Guidelines For Planning An Ordination

The following guidelines are intended especially for those whose churches do not have a required ordination service. They may also be of assistance to those who must use a particular liturgy. (1) The ordination should be carefully planned in consultation with the candidate and, if possible, with the presiding minister. (2) Care should be taken to insure that the ordination will manifest the full variety of the ministries and orders of the church. The liturgical roles normally exercised by lay persons should not be taken over by clergy. (3) Since music is a basic part of the liturgical celebration, the music for the ordination liturgy should be carefully integrated into the whole celebration. (4) The celebration of an ordination is a celebration of the whole church and not merely of an individual and his or her family. The service should be planned so that the congregation can actively participate throughout the celebration. (5) The liturgy for an ordination normally includes …