License & Ordination Ceremony

Sacred Ordination

New Birth Church

Chief Celebrant Michael T. Ward

Procession of Candidates (all stand)

(Song: “Total Praise”)

Call to Worship

Minister: Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled.

Congregation: O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come.

Minister: When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions.

Minister and Congregation: Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.

(Everyone may be seated)

Purpose

The purpose for this segment in our service is to duly consecrate new leadership in our church in the office of the licensed minister and the ordained minister.

There are distinctions between ordained and licensed ministers. Ordination permits the minister to perform and oversee church rites and sacraments, such as baptisms, legal scriptural marriages, funerals and stand in place of the senior pastor when needed. Licensed ministers, on the other hand, are authorized to teach the gospel, lead services, meetings, assist senior pastor and other leaders in ministerial functions. They will not have the authority to oversee church rites and sacraments, such as baptisms, legal scriptural marriages, and funerals but they may participate in these rites as needed.

The United States Government and the IRS recognizes both licensed and ordained ministers as clergy, but there are differences between the two when special tax rules are made applicable.

As the Overseer of New Birth Church of Louisville, I propose that we now set aside the next few minutes to appropriately install these servants of Christ into their new appointment. We are doing this in the spirit and sacredness of the apostolic order. Each of them has proven competence through scripture; strength in faith in Christ, faithfulness to the ecclesia / that is the church body with no reproach on their lifestyle. They are available for service and attend all general church services with regularity on Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights and other special called meetings. They are and have been consistently for many years in giving financially in the form of tithes, first-fruits, general and sacrificial offerings.

They meet with me regularly for study in the WORD, leadership training, the embracing of our church vision, and spiritual impartation. They do not sit at the table with Judases! I do not believe they would secretly defame, slander, and/or gossip about me, my wife, my son nor the New Birth family! They are true sons and daughters in the gospel.

Sacred Licensing and Ordination Ceremony

Now For The Charge to the Licensed Minister(s)

New Birth Church

Of the persons to be licensed this morning, I proceed with Min. Crystal Allen and Min. Sean Thompson (who was just recently appointed as Teen Minister). You are servant-teacher of the Gospel who will support me and this church in various capacities. I will now conduct your Inquiry and Covenant of Dedication.

Chief Celebrant Michael T. Ward

Minister: Do you understand the seriousness of the service you are aspiring to render to Christ and His body?

Procession of Candidates (all stand)

Candidates: I do.

(Song: “You Are Alpha” - Israel Houghton)

Minister: Do you promise to “continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel ” [as stated in ]

Call to Worship

Minister: Do you believe “in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority? [Reference ]

Minister: Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled.

Minister: Do you understand that you will be required to be alert, loyal, and sensitive to the moving of God’s Spirit all while knowing, that ridicule and harm may come your way because of the preaching of the gospel?

Congregation: O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come.

Minister: In the presence of this congregation, do you accept the responsibility of the office of Associate Minister in this church, and to the best of your knowledge and ability to discharge all duties of this office?

Minister: When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions.

Minister: Do you solemnly promise to continue in the study of God’s Word for the building of your spiritual integrity so that you may serve honorably in righteousness?

Minister and Congregation: Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.

Minister: Will you continue to be obedient and follow the spiritual guidance of your senior pastor, which is your spiritual covering?

(Everyone may be seated)

Minister: Are you in covenant with God and this church?

Purpose

Minister: [to the overseers, ministers, deacons & administrative heads-as representatives of the church]

The purpose for this segment in our service is to duly consecrate new leadership in our church in the office of the licensed minister and the ordained minister.

Now I ask the clergy/ministers, family overseers, deacons, administrative heads, trustees and ministry leaders to stand at this time as representatives for New Birth Church. Do you solemnly promise to respect and honor the office to which Min. Crystal Allen and Min. Sean Thompson has been chosen, encouraging and supporting him/her in the faithful discharge of all the duties of this office? If so, signify audibly in unison, “we do”.

There are distinctions between ordained and licensed ministers. Ordination permits the minister to perform and oversee church rites and sacraments, such as baptisms, legal scriptural marriages, funerals and stand in place of the senior pastor when needed. Licensed ministers, on the other hand, are authorized to teach the gospel, lead services, meetings, assist senior pastor and other leaders in ministerial functions. They will not have the authority to oversee church rites and sacraments, such as baptisms, legal scriptural marriages, and funerals but they may participate in these rites as needed.

The Inquiry and Covenant of Dedication

The United States Government and the IRS recognizes both licensed and ordained ministers as clergy, but there are differences between the two when special tax rules are made applicable.

Charge to the Ordained Minister(s)

As the Overseer of New Birth Church of Louisville, I propose that we now set aside the next few minutes to appropriately install these servants of Christ into their new appointment. We are doing this in the spirit and sacredness of the apostolic order. Each of them has proven competence through scripture; strength in faith in Christ, faithfulness to the ecclesia / that is the church body with no reproach on their lifestyle. They are available for service and attend all general church services with regularity on Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights and other special called meetings. They are and have been consistent for many years in giving financially in the form of tithes, first-fruits, general and sacrificial offerings.

Of the persons to be ordained this morning, I proceed with Min. Phyllis Keeylen, and Min. Phyllis Wilson who are candidates for the office of Ordained Minister of the Gospel. They will support the Senior Pastor in the area of ministering the Gospel in word and deed. They will also act in other leadership roles as needed.

They meet with me regularly for study in the WORD, leadership training, the embracing of our church vision, and spiritual impartation. They do not sit at the table with Judases! I do not believe they would secretly defame, slander, and/or gossip about me, my wife, my son nor the New Birth family! They are true sons and daughters in the gospel.

Minister: Do you understand the seriousness of the service you are aspiring to render to Christ and His body?

The Inquiry and Covenant of Dedication

Candidates: I do.

The Charge to the Licensed Minister(s)

Minister: Do you promise to “continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel?” [Reference ]

Of the persons to be licensed this morning, I proceed with Min. Crystal Allen and Min. Sean Thompson (who was just recently appointed as Teen Minister). You are servant-teachers of the Gospel who will support me and this church in various capacities. I will now conduct your Inquiry and Covenant of Dedication.

Minister: Do you believe “in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority? [Reference ]

Minister: Do you understand the seriousness of the service you are aspiring to render to Christ and His body?

Minister: Do you understand that you will be required to be alert, loyal, and sensitive to the moving of God’s Spirit all while knowing, that ridicule and harm may come your way because of the preaching of the gospel?

Candidates: I do.

Minister: In the presence of this congregation, do you accept the responsibility of the office of an Ordained Minister in this church, and to the best of your knowledge and ability to discharge all duties of this office?

Minister: Do you promise to “continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel ” [as stated in ]

Minister: Do you solemnly promise to continue in the study of God’s Word for the building of your spiritual integrity so that you may serve honorably in righteousness?

Minister: Do you believe “in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority? [Reference ]

Minister: Will you continue to be obedient and follow the spiritual guidance of your senior pastor, which is your spiritual covering?

Minister: Do you understand that you will be required to be alert, loyal, and sensitive to the moving of God’s Spirit all while knowing, that ridicule and harm may come your way because of the preaching of the gospel?

Minister: Are you in covenant with God and this church?

Minister: In the presence of this congregation, do you accept the responsibility of the office of Associate Minister in this church, and to the best of your knowledge and ability to discharge all duties of this office?

Minister: [to the overseers, ministers, deacons & administrative heads-as representatives of the church]

Minister: Do you solemnly promise to continue in the study of God’s Word for the building of your spiritual integrity so that you may serve honorably in righteousness?

Now I ask the clergy/ministers, family overseers, deacons, administrative heads, trustees and ministry leaders to stand at this time as representatives for New Birth Church. Do you solemnly promise to respect and honor the office to which Min. Phyllis Keeylen, and Min. Phyllis Wilson has been chosen, encouraging and supporting him/her/them in the faithful discharge of all the duties of this office? If so, signify audibly in unison, “we do”.

Minister: Will you continue to follow the spiritual guidance of your senior pastor, which is your spiritual covering?

The Inquiry and Covenant of Dedication

Minister: Are you in covenant with God and this church?

Charge to the Executive Pastor

Minister: [to the overseers, ministers, deacons & administrative heads-as representatives of the church]

A pastoral charge is first of all an inquiry consisting of various questions designed to discover/probe the pastor’s personal/secular life as it relates to ministry of the gospel. Secondly, a pastoral charge is just that a charge, an obligatory message, a strict command to esteem, reverence and righteously uphold the pastorate.

Now I ask the clergy/ministers, family overseers, deacons, administrative heads, trustees and ministry leaders to stand at this time as representatives for New Birth Church. Do you solemnly promise to respect and honor the office to which Min. Crystal Allen and Min. Sean Thompson has been chosen, encouraging and supporting him/her in the faithful discharge of all the duties of this office? If so, signify audibly in unison, “we do”.

Let’s begin with the inquiry:

The Inquiry and Covenant of Dedication

Minister: Do you believe that God gave his only begotten son whose name is Jesus for the redeeming of the world?

Charge to the Ordained Minister(s)

Candidate(s): “I do”

Of the persons to be ordained this morning, I proceed with Min. Phyllis Keeylen, and Min. Phyllis Wilson who are candidates for the office of Ordained Minister of the Gospel. They will support the Senior Pastor in the area of ministering the Gospel in word and deed. They will also act in other leadership roles as needed. I will now conduct your Inquiry and Covenant of Dedication

Have you received Jesus Christ as your personal savior?

Candidate(s): “I do”

Minister: Do you understand the seriousness of the service you are aspiring to render to Christ and His body?

Do you believe that the Word of God is the final authority and that it is to be used by Christians as the manual for life and not just another piece of fine literature?

Candidates: I do.

Candidate(s): “I do”

Minister: Do you promise to “continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel?” [Reference ]

Do you promise to walk worthily of the vocation of a senior pastor and as instructs to “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry”?

Minister: Do you believe “in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority? [Reference ]

Candidate(s): “I do”

Minister: Do you understand that you will be required to be alert, loyal, and sensitive to the moving of God’s Spirit all while knowing, that ridicule and harm may come your way because of the preaching of the gospel?

Do you promise to bring honor to the name of Jesus Christ rather than disgrace and/or shame?

Minister: In the presence of this congregation, do you accept the responsibility of the office of an Ordained Minister in this church, and to the best of your knowledge and ability to discharge all duties of this office?

Candidate(s): “I do”

Minister: Do you solemnly promise to continue in the study of God’s Word for the building of your spiritual integrity so that you may serve honorably in righteousness?

Do you promise to diligently and faithfully perform the duties of this God ordained office?

Minister: Will you continue to be obedient and follow the spiritual guidance of your senior pastor, which is your spiritual covering?

Candidate(s): “I do”

Minister: Are you in covenant with God and this church?

Do you promise to minister the Word of God with no thought of personal reward or honor, having as your primary motive the winning of souls to Christ?

Minister: [to the overseers, ministers, deacons & administrative heads-as representatives of the church]

Candidate(s): “I do”

Now I ask the clergy/ministers, family overseers, deacons, administrative heads, trustees and ministry leaders to stand at this time as representatives for New Birth Church. Do you solemnly promise to respect and honor the office to which Min. Phyllis Keeylen, and Min. Phyllis Wilson has been chosen, encouraging and supporting him/her/them in the faithful discharge of all the duties of this office? If so, signify audibly in unison, “we do”.

In reference to the congregation, do you promise to love, teach, train, build up, and when necessary rebuke in order that Christ may see through the laity to the world?

The Inquiry and Covenant of Dedication

Candidate(s): “I do”

Charge to the Executive Pastor

In having completely answered these questions in front of these witnesses, I now charge you on this (day/night) as Paul charged his son in the Gospel in , “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”

Ruth and I are overjoyed to announce to the congregation that we have instituted a new office here at New Birth. The Office of the Executive Pastor.

Prayer of Blessings for the Candidates

Minister Keishaun Pryor will make history at our church.

Pastor Harris

He is a faithful ordained minister of the gospel, a strong pillar for me. I’ve never had to question his integrity nor loyalty. For years he has taken the initiative to make sure loose ends in our church are tied. He has been a devout financial contributor since the day he joined New Birth which is well over 10 years. He has never ask for a position. He is in love with his love, Ebony. He has a son Kejuan who is the apple of his eye. He oversees his home with diligence and biblical principles. He is a respected business man and leader in the community. He has been baptized. He is filled with the Holy Spirit! He is saved and sanctified! And he loves to fish!

The Laying On of Hands

Executive Pastor General Description: The Executive Pastor is responsible for the overall leadership and direction of church staff, leading all functional areas in the accomplishment of the church's mission. This includes outreach, arts, pastoral care, student and children's ministry areas as well as strategic planning, finance, and operations.

And now for the laying On of Hands. The Apostles would lay their hands on persons who were qualified to occupy a spiritual office in the body of Christ. It was a symbol of approval, sanctioning, and commissioning.

I will now conduct your Inquiry and Covenant of Dedication

Holy Communion

This august occasion happens to fall on the Holy Day called Palm Sunday. The Sunday where the church celebrates the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey while people celebrated him. The scripture says:

Minister: Do you believe that God gave his only begotten son whose name is Jesus for the redeeming of the world?

(NIV)

Candidate(s): “I do”

9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Minister: Have you received Jesus Christ as your personal savior?

All while waving palm branches which was an ancient act of honor for a king.

Candidate(s): “I do”

A few days later after Jesus’ grand entrance into Jerusalem, he called his disciples together to partake of the annual Passover Meal in a rented upstairs apartment.

Minister: Do you believe that the Word of God is the final authority and that it is to be used by Christians as the manual for life and not just another piece of fine literature?

This was just hours before he was to be crucified. But he did startling and unpredicted during the meal. He changed the significance of it for all time. The meal would not longer only commemorate the Israelites freedom from Egypt, but it would be a symbol of His body and blood that was to be shed for all of humanity.

Candidate(s): “I do”

The Scripture in

Minister: Do you promise to walk worthily of the vocation of a senior pastor and as instructs to “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry”?

(NIV)

Candidate(s): “I do”

26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

Minister: Do you promise to bring honor to the name of Jesus Christ rather than disgrace and/or shame?

27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.

Candidate(s): “I do”

28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Minister: Do you promise to diligently and faithfully perform the duties of this God ordained office?

29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Candidate(s): “I do”

30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Minister: Do you promise to minister the Word of God with no thought of personal reward or honor, having as your primary motive the winning of souls to Christ?

Now as a sign of unity in the Spirit, we will all partake of the Lord’s Supper just as Jesus asked us to do. This shows that not only are we in Christ but that His spirit is with us! And we want his blessing upon our new leaders and all of us! Talk to the person next to you and tell them, “I need him”! “I need His blessings!”

Candidate(s): “I do”

David said…

Minister: In reference to New Birth, do you promise to love, teach, train, build up, and when necessary rebuke in order that Christ may exalted and seen through the laity to the world?

11 Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy spirit from me. (KJV 1900)

Candidate(s): “I do”

The Presentation of the Certificate and Photo

In having completely answered these questions in front of these witnesses, I now charge you on this (day/night) as Paul charged his son in the Gospel in (NIV),

PP- “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”

Prayer of Blessings for the Candidates

Pastor Harris will lead us in a prayer of blessing for these candidates.

The Laying On of Hands

And now for the laying On of Hands. The Apostles would lay their hands on persons who were qualified to occupy a spiritual office in the body of Christ. It was a symbol of approval, sanctioning (giving their blessing and endorsement), and commissioning.

Holy Communion

This august occasion happens to fall on the Holy Day called Palm Sunday. The Sunday where the church celebrates the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey while people celebrated him. The scripture says:

(NIV)

9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

All while waving palm branches which was an ancient act of honor for a king.

A few days later after Jesus’ grand entrance into Jerusalem, he called his disciples together to partake of the annual Passover Meal in a rented upstairs apartment.

This was just hours before he was to be crucified. But he did startling and unpredicted during the meal. He changed the significance of it for all time. The meal would not longer only commemorate the Israelites freedom from Egypt, but it would be a symbol of His body and blood that was to be shed for all of humanity.

The Scripture in

(NIV)

26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.

28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Now as a sign of unity in the Spirit, we will all partake of the Lord’s Supper just as Jesus asked us to do. This shows that not only are we in Christ but that His spirit is with us! And we want his blessing upon our new leaders and all of us! Talk to the person next to you and tell them, “I need him”! “I need His blessings!”

David said…

11 Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy spirit from me. (KJV 1900)

The Presentation of the Certificate and Photo