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 Commissioning Litany for Church Educators.
Service of Commissioning
Commissioning of the Teachers in Our Educational Ministry
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Leader: |
As teachers you are entrusted with a special task in which you will be required to give of your time, your talent, and your effort to serve God through educating his children. You are called to teach your students the meaning of Christian discipleship by your words and your example. To this task we now commission you in the ministry of education. Do you accept this calling and this trust which is committed to you? |
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Teachers: |
We do, God helping us. |
Charge to the Congregation
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Leader: |
The task of the church is not carried out alone by those who are thrust into positions of leadership or of direct responsibility for the work which must be performed. It is a trust committed to each member and to all of us together that we shall be coworkers with Christ and with those we call to special service, supporting them with our best efforts and our prayers. How do you respond to this calling? |
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People: |
We thank God for those he has called to special service in his church. As members, parents, and children, we pledge you our support. We will pray for you as you lead us, and we will work and witness together. We will join you in receiving the Word by faith and in living by it in our daily life. |
