B7 Induction of Ministers
1 The arrangements for an Induction are the responsibility of the Area Pastoral Committee on behalf of the Synod. Normally this responsibility will be carried out by the Interim Moderator.
2 The local church(es) and the minister-elect should be fully consulted. Both may make suggestions as to hymns, Bible readings, who should take part and other matters of content and procedure.
3 Particular care should be given as to who should be invited to:
a) Preach the sermon;
b) lead the prayer of induction;
c) lead the intercessions.
It is advisable that the preacher should be a person of some maturity and with experience of Christian ministry.
4 In order further to recognise the Pastoral Committee’s role in the provision of ministry, it is recommended that a statement on behalf of the Council be included in the service.
5 Greetings should be given by right hand of fellowship and a few brief words. See order of service for guidance as to who should take part.
6 In preparing the Order of Service, Worship from: the United Reformed Church (2003) should be consulted and material used as appropriate.
7 The responsive version of “Statement of Nature Faith and Order” is available in leaflet form from the Synod Office and copies may be obtained for use and return. Alternatively, the wording is to be found in ‘Rejoice and Sing’ (number 761).
8 The Moderator of Synod should be kept fully in the picture as arrangements are made and should, as the person appointed by the Area Pastoral Committee to preside, be consulted before the Service Paper is printed. When printing has been done, two copies should be forwarded to the Moderator.
9 Draft Order of Service A suggested outline follows. It may be varied to meet local requirements.
| 1 | THE APPROACHCall to Worship | Moderator |
| Hymn of Praise | ||
| Prayer of Adoration and ConfessionAssurance of Pardon | Representative of the Area | |
| Statement of Purpose | Moderator | |
| 2 | THE WORD | |
| Reading(s) from the Bible | perhaps read by member(s) of local church(es) | |
| Hymn of Preparation | ||
| Sermon | invited preacher |
| 3 | THE RESPONSE | |
| Hymn of affirmation | ||
| Introduction to the act of Induction | Moderator | |
| Statement on behalf of Pastoral Committee | Convener or another | |
| Statement on behalf of the pastorate | Secretary or other representative | |
| Statement by the minister-elect | ||
| Statement of the Nature, Faith and Order of the United Reformed Church | President of the Area | |
| 4 | THE ACT OF INDUCTION | |
| Questions to the Minister-elect | Moderator | |
| (Revised Schedule agreed by Assembly 1994 – see Guideline 2.9) | ||
| Questions to the local church(to be printed – see URC Service Book 1989) | Moderator | |
| Questions to the Area(to be printed – see URC Service Book 1989) | Moderator | |
| Hymn of the Holy Spirit | ||
| Prayer of Induction | Moderator or invited person, perhaps known well to minister-elect | |
|
|
Declaration of Induction | Moderator |
| Greetings | Representatives of:pastorate
Area Pastoral Committee churches of other denominations local community the Synod and the United Reformed Church (the Moderator) |
|
| 5 | THE DEPARTURE | |
| Prayers of Intercession | invited person | |
| Hymn of praise and/or discipleship | ||
| The Blessing | Newly inducted minister |
Note: It is usual to include the following rubrics:
a. at the beginning: a request to the congregation to stand as those leading the worship enter.
b. at the end: a request for the congregation to remain standing until those leading the worship have withdrawn.
c. also at the end: an invitation to refreshments, if these are to be served, and an indication of where they can be found.
It is also usual for a retiring offering to be collected and forwarded to the Synod Office for the Ministerial Training Fund.
.
.
.
.
