Called to Teach—A Commissioning Litany for Church Educators

Calling/Vocation Commissioning Litany Teaching
Watercolor tree
By Steven D. Lawton

In most churches September is the start of a new church school year. The children and youth of the church will again gather to learn about God and his people. Adults will meet to study God's Word and to discover new ways of living their faith. Even in churches that hold church school all year long, September is often a time of beginnings—new classes, new students, new teachers.

Those who answer the very high calling to lead these classes rely on the Holy Spirit to work in their preparation and teaching in order to impact the spiritual lives of their pupils. These same teachers often pour hours of effort into their work with little recognition or encouragement. Sometimes parents aren't even aware of who is teaching their children. As churches become aware of both the holy call that these teachers are answering, their reliance on the Holy Spirit, and the need to call attention to their work, churches will often make space in their worship time to commission these dedicated teachers and to encourage the congregation to pray for and support them. 

One tool for doing just that is found below. You can find additional resources on this website in the "Commissioning" collection or by using the search box. 

See also Called to Teach—A Service of Commissioning. 

 

A Commissioning Litany for Church Educators

Leader:  The Lord be with you,
All: And also with you.
 
Leader:

We come together to set apart these teachers 
for the special work to which Christ himself calls them:

[List the names of the teachers 
and the specific role to which they are called.]

People of God, these new workers will need your support. 
What will you now say to encourage them?
 
All:

We acknowledge the call of Christ in your life, 
and affirm your gifts for this calling.
 
Leader:

Let us pray:

Almighty Father, 
by whose mighty power all things consist, 
hold us who wait before you with tender care. 
We long to serve you, 
but shrink from tasks in fear; 
we fear criticism, failure, fatigue. 
Grant us, dear Lord, 
the wisdom to seek you first, 
laying fear as a vanquished foe at your feet, 
for Christ's sake,
Amen. 

[Addressing those being commissioned.]
Do you sense the call of Christ to this task 
and rely on his mercy to equip you 
to serve him as a church school teacher?
 
Teacher:  I do.
 
Leader:

Will you strive in reliance upon God to seek wisdom 
and to communicate it to your students 
as God gives you grace?
 
Teacher:  I will.
 
Leader:

Will you faithfully devote yourself 
to teaching the truth of the Word of God 
and showing it to your students by your example?
 
Teacher:  I will.
 
Leader:

[Addressing the congregation.]
Will you lend your prayerful support 
to these who teach us, young and old alike, the things of God?
 

All:

We will.
Leader:

Let us pray:

Kind Father, 
lovingly guide and protect those who, 
out of a heart of compassion, 
undertake to teach us, your children. 
Give them knowledge, patience, grace, and peace. 
Most of all, 
give them a passion for the wisdom which comes only from you, 
so that by the work of your Holy Spirit, 
we may see Christ living in and through us. 
To the glory of your holy name, 
through Christ our Lord we pray,
Amen.