Individual Commission

One of the churches I visited in Vancouver was First Baptist Church. They were commissioning a new pastoral minister and I was really struck by the induction service - the questions that were asked of both the person being inducted and also the congregation. Challenging call I believe we each are called to in one form or another - here are the questions.

• Are you persuaded that you are truly called to this particular ministry, according to the will of Christ and the custom of this church?
• Are you motivated for ministry by a deep desire to walk with God, a love for Jesus Christ, and a passionate concern for the lost and hurting people of God's creation?
• Are you committed to the mission goals of First Baptist Church and are you prepared to give your support to the ministries in which it is engaged?
• Will you be faithful in caring for this congregation, for giving leadership to the ministries of this church, in proclaiming the Word of God, in discipling Christ's people, and in reaching out to the larger community? (Note response to this is 'I will, with God's help')
• Will you pledge to live a life that models the kind of personal morality, spiritual vitality, and gracious joy that will contribute to the building up of the body of Christ? (Note response is 'I will, with Christ as my strength and guide')
• You will only be able to maintain this response by an ever-deepening practice of prayer, enriched by daily readings of Holy Scripture. You will depend, not on your own strength, but on the Holy Spirit of God and his grace. You are called to make disciples, to lead the people in prayer, faithfully to read the Scriptures and proclaim the Word of God; to baptize and to preside at the Lord's Table with reverence and wonder. Like Aaron, you will bear the names of your people in intercession before the Lord. You will teach and encourage them form the Scriptures and bless them in the name of God. You will help God's people to discover, and use to his glory, the gifts he has given them. Like Moses, you will gladly receive counsel and share the burden of leadership with others. In love and mercy, remembering your own frailty, you will correct, rebuke and encourage, with great patience and careful instruction. Following the Good Shepherd, you will care for the sick, bring back those who have strayed, guide his people through this life, and prepare them for death and life to come. This ministry will be your great joy and privilege. It is also a weighty responsibility which none should dare to undertake except for the call of God. To you, whom he calls, he will always give his strength.

I think I could spend many months contemplating these questions - it's a high calling.

(Congregational response in the next post)