I have attended two induction services for ministers. The first was for a male Air Force Chaplain serving as Interim Minister at a growing urban congregation in Lusaka. The second for a female full-time minister, also at a growing urban congregation. Both congregations are in the middle of massive building projects, turning their current sanctuaries into halls and erecting cathedral-size sanctuaries to seat 2000 people.Attending these induction services, leads me to reflect on the relationship between ordained minister and congregation.
Here in Zambia, full-time church ministers are appointed, or placed, rather than called, and they stay in a congregation usually 4-5 years before moving on to another congregation. This enables the variety of gifts held by ministers to be shared around the congregations and presbyteries, and also helps avoid the establishment of any ‘seat of power’ resulting from long-term service in one congregation. This movement, this fluidity of ministry, enables ministers to experience a variety of congregations, from rural to urban, small to large.
It also means that congregations need to live out their mandate to be a ‘priesthood of all believers,’ as they cannot become dependent on one minister. For example, building projects, and there are many, are not the purview of one minister, but start with one, continue with another and sometimes are completed with a third. It is the laity that drives the congregation and its mission, not the minister.
Here are the questions asked at the induction services.
The Presbytery Bishop Questions the Minister Elect:
Do you believe in your heart that you are truly called by God to the pastoral charge of these Congregations? I do so believe.
Do you promise to execute your charge with all fidelity, to preach the word of God, to administer the Sacraments, to fulfil the pastoral office, and to live a godly life, adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things?
By the help of God, I do so promise.
Exhortation & Charge (slightly altered to be inclusive)
May God, who has called you to this holy calling, illuminate, strengthen and so direct you in your ministry, that you may walk in an orderly, faithful and fruitful manner praising God and furthering and increasing God’s realm. Preach the word, be constant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke and exhort with patience and doctrine. Watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, and make full proof of your ministry.
And we who are members of the Church in this place will also stand to share this act of induction with you and show our fellowship with you in Jesus Christ.
Do you, the members of this Church, worshipping at ______________ Congregation under her/his care, acknowledge and receive Reverend _____________ as Minister of this Congregation, embracing the word of God which s/he is to deliver, and accepting her/him as one who is to watch over your souls and give account to God? And do you promise to encourage her/him and share in her/his labours, to maintain and strengthen her/him in her/his ministry, and give her/him all due honour, loyalty and support?
With God’s help, we will.
Inductee’s Reply: I thank you for your welcome. I will work with you and pray for you.
Prayer by Bishop or Elected Minister
Almighty God, who has called your servants to make their vows together before you, enable them to keep the same, that they may remain steadfast in faith, and continue in every good work. Empower your servant, Reverend ___________, to be faithful to her/his promises made this day through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
_____________________
Click here to enjoy more photos and the videos I'm posting.
Ana's Zambia Journey blog link: https://zambiajourney.blogspot.com/