Free Ordination Service Planner

Pre-Ordination Checklist

Verify denominational requirements and approvals are complete
Confirm examining / ordaining council participants if applicable
Prepare ordination certificate and have ready to present
Confirm who will lay hands on the candidate
Brief those giving a charge (if more than one)
Prepare the charge to the ordained
Confirm presentation of symbols (Bible, stole, cross, etc.)
Confirm order of service and who is leading each part
Arrange photographer for the laying on of hands moment
Confirm whether family will be invited forward during prayer

Service Order

#	Element	Est. Time
1	Welcome & context setting	3–5 min
2	Worship / congregational singing	10–15 min
3	Scripture reading	3–4 min
4	Message on calling & ministry	20–30 min
5	Call the candidate forward	1 min
6	Questions to the candidate	3–5 min
7	Invite those laying hands to come forward	1–2 min
8	The laying on of hands & prayer	5–10 min
9	The charge to the ordained	5–8 min
10	Presentation of ordination certificate & gifts	2–3 min
11	Response from the newly ordained	3–5 min
12	Congregational prayer of blessing	2–3 min
13	Benediction & celebration	1–2 min

Questions to the Candidate

Traditional Questions

"Do you believe God has called you to the ministry of the gospel? I do.

Do you commit to preach the Word faithfully, rightly dividing the truth, and refusing to add to or take from the testimony of Scripture? I do.

Do you commit to shepherd those in your care with love and integrity — in private as in public? I do.

Do you submit yourself to the accountability of the Body of Christ and its recognised leadership? I do.

Do you commit to pursue Christ yourself, above and before all ministry ambition? I do."

The Laying On of Hands

Words during the laying on of hands

"Lord, we lay our hands upon _____ as a sign of confirmation of the calling You have placed upon (his/her) life. We do not ordain — You ordain. We simply recognise what You have already done. Release (him/her) now into the fullness of the ministry You have prepared. Anoint (him/her) with Your Spirit, fortify (him/her) with Your Word, and let the fruit of (his/her) ministry bring glory to Your name alone. Amen."

The Charge

Sample charge to the ordained

"_____, you have been examined and found faithful. Today, the church recognises what God has already determined. Receive this charge: Preach the Word — in season and out of season. Refuse to offer God's people what costs you nothing. Guard your family and your soul before your ministry. Stay close to Jesus, for it is only from that place of intimacy that you will have anything worth saying. The call of God is not glamorous — it is costly and glorious. Go humbly. Go boldly. Go in His strength."

Scripture for Calling & Ministry

Isaiah 6:8"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"

Jeremiah 1:5–8"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet..."

Acts 13:2–3"The Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So... they placed their hands on them and sent them off."

1 Timothy 4:14"Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you."

2 Timothy 4:1–5"Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season... discharge all the duties of your ministry."

Ephesians 4:11–13God gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to equip his people for works of service.

1 Peter 5:1–4"Be shepherds of God's flock... not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."

Romans 10:14–15"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Notes

Candidate details & service notes

What's included

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