Induction of Elders & Deacons

Service at WCF

In their ministry of compassion, deacons should encourage God’s people in the hope of things to come, and remind them that “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” “Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.”

Vows

So that the church may hear that you are willing to take up your positions as Elder and Deacons, please stand, and in the presence of God and his church answer the following questions:

Do you believe that, in the call of this congregation, you are called by God himself to serve in the work of Elder & Deacons? - Answer (to be given by each individually): I do, with the help of God.

Do you believe that the Word of God is the rule of faith and practice for the Church to follow and promise to uphold the constitution of Whitby Christian Fellowship as agreed by its members? - Answer (to be given by each individually): I do, with the help of God.

Do you promise to carry out the work of your office faithfully, to love and serve the church and all its congregation, to live a life worthy of your calling, and to submit yourself to the government and discipline of the church? - Answer (to be given by each individually): I do, with the help of God.

May God, our heavenly Father, who has called you to this work, guide you by his Word, equip you with his Holy Spirit, and so bless your ministry that his church may increase, his kingdom be extended, and his name be praised. Amen.

Call to serve:

To the elders:

Allan as a dear brother and fellow-servants in Christ: be diligent in the leadership of the church which is committed to you jointly with the other elders. Be shepherds of God’s flock which is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be. Do not lord it over those entrusted to your care, but be an example to them. Pray continually for the church. Be faithful watchmen over the house of God, ensuring that pure doctrine and godly living are maintained. Be diligent in these matters; watch your life and doctrine closely; persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

To the congregation:

As the people of God we ask you to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with each other. Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Pray for them, encourage them in their calling, and faithfully work with them to glorify God, to build up his church, and to draw the lost to Christ.

To the deacons:

Carol, Michele and Chris, as fellow-servants in Christ: do your work with the same compassion as the Lord showed to those in need. When showing mercy, do it cheerfully. Help the needy and afflicted, and have pity on the weak. Comfort and encourage, with material support and the Word of God, with prayer and good advice. Encourage God’s people to carry each other’s burdens and in this way fulfil the law of Christ. Pray continually for the church.

To the congregation:

As the people of God: acknowledge the deacons as ministers of God’s mercy and distributors of your generous contributions to the work of the ministry here. Continue to excel in this grace of giving, showing thereby the sincerity of your love. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. Pray for them and encourage them as servants of the Lord.

Prayer

Our merciful Father in heaven,

We thank you for providing faithful and gifted servants to build up the body of Christ. As these your servants take up their responsibilities among us, we pray that you will fill them with the Holy Spirit. May we, your people, receive them as having been sent by you.

We ask that you will equip them with wisdom and give them strength for their tasks. May they be faithful workers in your vineyard. Under their guidance let your church grow in every spiritual grace, in faith which is open and unashamed, and in the committed service that promotes the reign of Jesus Christ in the world.

In their work grant them a humble dependence upon your grace that they may come to you with all their needs.

Through their ministry preserve your church in peace and may she grow in number and in holiness. Give them courage to fulfil their callings against every difficulty, and grant them power through your Spirit to be steadfast to the end.

We pray all this in Jesus’ name, Amen.