Song of Praise: "Holy God, We Praise Your Name" Brink et al.
Passing of the Peace
As God has greeted us, let us greet our neighbors, saying, "The peace of the Lord be with you."
Our Baptism, Our Calling
Remembering Our Baptism
In baptism, David Vroege was clothed with Christ and is now called by God through the voice of the church to enter into the ministry of Word and Sacrament, announcing in 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.
[As a visual reminder, water is poured into the font.]
Committing Ourselves to God
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.
Affirmation of Faith
Let us affirm our faith:
We believe in God the Father... (Apostles' Creed)
Hymn: "We Know That Christ Is Raised" Geyer
(sung to the tune sine nomine)
The Word
Sung Prayer for Understanding: "May We Hear with Understanding" (st. 2 of "Lord, We Hear Your Word with Gladness," SNC 89)
Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 8:6-18
New Testament Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-13
Sermon: Remember
Hymn of Response: "Tell Your Children" Hawthorne and Fetke
Service of Ordination
Statement on Ordination and Installation
Laying on of Hands
Prayer
Response of Praise: "All Praise and Thanks to God" (st. 3 of "Now Thank We All Our God," Runckart)
Charge to the Pastor
Charge to the Congregation
Sung Prayer: "God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian"
Words of Welcome
Sending
Song of Commitment: "Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak" Havergal and Schumann
God's Blessing
Silent Reflection
Postlude