Bible Methodist Church Rituals
This collection of official rituals reflects the worship practices, pastoral responsibilities, and covenantal moments that shape the life of the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches. These services serve as guides for meaningful, Christ-centered ceremonies—from baptisms and baby blessings to weddings, ordinations, and memorials. Whether celebrating new life, commissioning leaders, or dedicating sacred spaces, these rituals provide biblically grounded and spiritually rich frameworks for ministers and congregations alike.
Baby Blessing
This ceremony may be used in the case of parents or guardians for whom the child dedication is not suitable.
Hear the words of Scripture: “…they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:13-16).
Today, [parent’s/guardians’ name] has brought his/her/their baby [child’s name] to present him/her to the Lord. We commend the desire of this parent/these parents to seek God’s blessing upon his/her/their little one. And, we pray that this moment will forever mark itself upon [parent’s/guardians’ names] heart and mind.
May I remind you of the command in Deuteronomy 6:4-7: “…You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
God’s instructions are plain. You are to give your life completely to God and then teach [baby’s name] to do the same. You are to model right living and wholesome character. You are to take your child to church and teach him/her to pray. You are to read the Bible to him/her and lead him/her to make right choices.
Do you now offer [baby’s name] to Jesus for His blessing and for His tender purposes to be worked out in his life?
Parent/Guardians answer: Yes.
The minister takes child in his arms.
____________________________ [baby’s full name], just as Jesus blessed little children when He was here on earth, may His blessing now rest on you. May you early come to know Jesus as your Savior and live for Him.
The minister hands baby back to mother.
Kneeling or standing, the minister offers an appropriate prayer for baby and parent/guardians.
Baptism
Form A
Introduction
Dearly Beloved, Holy Baptism is a most precious sacrament which Our Lord Jesus Christ has instituted in His Church and which He commands us faithfully to observe. In baptism we enter into solemn and lifelong covenant with God and receive the sign and seal of that covenant to our comfort; we publicly identify ourselves with Our Lord, His death, His resurrection and His Church, which is the body and the company of all the faithful. These persons (1) present have come to receive this holy sacrament. Let us therefore pray for them that God our Father will grant them strength to keep the vows which they shall make and remain faithful in His service throughout all their lives.
- Wherever necessary, change the terms to singular and use the pronouns he or she or him or her.
Prayer
Either the following or an appropriate extemporaneous prayer may now be offered. Almighty and everlasting God, You are the aid of all who need, the helper of all who come to You, the life of those who believe, and the resurrection of the dead. Look now in Your great mercy upon these Your children [you may name the persons being baptized if you wish], who in loving obedience to Your command, come now to be baptized. Remind them often of the sacred vows which they are about to take before You and Your people, and strengthen them always to keep them faithfully. Grant them true faith, firm hope, and steadfast love, that joyfully bearing their cross, they may faithfully obey Your Word, trust fully in Your grace, and come at last to Your eternal joy, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Scripture Lesson
The officiating minister may read the following Scripture or another fitting passage. Hear the words of Our Savior, Jesus Christ, recorded in St. Matthew, chapter 28: “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things what-soever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
Address To The Baptismal Candidates
Dearly Beloved, you have heard how that we have prayed for you that God will look in mercy upon you, strengthen you to keep the sacred vows that you are about to make, and bring you at last to His eternal joy. Be assured that He is always faithful to keep His covenant with His children and has promised through Our Lord Jesus Christ, whom He yielded up for our redemption, to grant these gracious favors which we have asked of Him. Now on your part, you must promise before Him in the presence of this congregation to take upon yourself all the obligations of this holy sacrament.
The Baptismal Covenant
Do you renounce the devil and all his works, and the love for the evil of this world, with all its sinful desires, so that you will not follow or be led by them?
ANSWER: I renounce them all.
Do you believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and of earth? And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, Our Lord? And that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary? That He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and was buried? That He arose again the third day? That He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Al-mighty, and that from thence He shall come again at the end of the world to judge the living and the dead? And do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the remission of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting?
ANSWER: All this I steadfastly believe.
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, put your whole trust in the sufficiency of His grace, and promise to serve Him faithfully within the fellowship of His holy church?
ANSWER: I do.
Is it your desire now to be baptized in the Christian faith?
ANSWER: It is my desire.
Will you then obediently keep God’s will and commandments and walk in the same all the days of your life?
ANSWER: I will endeavor to do so, the Lord being my helper.
Prayer
Almighty and Everlasting God, the Author of Eternal life, grant that the regenerating grace which You have mercifully given to these persons shall not have been bestowed in vain. May they who are about to be baptized in water know also that greater baptism of the Holy Spirit, that being cleansed from all sin and being replenished with Your strength, they shall grow in every Christian grace and virtue. Look mercifully upon them—and upon all of us who profess Your name—all throughout this life and then in the world to come. We now consecrate these believers to You through the sacrament of baptism. In the name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has taught us to pray, saying: [Corporately recite The Lord’s Prayer]
The Administration
____________________________ [Full name of candidate], I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
The minister shall then immerse in water or sprinkle or pour water upon each candidate.
The Benediction
May God Almighty, the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, grant you to be strengthened with power through His Holy Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you may be filled with the fullness of God.
Form B
Introduction
Jesus Christ instructed us to “… make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He had commanded.” And His promise was that He would be with us day after day after day, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20).
Dear Friends, in keeping with the command of Jesus, you have presented your-selves this day that you might receive the sacrament of baptism. Baptism is not itself the door to salvation, but rather is an outward sign of the new birth which God has wrought in your heart. It proclaims to all the world that you have taken Christ Jesus as the Lord of your lives, and that it is your purpose always to obey Him. In order that we may hear your testimony of what God has done for you, and that we may know that you understand the significance of the step you are taking, we want to ask you these questions:
1. Do you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and do you know that He has forgiven your sins?
ANSWER: I do.
2. Do you desire to be baptized in His name?
ANSWER: I do.
3. Do you intend by this act to testify to all the world that you are a Christian and will be a loyal follower of Christ?
ANSWER: I do.
4. Do you believe in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments? And will you make them the guide for your life?
ANSWER: I do and I will.
5. Trusting God to help you, will you resist temptation always and keep from doing those things that you know to be sinful or displeasing to God?
ANSWER: I will.
6. Will you attend church services and do those things you know a Christian should do?
ANSWER: I will.
Please join us in saying the Apostles’ creed and, thus, declare now your faith both publicly and with conviction.
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy Church universal, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayer
The minister shall ask the name of each candidate and shall immerse the candidate in water, or, if desired, may sprinkle or pour water, saying:
____________________________ [Full name of candidate], I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let the group lift a song of worship (such as “My Jesus I Love Thee”) and then the minister shall close in prayer.
Burial of the Dead
Order for a Christian Funeral Service
We recommend that wherever possible a Christian funeral be conducted in a church building. It is customary that the presiding minister meet the coffin and go before it into the church.
Opening Sentences
The minister or someone whom he may appoint shall read one or more of the following scriptures or use such other call to worship that he shall choose.
“I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:25, 26).
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah” (Psalm 46:1-3; 11).
Order of Service
- Invocation
- Congregational Hymn
- Obituary and Tributes (if desired)
- Scripture Reading (Suggested passages include Psalms 23, 90, 121; John 14:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:35-49; 2
- Corinthians 5:1-5; Revelation 7:9-17)
- Hymn (either congregational or offered by musicians)
- Meditation or Sermon
- Pastoral Prayer
- Benediction
Order for the Service at the Grave
When all shall have gathered at the grave, the minister shall say:
“I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:25, 26). “I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God; whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another” (Job 19:25-27).
“We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (1 Tim. 6:7; Job 1:21).
The minister may read such scriptural passages as he shall choose, then offer prayer, either extemporaneous or one or more of the following:
Almighty God, in the midst of life we are in death. Of whom shall we seek for comfort but in You, whose only Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ by His death and resurrection has conquered death for us. Out of the depths of our grief and loss, we turn to You, praying that the light of Your countenance will now shine upon us, a sense of Your presence will strengthen us, and the reality of Your promise of eternal life will console us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God of life, as we have learned to do in all our experiences, we come to You in the hour of death. We know that You love us, and that You can turn even the shadow of death into the light of morning. Help us now to wait before You with reverent and submissive hearts. Make this a time of opening our eyes and our understanding, and a time of admonition to our hearts and souls. Bless those who feel this sorrow most keenly, and cause the bonds of Christian love to bind us closer together, so that we may share with them that spiritual strength and that faith in God which is ours through the love of Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
O Lord, be with us in this hour of need and loss. Let not our faith fail or our hope grow dim. May we now perceive the shadow of Your hand, outstretched in love; and may the ministry of Your Holy Spirit surround us with the hope of heaven with You forever. Now thanks be to Him who lives, though He was dead; and behold, He is alive forevermore, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Committal
The minister shall read one of the following committals.
1. For a Believer, Form One
Forasmuch as the spirit of our departed loved one has returned to God, who gave it, we therefore tenderly commit his/her body to the grave in sure trust and certain hope of the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall give to us new bodies like unto His glorious body. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.”
2. For a Believer, Form Two: Traditional Methodist Committal
Forasmuch as it has pleased Almighty God, in His wise providence, to take out of the world the soul of the departed, we therefore commit his/her body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, looking for the resurrection of the body, and the life of the world to come, through our Lord Jesus Christ; at whose second coming in glorious majesty to judge the world, the sea and the dead shall give up their dead, and the corruptible bodies of those who sleep in Him shall be changed and made like unto His own glorious body, according to the mighty working whereby He is able to subdue all things unto Himself.
3. For a Non-Believer
We have come now to commit the body of our departed friend to its kindred dust. The spirit we leave with God, for we know the merciful Judge of all the earth will do right. Let us who remain dedicate ourselves anew to live in the fear and love of God, so that we may obtain an abundant entrance into the heavenly Kingdom.
4. For a Child
In the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commit the body of this child to the grave. And as Jesus, during His earthly life, took the children into His arms and blessed them, may He receive this dear one unto himself, for, as He said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Then shall the minister say:
“I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, From henceforth blessed are the dead who die in the Lord; even so, saith the Spirit, for the rest from their labors.”
Then may be offered The Lord’s Prayer in unison:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
The Benediction
Then the minister may dismiss the people, saying: May the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord; and may the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be yours now and forever. Amen.
Or this:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; and the love of God; and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore.
The singing of a hymn may be added to the service at the grave if desired.
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
Scripture
An appropriate sermon may precede the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Let the officiating minister read the following Scripture or other fitting passages.
“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it: for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom” (Matt. 26:26-29).
“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ. For we being many are one bread, and one body; for we are all partakers of that one bread” (1 Cor. 10:16-17).
“For I have received of the Lord that which I also delivered unto you. That the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is bro-ken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment [damnation] to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body” (1 Cor. 11:23-29).
FORM A
Invocation
ALMIGHTY GOD, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You, and worthily magnify Your holy Name; through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Invitation
All you who do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, who live in love and peace with your neighbors, and who intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking in His holy ways, draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort, and make your humble confession to Almighty God.
The Prayer
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for all Your mighty acts, but especially for giving Your only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption, whereby He offered up Himself as a full and perfect sacrifice for the sins of the whole world.
Humbly we come now to this holy sacrament which He has instituted and commanded us to keep as a continual remembrance of His precious death and sacrifice until His coming again. For on the night on which He was betrayed, He took bread, and after giving thanks to You, He broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take, eat. This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this is remembrance of Me.” Amen.
(Alternate Prayer)
It is truly right and our greatest joy at all times and in all places to give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Everlasting God. Therefore with angels and archangels and with the whole company of Your saints in heaven and on earth, we magnify Your holy name, always praising You and saying [here the congregation may say with the minister]:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts, heaven and earth are full of Your glory. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for all Your mighty acts, but especially for giving Your only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption, whereby He offered up Himself a full and perfect sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Humbly we come now to this holy sacrament which He has instituted and commanded us to keep as a continual remembrance of His precious death and sacrifice until His coming again. For on the night on which He was betrayed, He took bread, and after giving thanks to You, He broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take, eat. This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this is remembrance of Me.” Amen.
The Distribution
Upon distributing the bread the minister shall say: The body of our Lord Jesus Christ which was given for you, preserve your body and soul unto everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on Him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving.
Upon distributing the wine the minister shall say: The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ which was shed for you, preserve your body and soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.
The Lord’s Prayer In Unison
The minister or a person of his appointment shall lead the congregation in the Lord’s Prayer.
The Benediction
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of His Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Scripture
See Scripture given prior to Form A.
Instruction
Our God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son to die in our place so that all people can repent and have everlasting life (Jn. 3:16). Even while we were sinning against Him, Jesus loved us enough to sacrifice His life for us (Rom. 5:8). He asked us to remember His love as expressed through the crucifixion and therefore exhorted His church to regularly partake of this sacrament called the Lord’s Supper. He instructed us to eat the bread in memory of His wounded body and to drink the cup remembering His life’s blood that flowed from those wounds.
As you eat this bread and drink this cup, think deeply of the sacrificial love that you did not deserve. Pray that you respond to this memory by loving Christ with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and by loving others as Christ loves you. In this manner you will show His grace to others that they too may find God’s redemptive healing.
Invitation
The Lord’s Supper is for any who will come in repentance for their sins. Here you may cry out your confession to God who will hear and forgive you. The Lord’s Supper is for all who will come remembering Christ’s death and celebrating the peace they have found through faith in Him.
Friends, Jesus invites you now to come to Him and fellowship with Him at His table. Come earnestly and sincerely. Come humbly and honestly. Come expect-ing to meet Him here by faith and personally express your love to Him for His death on the cross.
Distribution
The piece of bread is a symbol of Christ’s broken body that was hung on the cross. Eat it believing that He died for you.
The cup is a symbol of the blood Jesus shed for your sins and mine. Drink it knowing that He bled for you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we have eaten this bread and drank this cup remembering Christ’s death for us. By faith, we are embracing His sacrifice for our sins and receiving His life into our needy spirits. We thank You for reaching to us when we were spiritually dead in our sins. We thank You for loving us when we were unlovely. We thank You for making a way for us to come to You and to know Your peace and pardon. Here we celebrate the joy of forgiveness that is ours through Christ’s horror and suffering. We worship in awe that the Holy and Sin-less Creator would love us enough to become a man and die that we might live.
With believers around the world, we look forward to our Lord’s return. We ask that the grace we have received will strengthen us and help us to honor His name. We pray for the Holy Spirit to use us in sharing the message of Jesus’ death with our hurting world. Amen.
Hymn
An appropriate hymn may be sung to conclude the service.
Charge to Incoming Conference President
Dear Brother in Christ: In the providence of God, you have been elected President of the ________ Regional Conference of the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches. Your brothers and sisters have thus invested you with a position of great honor, indicating their confidence in your godliness of life, maturity of judgment, and commitment to the church. Remember, however, that this honor is also a solemn and sacred responsibility, demanding steadfast purpose, arduous labor, and continual sacrifice. Only God can enable you to fulfill the charge which is now laid upon you.
In the decisions of office, may He give you wisdom. In the rigors of labor, may He give you strength. In the setting of an example, may He give you consistency. In the administration of discipline, may He give you patience. In the agony of failure, may He give you comfort. In the elation of success, may He give you humility. Never forget that as an overseer in the church of Christ, which He has loved even to the shedding of His own blood, that you “must be blameless as the steward of God, not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; a lover of hospitality; a lover of good men; sober, just, holy, temperate, holding fast the faithful word.” (Titus 1:7-9)
Do you now accept the office of President of the ________ Regional Conference of the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches, believing that you are truly called to this work and ministry according to the will of God?
ANSWER: I do, the Lord being my helper.
Do you embrace the Holy Scriptures as the absolute and authoritative Word of God; and submitting yourself to its direction, do you promise to pursue a gentle, loving, and holy life, following the example of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and in all things serving as an example of good works, as a leader in His Church?
ANSWER: I do, as He shall assist and strengthen me.
Will you in the exercise of your office steadfastly uphold and administer the Discipline of the Bible Methodist Connections of Churches, and to the best of your ability, maintain the peace, purity, and prosperity of the church, treating those committed to your charge with kindness, integrity, and grace?
ANSWER: I will do so with the help of the Lord.
Now, Dear Brother, may the Holy Spirit strengthen you to keep these vows, which you have made before God and before us; and may He also fill you with wisdom and with grace that the work of God placed under your direction shall advance in every way to His glory. In the name of the Father, and the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Child Dedication
Form A
After the singing of a suitable hymn, the minister shall take his place at the altar and shall call to take their places before the altar the parents, or guardians, of the child/children to be dedicated to the Lord. These shall take their places, with the child/children, after which the minister shall say:
Dearly Beloved, inasmuch as Christ, our Savior, saith, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the Kingdom of God”; and as the holy apostle St. Peter declares that, “The promise is unto you and to your children,” therefore this child has been brought to be consecrated to God and to His service.
I beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of His bounteous mercy He will grant that this child may early become a partaker of the divine nature and grow up into Christ our living Head in all things, and come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto perfect spiritual manhood, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, and may God grant unto you the needed grace that you may properly discharge all the duties you owe to this child which God has given you.
Charge to the Parents/Guardians
The minister shall say to the parents, or guardians, of the child which is brought for dedication:
You have brought this child whom God has given you to be dedicated to God and to His service. By this act you therefore signify your faith in the Christian religion, and also your desire that he/she shall receive the benefits of consecration to God, and of the prayers of the church and congregation, and may early learn to know and follow the will of God; and thus doing may live and die a Christian, attaining in the end of this earthly life to everlasting life in the kingdom of God.
In order that this may be accomplished, it will be your duty as parents (or guardians) to early teach this child the fear of the Lord; to watch over his/her education, that he/she may not be led astray by false teachings or doctrines, to direct his/her mind to the Holy Scriptures as expressing the will and authority of God for all mankind, also to direct his/her feet to the sanctuary; to restrain him/her from evil associates and habits; and, as much as in you lies, to “bring him/her up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
Question: Will you endeavor to do so, by the help of God?
ANSWER: I will.
Charge To the Congregation
You have heard the charge given to these parents. Do you, as members of this congregation of Christ, acknowledge and accept your responsibility to do all within your power to aid and assist these parents in keeping the solemn vows that they have taken upon themselves and also to provide all necessary support for this child that he/she may early come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and grow up in Him? If so, will you say, “We will?”
ANSWER: We will.
Hear now the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, recorded in Mark 10:13-16: ”Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly dis-pleased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.’ And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.”
Then shall the minister ask the name of the child, and placing his right hand upon the child’s head, shall say:
____________________________ [Child’s full name] I dedicate you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen.
Prayer
O God, Our Heavenly Father, grant that as this child grows in stature, he/she may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and being Your faithful child, strengthened and renewed by Your sanctifying grace, may serve You through all the days of his/her life. Amen.
Almighty God, source of all love, wisdom, and power, so guide and uphold the-se parents that they, by loving care, wise advice, and holy example, may lead this child into the life of faith whose strength is righteousness, and whose fruit is everlasting joy and peace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The minister shall then offer the Lord’s Prayer or some other appropriate or extemporaneous prayer.
Form B
Introducing the Ceremony
It is exciting when a new child enters a family. There is no greater moment than when parents sense that children are a gift from God. In these joyful moments, ministers have the privilege to share with the parents as they express their appreciation to God by dedicating their child/baby to God. That special event is what we celebrate today.
Dedicating a child acknowledges God’s sovereignty not only over the child, but also over Mom and Dad. Parents present their child before God and His people asking for grace and wisdom in carrying out their responsibilities. Parents also come praying that their child might one day trust Jesus Christ as Savior for the forgiveness of sin and become a devoted disciple of Christ.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 reads, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
This scripture commands parents to love God; if they truly wish for their child to one day love and follow God, their lives must be an example.
Deuteronomy 6 also makes it clear that the duty of teaching children belongs to parents. Church, Sunday school, and Christian schools can provide excellent Christian training, but parents must seize the teachable moments that arise throughout life. Parents are best suited to teach prayer and devotion to God by training and example and to teach the child to really love God and people. They also teach the mundane but necessary disciplines of life.
I now invite [father], [mother], [grandparents], and [children] to bring [child’s name] for this special time of dedication.
Conducting the Ceremony
I would like [father], [mother], [grandparents], and [children] to stand to my/our right. Minister should pray with the child’s father closest to him; any other family may stand to the minister’s left.
Mother will hold baby and give to father for the vow of dedication who will give baby to minister for the dedication prayer —recognize everyone at the front of the church and their supportive role.
[If grandparents stand with the parents:]
“Standing here are three generations. Seeing this brings to mind Proverbs 17:6 which tells us that “Grandchildren are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of children.”
I know the grandparents are very proud of their grandchild/grandchildren and are proud of [father] and [mother] for many reasons, and certainly for their determination to dedicate their children to God. Mom and dad, we trust that the step of faith you’re taking today will one day make [child’s name] proud of your actions.
Psalm 127:3 proclaims that God in His goodness gives children as gifts to parents and with that comes the awesome responsibility of caring for this gift. Thus, it is only proper and appropriate that children be dedicated back to God.
Hannah presented her son Samuel to the Lord. Mary and Joseph brought their baby Jesus to the temple in order to present him to the Lord. In the same way, [parents] today bring their child presenting first themselves and then [child’s name] to our Heavenly Father.
[If siblings stand with the parents:]
Accompanying them in making this commitment is/are [sibling(s)].
Add any appropriate comments about being older siblings and teaching baby to love God and to obey parents.
[Father] and [mother], God’s commands that I read in Deuteronomy said: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
God’s instructions to you are plain. Love God with every ounce and fiber of your energy and teach [child’s name] to do the same. As you love God, each other, [other children] and your neighbor as yourself you will model before [child’s name] a wonderful love that he/she will want for him/herself.
God’s instructions to fathers are plain. Ephesians 6:4 says: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
[Father] and [mother] by coming forward before God and his people, do you hereby declare your desire to dedicate yourselves and your son/daughter [child’s name] to the Lord? If so, please respond by saying, “We do.”
ANSWER: We do.
Having come freely, I ask now that you enter into the following commitment in the presence of God and his people. [Mother’s name] would you please give [child’s name] to [father] as a sign of his spiritual headship in the family. So that [child’s name] may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you as parents vow by God’s help and in partnership with the church, to provide [child’s name] a Christian home of love and peace, to raise him/her in the truth of our Lord’s instruction and discipline, and to encourage her to one day trust Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord? If so, please respond by saying, “We do.”
ANSWER: We do.
The minister shall take the child and ask for the baby’s full name.
____________________________ [child’s full name], I dedicate you to God in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The minister may hand the child back to the parents.
Prayer of Dedication
The minister may pray an appropriate prayer of dedication.
Modeling this kind of love cannot be done alone. It requires the help of others. For this reason, [father] and [mother] call upon the help of all of their family and friends and the church.
I ask all of you to join in this commitment as well. Parents have the first responsibility. But parents need the help and support of family, friends, and church—we are stronger when we work together for the common goal. So I direct my question now to all of you.
Would you please stand? I ask now that you make the following commitment to this family: So that [child’s name] may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you pledge by God’s help, to be faithful in your calling as family, friends, and as members of the body of Christ, to support [father] and [mother] in their Christian commitment to [child’s name] so that he/she will one day trust him as Savior and Lord? If you accept this responsibility, please respond by saying, “We do.”
ANSWER: We do.
If desired, an appropriate song may be sung.
Dedication of Church
The Call To Worship
The congregation being assembled, the minister shall begin the service by saying:
Dear Friends in Christ, The Holy Scriptures teach us that God is well-pleased with those who build houses for His worship. Remember how He filled the temple of Solomon with His glory, and how in the second temple He manifested Himself even more gloriously. Further, the Gospels commend the Roman centurion who built a synagogue for the people.
Let us not doubt that God will also approve our purpose of dedicating this place in a solemn manner for the various acts of Christian worship; and let us join in joyful praise to His name that this godly undertaking has been completed and in prayer for His continued blessing upon all who shall worship His name in this place.
Invocation
Then this prayer or some other appropriate prayer shall be offered:
O Eternal God, mighty in power and of majesty beyond our understanding, we reverently bow before You in worship. We know that not even the heaven of heavens can contain You, much less the walls of temples made with hands. Yet we pray that You will be present with us who are gathered together to consecrate this place to the honor of Your great name; separating it from all unhallowed, ordinary, and common uses; and dedicating it for Your service, for the reading and preaching of Your Holy Word, for celebrating Your holy sacraments, and for offering to You the sacrifices of prayer and thanksgiving. Bless this undertaking, all to Your glory and to our good, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn
Let care be taken that this is suitable to this solemn occasion.
The Old Testament Reading
2 Chronicles 6:1-2, 18-21, 40-42; 7:1-4, or such other lesson may be chosen.
Special Music
The New Testament Reading
Hebrews 10:19-2. or another such lesson may be chosen.
It is appropriate that the congregation shall say the Apostles’ Creed in unison.
The Sermon
The Offering
Presentation of the Building
Then shall the trustees stand before the altar, and one of them shall say to the minister:
We present this building to you to be dedicated as a church for the service and worship of Almighty God.
Then shall the minister ask the congregation to stand, and he shall say the following:
Beloved Friends in Christ, We rejoice that God has put it into the hearts of His people to build this house to the glory of His name. Let us now dedicate it for its holy uses, setting it apart for the worship of Almighty God and the service.
Then, all standing, the minister shall say, the people responding:
To the glory of God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth; To the glory of God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful; of His people. To the glory of God the Son, Redeemer of the world; We dedicate this house. For the worship of God in prayer and praise; For the preaching of the everlasting Gospel; For the celebration of the holy sacraments. We dedicate this house. For the comfort of all who mourn; For strength to those who are tempted; For light to those who seek Christ’s way. We dedicate this house. For the hallowing of family life; For teaching and guidance of the young; For the perfecting of the saints. We dedicate this house. For the conversion of sins; For the promotion of righteousness; For the extension of God’s kingdom; We dedicate this house. In the unity of the holy Christian faith; In the bond of Christian fellowship; In charity and good will to all; We dedicate this house. In gratitude to all those who love and serve this church; In loving memory of the saints who have finished their course; In the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. We dedicate this house.
Then shall the minister offer extemporaneous prayer or this traditional prayer used at dedications:
Now, O Lord, let Your eyes be open toward this house day and night; and let Your ears be open to receive the prayers of Your children, which they offer to You in this place. May Your rich blessing be upon this building which we have dedicated to Your honor. Grant that here and elsewhere Your ministers may be clothed with righteousness and that Your saints may rejoice in the glory of Your salvation. May we all, with Your people everywhere, grow up into a holy temple in the Lord, and at last be received into the glorious temple above, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. And to the Father, and to the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be glory and praise forever and ever. Amen.
Benediction
Then shall the minister dismiss the congregation using this or some other appropriate blessing:
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you and remain with you always. Amen.
It is appropriate that the Doxology shall then be sung.
Dedication of a Parsonage
The Call To Worship
The congregation being assembled either at the church or at the parsonage to be consecrated to God’s service, the minister shall begin the service by saying:
Dear Friends in Christ, throughout the ages, God’s people have not only erected buildings to the glory of God for divine worship but also houses for His ministers, who have been separated and ordained to His special service. Let us rejoice that He has enabled us now to do this holy work; and let us pray that His blessings shall be upon us as we dedicate this parsonage to His glory and to the service of His Church. “Except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it.” Blessed be the name of the Lord forever and ever. Amen.
The Invocation
Then shall the minister offer this prayer:
All glory be to You, O Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Graciously pour out Your blessing upon us as we dedicate this parsonage to Your service and for the use of Your ministers and their families. Illuminate it with Your presence, defend it and those who shall inhabit it from evil, and hallow it with Your grace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading
Hymn
The minister or someone whom he shall appoint shall read a lesson of his selection from the Scriptures.
Special Music
Sermon or Meditation
Act of Dedication
Then shall the trustees or church board stand before the altar or at some other convenient place, and one of them shall say to the minister:
In behalf of this congregation, we present this building to be dedicated to the glory of God as a parsonage to be used as a residence for our ministers. May His blessings be upon our undertakings.
Then shall the minister say:
Dear Friends in Christ, it is fitting that buildings erected for service in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ should be devoutly set apart for their special use. For such a dedication, we are now assembled. We give praise to Him who has put it into our hearts to prepare a parsonage for the use of the ministers of this congregation and their families, and we ask Him to receive it as our offering, all to His glory and for the honor of His Church.
Prayer of Dedication
Then shall the following prayer be offered:
Almighty God, Your ears are always open to the prayers of Your people, and we rejoice that You are present with us now in the service You have enabled us to complete. Graciously accept this parsonage, which we offer to You and to Your service, and pour out Your blessing upon it and upon Your servants who shall dwell within its walls. And since our acts here are vain without the devout consecration of our hearts and minds to You in holiness and service, we also give ourselves anew to You and to the work to which You have called us. Renew us in the likeness of our Lord, use us in whatever way that shall best bring glory to You, and bring us at last to dwell with You forever in heaven, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now, O Lord, we dedicate this parsonage to You and to Your service as a dwelling place for the ministers of this congregation. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then may be offered The Lord’s Prayer in unison:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Hymn
Benediction
Then shall the minister dismiss the congregation with this blessing or some other that he may choose.
Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the flock, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ: to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Ordination of Elders
When the time appointed for ordination shall have come, one of the elders shall present unto the Conference President those who are to be ordained. Their names being read aloud, the Conference President shall say unto the people:
Brethren, these are they whom we purpose, God willing, this day to ordain as elders. For, after due examination, we find not to the contrary, but that they are lawfully called to this function and ministry, and they are persons meet for the same. But if there are any of you who knoweth any impediment or crime in any of them, for the which he ought not to be received into this holy ministry, let him come forth in the name of God, and show what the crime or impediment is.
The Epistle: Ephesians 4:7-13
“Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity cap-tive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same that also ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
The Gospel: St. John 10:1-16
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that entereth not by the door into the sheep-fold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not fol-low, but will flee from him, for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them, but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again: Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; by me if any man enter in he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture. The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep and fleeth; and the wolf catcheth them and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold: them also must I bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd.”
And that done, the President shall say unto them as follows:
You have heard, brethren, as well in your private examination as in the exhortation which was now made to you, and in the holy lessons taken out of the Gospel and the writings of the apostles, of what dignity and what great importance this office is, whereunto you are called. And now again we exhort you, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you have in remembrance into how high a dignity, and to how weighty an office you are called; that is to say, to be messengers, watchmen, and stewards of the Lord; to teach and admonish; to feed and provide for the Lord’s family; to seek for Christ’s sheep that are dispersed abroad, and for His children who are in the midst of this evil world that they may be saved through Christ forever.
Have always, therefore, printed in your remembrance, how great a treasure is committed to your charge; for they are the sheep of Christ which He bought with His death and for whom He shed His blood. The church and congregation, whom you must serve, is the spouse and His body. And if it shall happen the same church, or any member thereof, do take any hurt or hindrance by reason of your negligence, you know the greatness of the fault and also the horrible punishment that will ensue. Wherefore, consider with yourselves the end of the ministry toward the children of God, toward the spouse and body of Christ; and see that you have done all that lies in you, according to your bounden duty, to bring all such as are or shall be committed to your charge, unto the agreement in the faith and knowledge of God, and to that ripeness and perfectness of age in Christ, that there be no place left among you, either for error in religion, or for viciousness in life.
Forasmuch, then, as your office is both of so great excellency and of so great difficulty, you see with how great care and study you ought to apply yourselves, as well that you may show yourselves dutiful and thankful unto that Lord who has placed you in so high a dignity, as also to beware that neither you yourselves offend. Howbeit, you cannot have a mind and will thereto of yourselves; for that will and ability is given of God alone; therefore, you ought and have need to pray earnestly for His Holy Spirit. And seeing that you cannot by any other means compass the doing of so weighty a work pertaining to the salvation of man, but with doctrine and exhortation taken out of the Holy Scriptures and with a life agreeable to the same, consider how studious you ought to be in reading and learning the Scriptures; and for the selfsame cause how you ought to forsake and set aside, as much as you may, all worldly cares and studies.
We trust that you have all weighed and pondered these things with yourselves long before this time, and that you have clearly determined by God’s grace, to give yourselves wholly to this office, whereunto it hath pleased God to call you; so that as much as lies in you, you will apply yourselves wholly to this one thing, and draw all your cares and studies this way, and that you will continually pray to God the Father, by the mediation of our only Savior, Jesus Christ, for the heavenly assistance of the Holy Spirit; that by daily reading and weighing the Scriptures you may wax riper and stronger in your ministry; and that you may so endeavor yourselves, from time to time, to sanctify the lives of you and yours, and to fashion them after the rule and doctrine of Christ, that you may be whole-some and godly examples, and patterns for the people to follow.
And now, that this present congregation of Christ here assembled may also understand your minds and wills in these things, and that this your promise may the more move you to do your duties, you shall answer plainly to these things, which we, in the name of God and His Church, shall demand of you touching the same.
Do you think in your heart that you are called according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the office and work of an elder in The Bible Methodist Connection of Churches?
ANSWER: Yes, I do.
Do you cordially accept our Statement of Faith and agree to declare and defend it?
ANSWER: I do, in the fear of God.
Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures are the fully inspired and inerrant Word of God and that they contain sufficiently all doctrine required of necessity for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? Are you determined out of the said Scriptures to instruct the people committed to your charge, and to teach nothing as required of necessity to eternal salvation, but that which you shall be persuaded may be concluded and proved by the Scriptures?
ANSWER: I am so persuaded, and have so determined by God’s grace.
Will you then give your faithful diligence always so to minister the doctrine, and sacraments, and discipline of Christ, as the Lord hath commanded?
ANSWER: I will do so by the help of the Lord.
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 monitions and exhortations, as well to the sick as to the whole, within your charge, as need shall require and occasion be given?
ANSWER: I will, the Lord being my helper.
Will you be diligent in prayers and in reading the Holy Scriptures, and in such studies as help to the knowledge of the same, laying aside the study of the world and of the flesh?
ANSWER: I will endeavor to do so, the Lord being my helper.
Will you be diligent to frame and fashion yourselves and your families accord-ing to the doctrine of Christ, and to make both yourselves and them, as much as in you lies, wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Christ?
ANSWER: I will, the Lord being my helper.
Will you maintain, and set forward, as much as lies in you, quietness, peace, and love among all Christian people, and especially among them that are, or shall be committed to your charge?
ANSWER: I will do so, the Lord being my helper.
Prayer
The President or officiating elder may pray an appropriate prayer for those who are to be ordained. When this prayer is done the President or officiating elder, with the elders pre-sent, shall lay their hands upon the head of every one that receives the Order of Elders—the receivers humbly kneeling upon their knees, and the president saying:
The Lord pour upon thee the Holy Spirit, for the office and work of an elder in the Church of God. And be thou a faithful dispenser of the Word of God, and of His holy sacraments; in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
They shall continue to kneel, and the President shall deliver to each one of them the Bible into his hands, and shall say:
Take thou authority to preach the Word of God and to administer the holy sacraments in the congregation.
The President or officiating elder shall then, in behalf of the conference, give to each of the persons ordained the right hand of fellowship, welcoming him to the work and labors of the ministry, adding such remarks as he may deem fitting, followed by the benediction.
Pastoral Installation
This form may be used for an entire service of public worship or it may be adapted for use within the framework of another service. The Conference President or some other elder whom he may appoint shall be presiding minister.
The service may begin with a call to worship and the singing of a congregational hymn.
The Invocation
The presiding minister shall offer the following prayer:
Almighty God, look with favor now upon us who are assembled to worship You, one God in Trinity and Trinity in Unity. We give You praise for all Your gifts so abundantly poured out upon us, and especially for Your holy Church, which is the company of all the faithful, the pillar and ground of the truth. Establish it everywhere in righteousness, advance all its godly interests, and defend it from false doctrine, division, and persecution. Supply it always with devout and diligent ministers to labor within its service; enlighten their minds, sanctify their hearts, and strengthen their purposes to do Your will. Grant that they shall declare the whole counsel of God, declaring both the demands of Your holy Law and the comforts of Your holy Gospel. May all whom You have called to per-form this sacred office, and may all of us whom You have called to follow them, so serve You in constancy of faith and holiness of life that at the last we shall hear Our Lord Jesus say, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” For it is in His name that we pray. Amen
The Scripture Lessons and Sermon
The presiding minister or someone else whom he may appoint shall read such readings from the Holy Scriptures that are appropriate to the occasion. It is fitting that a sermon now be preached setting forth the office, duties, and rewards of the Christian ministry. Then shall a hymn be sung.
The Ritual of Installation
Then shall the presiding minister say:
Dearly Beloved in Christ Jesus, we are assembled here before God to install Reverend _____________, as pastor of this congregation. He has been duly called to this holy office by your own invitation, by the authority of the annual conference, and as we believe, by the direction of God. May the Holy Spirit add His blessing and anointing to this sacred service.
The minister to be installed as pastor shall stand before the presiding minister, who shall say:
“Dear Brother in Christ, as you well know, the duties and responsibilities of your holy office are clearly set forth in the Word of God. As a minister and representative of Our Lord Jesus Christ, you are first of all to preach both the Law and the Gospel as they are set forth in the Holy Scriptures and as they are understood in the teachings of His Holy Church. This you are to do faithfully and without deviation from the truth, remembering the words of St. Peter the Apostle: “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11).
All that is contrary to sound doctrine or to holiness of heart and life you must refute with kindness yet with faithfulness. Those who are committed to your pastoral care are to be diligently admonished to walk in the commandments of the Lord blamelessly, trusting always in the mercies of Our Lord Jesus Christ and depending upon the leadership of the Holy Spirit in all things. You are to offer grace to the penitent and broken-hearted, give warning to the erring and sinful, and extend direction to the troubled and confused. You are to bring the compassion of Our Lord Jesus, the Great Physician, to the sick and the hope of His mercy to the dying. Remember always that you stand before your people and serve among them in His name and on His behalf.
You are also faithfully to administer the holy sacraments to your people, baptizing all those who come to repentance and faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ, and celebrating with them the Holy Communion by which they are reminded of His atoning death.
You are to instruct the children and youth of this congregation in the doctrines and discipline of our most holy faith, counseling and leading them as a faithful shepherd into the maturity of Christian life and service.
You are to be an example in your own life and ministry of a faithful steward in the Church of God. Your life of prayer, devotion, and study of the Scriptures must be a pattern for those committed to your charge. Your holiness of life, your steadfast faith, and your integrity of purpose must always be without question. Your love of righteousness and your hatred of iniquity must be without question. So it was for Our Savior, Christ, and so it must be for you. “Be thou faithful unto death,” He has said, “and I will give thee a crown of life.”
Do you, Dear Brother, now solemnly promise before God and this congregation to diligently perform these duties?
ANSWER: This I do so solemnly promise, the Lord being my Helper.
The Charge to the Pastor Being Installed
Then shall the presiding minister say to pastor being installed:
“I charge thee now before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine… but watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”
The Charge to the Congregation
The presiding minister shall ask the congregation to rise, and he shall say to them:
Now, my dear friends in Christ, you who comprise this congregation, I urge you to receive as your pastor, Reverend ________________, whom you have called and whom God has established as His representative to you. Accept the Word of God that he shall faithfully preach to you, receive at his hands the holy sacraments that he shall celebrate to your comfort, and submit to the godly discipline that he shall exercise to lead you into all holiness of life.
See that your children and youth shall receive instruction in the Christian faith under his counsel, and bring them faithfully to the house of God where they shall sit under his ministry. Pray for him that the ministry he shall offer may tend to the salvation of many souls; and that as he faithfully performs his duties, directed and anointed by the Holy Spirit, you shall be saved from your sins, walk blamelessly in the commandments of Lord, and at last be brought to share in the glories of eternal life.
Honor and esteem your pastor who is to minister to your souls. Remember the words of Saint Paul, “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you. And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves” (2 Thess. 5:12-13).
Do you now accept these obligations to your pastor?
ANSWER: We will, the Lord being our Helper.
The Act of Installation
Then shall the presiding minister say:
Having received your promise and the pledge of this congregation, I install you, Rev. ___________, as pastor of this church. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer of Installation
The presiding minister shall then offer a prayer of his choosing or he may use the following:
Most Gracious Father, the giver of all good and perfect gifts, give grace, we now beseech You, to Your servant, to whom the charge of this congregation is now committed; and so replenish him with the truth of Your Word, and so endue him with purity of life, that he may faithfully serve before You, to the glory of Your great name and the welfare of Your holy Church. Grant to this pastoral family the blessings of Your sustaining grace and wisdom. Visit this congregation with Your love and favor; enlighten their minds more and more with the light of the everlasting Gospel; graft in their hearts a love of Your truth; advance them in holiness of heart and life, nourish them with all goodness; and of Your great mercy, keep them in the same, O Holy Spirit, whom with the Father and the Son together we worship and glorify as one God, forever and ever. Amen.
The Conclusion of the Service
The minister in charge may invite the congregation to come forward to greet the pastor and his family.
Reception of Churches
Reception of a Newly Organized Church
It is the delightful purpose of this service to officially organize, in this community, a body of believers as a part of the ________ Regional Conference of The Bible Methodist Connection of Churches. Today, charter members/lay leaders will be established as a local Bible Methodist Church for worship, edification, discipleship, and evangelism.
We have looked forward to this occasion, and pray that our Heavenly Father will superintend these moments with His gracious presence and leadership.
Would the potential members and lay leaders of this body please rise and come to the front?
Covenant questions for reception of members/lay leaders shall be directed to those who have presented themselves (see pp. 167 and 169).
Friends, we rejoice to receive you as members of The Bible Methodist Connection of Churches and the ________ Regional Conference in particular. We are honored by your desire to be one of us, and we welcome you into our fellowship. It is our prayer that you will experience our love, affirmation and encouragement as we journey to heaven together. We look forward to the added inspiration that your involvement will bring to Bible Methodism.
May the Great Head of the Church, Jesus Christ, bless you as a congregation and fill you with His Spirit. May the future of this church be the best days under God that you have ever known!
On behalf of the Conference Executive Committee and the ________ Regional Conference at large, I extend to you the right hand of fellowship as a token of our love and appreciation for you.
Prayer
The Conference President or officiating elder may pray an appropriate prayer.
Reception of Church Transferring into a Regional Conference
It is the delightful purpose of this service to officially transfer, as a body, the voting members of this congregation into the ________ Regional Conference of The Bible Methodist Connection of Churches. We have looked forward to this occasion, and pray that our Heavenly Father will make us a mutual blessing, the one to the other.
Would the voting members of this church please rise and come to the front?
As a church body, you have voted to transfer your church affiliation and your individual membership into the ________ Regional Conference of The Bible Methodist Connection of Churches. Do you freely affirm these intentions and will you give yourself, as God shall enable you, to the unity of the body of Christ, the mutual edification of fellow believers, the advancement of holiness and the salvation of the lost? Do you accept the Statement of Faith, church polity, and scriptural principles of holy living as stated in the Bible Methodist Discipline to guide your faith and conduct?
ANSWER: We do, God being our Helper.
Friends, we rejoice to receive you as members and lay leaders of The Bible Methodist Connection of Churches and the ________ Regional Conference in particular. We are honored by your desire to be one of us, and we welcome you into our fellowship. It is our prayer that you will experience our love, affirmation and encouragement as we journey to heaven together. We look forward to the added inspiration that your involvement will bring to Bible Methodism.
May the Great Head of the Church, Jesus Christ, bless you as a congregation and fill you with His Spirit. May the future of this church be the best days under God that you have ever known!
On behalf of the Conference Executive Committee and the ________ Regional Conference at large, I extend to you the right hand of fellowship as a token of our love and appreciation for you.
The Conference President or officiating elder may pray an appropriate prayer.
Reception of Lay Leaders
God instructs the church to acknowledge its leaders and to regard them highly for their work’s sake (1 Thess. 5:12-13). This is not because leaders are better than those they lead but because they accept additional responsibility in furthering God’s work through the local church. As you step into this higher calling to participate in directing our fellowship of believers, we admonish you to remain focused on the purpose of leadership—to enable the church to effectively care for the souls of our people (Heb. 13:17). This purpose remains true no matter the specific role that you assume. We thank God for you and all who accept the responsibility necessary to help facilitate the work of God through the _______ Church.
Lay Leadership Covenant
Questions for Lay Leaders…
As a believer in Jesus Christ and a member of this church, do you accept the responsibility for participating in its spiritual leadership and governance?
ANSWER: I do.
Do you have the assurance that you have been entirely sanctified through the infilling of the Holy Spirit? If not, do you purpose to diligently seek this grace?
ANSWER: I do.
Do you accept the Statement of Faith, church polity, and scriptural principles of holy living as stated in the Bible Methodist Discipline to guide your faith and conduct?
ANSWER: I do.
Do you recognize your obligation to God and the church and will you contribute your tithes and offerings for the support of the Gospel in its local and general interests?
ANSWER: I do and I will.
Do you purpose that your life shall be governed by love in all its relations to God and fellow men?
ANSWER: I do.
Seeing your desire to become a Lay Leader of the church, do you cheerfully devote yourself to God in the everlasting covenant of His grace, consecrating all your powers and faculties to His service and glory? Do you promise that you will cleave to Him as your chief good; that you will give diligent attention to His Word; that you will seek the honor and advancement of His kingdom; and that denying all ungodliness and worldly lusts, you will live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world? Do you also purpose to seek earnestly the peace, purity, and edification of the church, and to walk with all its members in charity, faithfulness, and sobriety?
The following paragraph may be used instead of the preceding paragraph in the event of a reception of lay leaders uniting on transfer:
In transferring your membership to this church and becoming one of its Lay Leaders, do you cheerfully devote yourself to God in the everlasting covenant of His grace, consecrating all your powers and faculties to His service and glory? Do you promise that you will cleave to Him as your chief good; that you will give diligent attention to His Word; that you will seek the honor and advancement of His kingdom; and that denying all ungodliness and worldly lusts, you will live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world? Do you also purpose to seek earnestly the peace, purity, and edification of the church, and to walk with all its members in charity, faithfulness, and sobriety?
ANSWER: I do.
Reception of Members
Dear friends, as believers, we are blessed with many sacred privileges. These privileges are granted to us through Jesus Christ who loved the world so much that He sacrificed His life to redeem us. Christ welcomes believers into a relationship with Himself as the head of the church. He has incorporated us as members of His body to worship Him, edify one another, and evangelize the lost. The church receives its life and mission from Christ and through communities of fellowship continues His work on earth in the power of His Spirit. Today we are honored to receive members into our local community of believers. These candidates have joined the church universal by the saving grace of Jesus Christ and, having completed the prerequisite membership instruction, now desire to unite with this local body of believers.
Membership Covenant
To the candidates for membership…
By presenting yourself for membership do you affirm: that God has forgiven your sins, that you have been baptized, that you will make the Bible your guide for life, that you will pursue diligently Scripture’s call to entire sanctification, and that you will endeavor to live a holy life both publicly and privately?
ANSWER: I do.
Will you endeavor to: participate faithfully in worship services and other means of grace, serve and support the ministries of this church, and live in harmony with your fellow believers?
ANSWER: I will.
Seeing your desire to unite with this church, giving testimony to God’s grace, and pledging the vows of membership, do you also purpose to seek earnestly the peace, purity, and edification of the church, and to walk with all its members in charity, faithfulness, and sobriety?
ANSWER: I do.
Church Response
Addressing the membership of the local church, the pastor shall say:
It is an honor to receive you as members of the ________ Church and to offer you the right hand of fellowship.
Personal words of affirmation may be expressed.
Would the congregation please stand to confirm our reception of these members.
We welcome you as members of this community of the body of Christ. We will endeavor to walk with you in love and nurture your growth as disciples of Jesus. We need and value your contribution to the strength and life of this body. And, we pray God’s blessing to be upon you and this church.
A prayer of blessing shall be offered for the incoming members.
Reception of Ministerial Leaders
Ministerial leaders participate in the spiritual oversight and nurture of fellow believers. When it is apparent that the Spirit has enabled an individual to share in ministry functions and that person has prepared himself for service to the church of God, we join together in acknowledging the Spirit’s gifting. Whether this represents responsibilities to a specific part of the body of Christ, or to lead in corporate worship, discipleship, or evangelism, we acknowledge God’s special endowment of grace and wisdom. Among the lay leaders of this church, we believe that God has given specific ministry enabling the one(s) standing before us.
In the words of Saint Paul we admonish you: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).
Ministerial Leadership Covenant
Do you affirm your covenant of lay leadership that you have previously declared?
Answer: I do.
Having received specific direction and instruction for the ministry to which it is apparent that God has enabled you, will you give of your time and talents to the spiritual edification of those to whom you minister?
Answer: I will.
Paul admonished Timothy, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Tim. 4:16). Will you guard your heart, your influence, and the doctrines of the Scriptures?
Answer: I will.
Seeing your desire to become a ministerial leader of the church, do you cheerfully devote yourself to God and the everlasting covenant of His grace, consecrating all your powers and faculties to His service and glory? Do you promise that you will cleave to Him as your chief good; that you will give diligent attention to His Word and prayer; that you will seek the honor and advancement of His kingdom; and that denying all ungodliness and worldly lusts, you will live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world? Do you pledge that you will seek earnestly the peace, purity, and edification of the church, and walk with all its members in charity, faithfulness, and sobriety?
Answer: I do.
Wedding Ceremony
Form A
Call to Worship
Dearly Beloved, We are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the presence of these witnesses, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in the time of man’s innocence, signifying unto us the mystical union that exists between Christ and His Church. This holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with His presence and first miracle that He wrought, in Cana of Galilee, and St. Paul commended as being honorable among all men. It is, therefore, not to be entered into unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate these persons present now come to be joined.
Giving of the Bride
Who gives this woman to be married to this man?
Response (by the father, or whoever gives the bride in marriage): Her mother and I do.
Prayer
Declaration of Intent
The minister shall say unto the man:
___________, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, so long as you both shall live?
Response: I will.
Then shall the minister say unto the woman:
___________, will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love, honor, and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, so long as you both shall live?
Response: I will.
Vows
The man shall repeat after the minister:
I, ___________, take you, ___________, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sick-ness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge you my faith.
The woman shall repeat after the minister:
I, ___________, take you, ___________, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge you my faith.
Prayer
O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life, send Your blessing upon these Your servants, this man and this woman, whom we now bless in Your name; that as Isaac and Rebekah lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant made between them this hour and may ever remain in love and peace together, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pronouncement of Marriage
Then shall the minister say: Forasmuch as this man and woman have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and have declared the same by joining of hands, I pronounce that they are husband and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those whom God has joined together let not man put asunder. Amen.
You may kiss your bride.
Benediction
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.
Presentation of Couple
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to present to you Mr. and Mrs.____________
Form B
Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here in God’s presence to witness the marriage of _________[man’s name] and _________[woman’s name], and to ask God to bless them. By our presence, we accept the responsibility for supporting them in the new relationship they are about to enter. We are called to rejoice in their happiness, to be patient when they make mistakes, to help them in times of trouble, and to remember them in our prayers.
On their behalf, I want to thank you for joining us on this wonderful occasion. Here, in the presence of the Almighty God, your attendance has made their celebration complete.
Marriage is an honorable estate instituted in the time of man’s innocence. It was sanctioned and adorned by Christ’s presence at the marriage in Cana of Galilee, and it was likened by St. Paul to the mystical union which subsists between Christ and His church.
Marriage is therefore not to be entered into lightly or thoughtlessly, but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate these two persons now desire to enter.
Who gives this woman to be married to this man?
Most commonly the father responds by saying, “Her mother and I.”
The father shall present his daughter’s hand to the groom, who shall escort his bride to the minister.
Prayer
O God of love, today, we invoke the presence of Christ our Lord to grace this wedding celebration. Though You are unseen, please grace these moments with Your unmistakable nearness.
We have not come to this hour lightly or casually. And, thus, we beseech Your grace to be upon us now. Bless _________[man’s name] and _________[woman’s name] as they pledge their lives and love to each other. May the sacredness of their vows and the reality of Your regal presence never be forgotten by this lovely couple.
This we ask through Jesus Christ, Amen.
Exhortation
God, Himself, designed marriage. He designed it to be lasting and lovely, a reflection of the Godhead’s mutual harmony and happiness. Marriage is to be our testimony to the world of the relationship Christ shares with His church. In the Scriptures, St. Paul admonishes “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it…Let each one of you in particular so love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Eph. 5:25, 33)
Christ valued humanity enough to leave heaven’s splendor and come to us. His death on the cross was a demonstration of His self-giving love. _________[Man’s name], Christ’s love for us is to be your example for loving _________[woman’s name]. That love is not soft and effeminate, but sacrificial, strong and selfless. She will feel your love as you develop a relationship that is trusting, committed and graciously understanding. You are to esteem her not only with nurturing words, but through character and conduct that makes her proud to say, “That’s my husband.” Your love will be her happiness and will inspire her respect.
_________[Woman’s name], God said that it is not good for man to be alone. _________[Man’s name] will function at his best when he is nurtured by your respect and bolstered by your encouragement, cheerfulness and confidence. Even if people forget him, lose confidence in him, and turn their backs on him, you must not. It has been truly said that behind every successful man stands a more successful woman. You will inspire him when you believe in him and dream with him. As you verbalize your pride in him and tell him you feel safe by his side, it will make him feel respected and will motivate his love for you.
This kind of a relationship is the happy haven of love and respect that God designed for marriage. If you will ask your Heavenly Father, the Designer, He will grace your home with His presence, His wisdom and His enabling.
Seek Him first and He will supply your needs. Honor Him and He will honor you. Love Him and He will embrace you. Love like Him and He will bless your marriage with closeness, strength and spiritual unity.
Declaration of Intent
And now, in token that your hearts are joined together in love, you will please join your hands.
_________[Man’s name], as you stand in the presence of God, your family and friends, do you take this woman, whose hands you hold, choosing her alone, to be your wedded wife? Will you promise to keep God first in your life and in your home? Will you promise to lead and guide _________[woman’s name], to protect her and provide for her? Do you promise to listen to her, encourage her, comfort her, and to stand by her always? Will you love her and be faithful to her at all times? As you begin your life as one, will you promise to keep yourself only unto her, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live? Do you so promise?
Groom responds: I do
_________[Woman’s name], as you stand in the presence of God, your family and friends, do you take this man, whose hands you hold, choosing him alone to be your wedded husband? Will you promise to keep God first in your life and in your home? Will you promise to follow _________[man’s name] direction and leadership as he follows Christ? Do you promise to listen to him, encourage him, comfort him, and to stand by him always? Will you love him with patience and kindness through good times and bad, honor him at all times, and be faithful to him? As you begin your life as one, will you promise to keep yourself only unto him, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live? Do you so promise?
Bride responds: I do
Vows
The minister shall say:
Repeat after me: I, _________[man’s name], do take you_________[woman’s name], — to be my lawful wedded wife — to have and to hold — from this day forward — for better, for worse — for richer, for poorer — in sickness and in health — to love and to cherish — and to be faithful to you alone — until death do us part.
I _________[woman’s name], do take you _________[man’s name], — to be my lawful wedded husband — to have and to hold — from this day forward — for better, for worse — for richer, for poorer — in sickness and in health — to love and to cherish — and to be faithful to you alone — until death do us part.
Bible Ceremony (optional)
_________[Man’s name], what do you give to _________[woman’s name] as an expression of your Christian devotion and the foundation of your home?
Groom hands Bible to bride for them to hold together.
Groom: _________[Woman’s name], I give you a Bible, God’s Holy Word. It is to be the foundation of our home.
Upon its precepts we will build our lives and our future. To the great and Almighty God, we will bow our knees in prayer. And, in the end, we will live with Him forever.
Unity Candle (optional)
Therefore, shall a man leave his father and mother and shall cleave unto his wife, and they together shall be one flesh. Hitherto you have shone as two lights; henceforth you shall shine as one. May the grace of God sustain the great flame of your souls and shine through you to light the paths of others.
Prayer
The minister may use an extemporaneous or the following prayer.
The minister shall say:
Please join your right hands.
O God, You have established marriage for the welfare and happiness of mankind. You said, “It is not good for man to be alone, I will make a helper who is just right for him.” (NLT) Now our joys are doubled since the happiness of one is the happiness of the other. And our burdens are lightened as we share the load.
Father, _________[man’s name] and _________[woman’s name] have prayed together many times. But here they kneel at their first family altar on their wedding day. Make their home your sanctuary and their family altar blessed by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Bless _________[man’s name]! Bless this husband. Bless him as provider of food and clothing, and sustain him in all the pressures of life. May his strength be [woman’s name]’s protection, his character be her boast and her pride, and may he so live that she will find in him the haven for which the heart of a woman truly longs.
Bless _________[woman’s name]! Bless this loving wife. Give her tenderness that will make her great, a deep sense of understanding and a great faith in You. Give her that inner beauty of soul that never fades, that eternal youth that is found in holding fast the things that never age.
Teach them that marriage is not merely for each other; it is two uniting and joining hands to serve You. Give them a great spiritual purpose in life. May they seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and the other things shall be added unto them.
May they not expect that perfection of each other that belongs alone to You. May they minimize each other’s weaknesses and see each other through a lover’s kind and patient eyes.
Now make such assignments to them on the scroll of Your will that will bless them and develop their characters as they walk together. Give them enough tears to keep them tender, enough hurts to keep them humble, enough failure to keep their hands clenched tightly in Yours, and enough success to make them sure they walk with You.
May they never take each other’s love for granted, but always experience that breathless wonder that exclaims, “Out of all this world you have chosen me.”
When life is done and the sun is setting, may they be found then as now hand in hand, still thanking God for each other. May they serve You happily, faithfully, and consistently, until at last one shall lay the other in the arms of God.
This we ask through Jesus Christ, great lover of our souls, Amen.
Minister places his hand on theirs.
Forasmuch as you _________[man’s name] and you, _________[woman’s name], have consented together in holy matrimony and have pledged your faith to each other in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses; now, therefore in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, I pronounce you husband and wife.
Whom God hath joined together let not man put asunder.
You may kiss your bride.
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.
Please turn and face the congregation.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to present to you, Mr. and Mrs. _________ [couple’s name].