Covenant of Installation
The Presentation
The Search Committee of the Albany First Christian Church is pleased to present the Rev. ____________ for installation as our Lead Pastor. Though we are gathered today to install _________, other members of the ministerial staff, the congregation, the regional church, friends, ecumenical witnesses, and the ___________ community are each a part of this ministry that we confirm and celebrate today. I invite our Regional Ministers to lead us in the covenant that will weave us together as partners in ministry.
Statement
Ministry is a collaborative and shared calling. In a tapestry of gifts of the Spirit the Lead Pastor, the Pastor, the congregation, and the regional church work together focusing upon and striving first for the realm of God.
Lead Pastor’s Commitment
Regional Minister: Do you reaffirm your confession of faith, baptism, and give yourself as a follower of Jesus.
Lead Pastor: I do.
Regional Minister: Do you reaffirm your ordination vows and promise to live your ministry in accordance with the teachings of Jesus? Do you accept the responsibilities of Lead Pastor to which you have been called?
Lead Pastor: With the guidance and help of God, I do.
Pastor’s Commitment
Regional Minister: Because of the relationship that must exist between the ministers of the church, do you reaffirm your ordination vows and calling as a minister of this congregation. (1)
Pastor: I do.
Shared Commitment
Regional Minister: Do you promise to work collaboratively, affirming one another’s ministry, honoring one another’s gifts and talents, serving as counselor and friend, listener and guide to one another? Do you promise to help one another live fully into your calls as pastors and teachers of the Word? Do you promise to strive together for the furthering of God’s realm in this time and place?
Lead Pastor & Pastor: With God’s help, we do.
*Congregation’s Commitment
Regional Minister: Do you reaffirm your confessions of faith and baptisms? Do you promise to use your gifts and talents within and beyond this congregation?
Congregation: We do.
Regional Minister: Do you covenant with Tim as your Lead Pastor?
Congregation: We receive _______ as pastor and teacher promising to journey together as witnesses for the divine One whose expansive, extravagant love leads us to true community, deep spirituality, and a passion for justice. We promise to support his ministry through prayer, through the use of our gifts, talents, and skills. We welcome his/her pastoral care and leadership. We affirm his role as preacher and teacher. As sojourners in the faith, we weave ourselves together today.
*Hymn Weave #495 CH (2x)
*Prayer of Installation
Eternal One, hear the vows we have made to one another this day. Strengthen us to carry out the work laid before us. Gather the varied fibers of our being and weave us into a living tapestry of loving service and justice seeking. Amen. (2)
Declaration of Installation
Regional Minister: In the name of Jesus Christ, we declare you properly installed as Lead Pastor of this congregation, and we commend you to the grace of God in the discharge of your duties as a minister of the gospel. May God count you worthy of your calling, and bring to fulfillment in you every good purpose and every act inspired by faith. (3)
___
(1) Pastor’s Commitment was modified from Chalice Worship, 201.
(2) Prayer of Installation was modified from Chalice Worship, 202
(3) Declaration of Installation was modified from Installation of Andrew Shepherd, Lynchwood Christian Church.
This litany is from the installation of Rev. Tim Graves at the Albany, Oregon First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Tim is a runner, a hiker, a devoted husband, a father of two adult children, and their spouses, and a grandfather of four perfect children. A former early childhood educator, Tim is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He has served as pastor of both Disciples and United Church of Christ congregations. As we enter what we hope is the final phase of the pandemic, Tim is beginning a journey of rediscovering himself and discerning next steps. He writes from his home in Albany, Oregon and wherever the Spirit lures him.
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