PRESENTATION OF THE PASTOR
Leader I present unto you Elder Glenton Dexter Graham to be installed as the Pastor of Family Worship Center. This is a solemn act, which involves mutual obligations. Therefore, I call upon you to unite in a covenant of dedication.
(The pastor to be installed and his wife shall stand before the officiating minister who shall address them as follows:)
THE LITANY OF INSTALLATION
(Covenant of Dedication led by Officiant)
Leader: “And now, before this congregation assembled, you will declare your promises to observe and to do these things, to perform your duties as a fully ordained pastor of the Church of Jesus Christ, in the Name of Jesus Christ and the mission of His Church, you will answer these questions touching upon the same:”
Leader: “Do you believe in your heart that you are truly called to this office according to the will of God by the Holy Ghost and should be installed as a pastor?”
Pastor: “I do so believe.”
Leader: “Are you persuaded that the Holy Bible is the Word of God, and that therein is to be found all the truth required for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ; and are you determined out of the Holy Scriptures so to instruct the people committed to your charge that they may enter into eternal life?”
Pastor: “I am so persuaded and determined by God’s help.”
Leader: “Will you give the most earnest heed duly to minister the doctrine of Christ, the Sacraments, and the discipline of the Church, and in the Spirit of Christ to defend the Church against all doctrine contrary to God’s Word?”
Pastor: “I will do so, by the help of the Lord.”
Leader: “Will you be diligent in prayer and fasting, in the reading of the Bible, and in such studies as will add to your knowledge of God and of his Church, and in laying aside the world and the flesh?”
Pastor: “I will, the Lord being my helper.”
Leader: “Will you use all diligence to frame and fashion your own life and the life of your family according to the teaching of Jesus Christ?”
Pastor: “I will, the Lord being my helper.”
Leader: “Will you maintain and set forward as much as lieth in you, quietness, peace, and love among all saints, and especially those that are committed to your charge?”
Pastor: “I will so do, the Lord being my helper.”
Leader: “Will you reverently heed them that are over you, and to whom the charge over you is committed, following with a glad mind and will their godly leadership and admonition, submitting yourself to their judgements?”
Pastor: “I will so do.”
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
INVESTITURE
Bishop-Designate Michael Maybin
(The symbolic representation of each vestment will be read and adorned upon the pastor by designee.)
PRESENTATION OF MINISTRY TOOLS
Overseer Colin Barrett
(The symbolic representation of each ministry tool will be read and presented to the pastor.)
THE CHARGE
Overseer Jeannette Harley
Leader:` “Let the officers of Family Worship Center join us and make your declaration.”
(Assistant Pastor and officers shall come forward and stand behind the Pastor and his wife.)
“Do you individually and collectively acknowledge your responsibility to Family Worship Center in the office to which you have been chosen? Do you reaffirm your loyalty to this church and to help keep its reputation above reproach in the city? Are you willing to accept your new pastor as the spiritual and business leader of the Family Worship Center under God? Are you willing to accept your role as a helper and to do your best to assist the pastor as he is led by the Lord?”
Officers: (In Unison) “We will. So help us God.”
(The pastor and his spouse and the officers remain standing and face the audience.)
Leader: Let the members of Family Worship Center stand.
(Addressing members of Family Worship Center)
“Do you solemnly vow that you will give your support to your new Pastor and his wife? Will you give him time for study and for prayer and for their personal life? Will you support his efforts to win souls to Christ, and will you work to build up the church through the giving of tithes and offerings and follow in the ways your Pastor leads? Do you promise to encourage them in their arduous labor and to assist them in their endeavors for your instruction and spiritual education? Will you be loving and understanding with each other, and so fulfill the law of Christ?”
Members Response: (In Unison): “We will. So help us God.”
(The officers will return to their seats at this point and the members will be seated.)
THE INSTALLATION PRONOUNCEMENT
Leader: “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Supreme Head of the Church, we hereby pronounce and declare that you, Glenton Dexter Graham, are dually installed as pastor of this congregation. We command you to the grace and love of God in the discharge of all the responsibilities of the office to which God has called you. The Lord bless you!!”
FIRST LADY’S IMPARTATION
Elder-Elect Barbara Bull
St. Matthews United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic)
Minister Brenda Barrett
Beulah United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic)
PASTORAL REMARKS AND BENEDICTION
Pastor Glenton D. Graham
THE INVESTITURE
The Cassock
The main garment of the priestly attire, it symbolizes his role as a servant, and his devotion to the proclamation of the Word of God.
The Cincture
This long band is worn around the waist and is a reminder of the spirit of humility that the pastor must demonstrate, and that above everything else, he is a servant on behalf of God to His people.
The Cross
The cross is a reminder of the unselfish act of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary as He laid down His life for the church. It is symbolic of sacrifice, suffering, and victory. We are reminded of the symbol of the cross, a suffering servant, the power of the cross as it brings salvation, as well as the requirement for all to take up their cross to follow Jesus. The cross symbolizes the commitment of the servants of God to follow the way of the cross.
THE MINISTRY TOOLS
The Towel
The Anointing Oil
The Bible
The Hymn Book
The Keys
