THE RITUAL OF DEDICATION OF THE LCEC

THE RITUAL OF DEDICATION OF THE LOCAL CHURCH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Pastor: (Addressing the LCEC Members) 
Dearly beloved, you have been called by God to assume special responsibilities in the administration of the church.  Your duties include many tasks needful for its welfare and for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.  In addition, all of you share in the duty of ministry with your pastors and of assisting them in the leadership of the spiritual and temporal life of the church.  Above all, it is your duty to live before all persons as becomes the Gospel.

Do you believe in your heart that you have been led by the Spirit of God to assume the responsibilities of the office in which you have been elected? 

Stewards:  I do so believe. 

Pastor:  Will you be diligent in prayer, in the reading of the Holy Scriptures, and in other studies necessary to fulfil this office? 

Stewards:  I will, the Lord being my Helper. 

Pastor:  Having well considered the nature and purpose of the office to which you have been called, will each of you accept this responsibility, and will you seek to accomplish the work and service it sets before you, to the honour and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ? 

Stewards:  I will, the Lord being my Helper. 

Pastor: 
O Lord our God, who is the only Founder and Keeper of Your Church: We thank You that You have called Your servants to share in the work of Your Kingdom.  Grant them grace to give themselves wholly to their task and service.  Grant them sincerity and singleness of mind.  Hold ever before them the example of our Lord, who pleased not Himself, but gave Himself up for us all, that sharing His ministry and consecration, they may enter into His joy.  Guide them in their work for Your Church.  Prosper their counsel and their labour.  Reward their fidelity with the knowledge that You are using them for the accomplishment of Your purpose through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Pastor to Congregation: 
Dearly beloved, we rejoice to recognise these persons as leaders of Wesley Methodist Church.  Do all you can to assist and encourage them in these offices into which they now have been dedicated, giving them at all times your co-operation, your counsel, and your prayers.

Congregation responds in prayer:
O God, who has sent Your beloved Son to be unto us the Way, the Truth, and the Life: Give Your blessings and the guidance of Your Holy Spirit to these Your servants, and to us all, that we looking to Jesus may set forward to increase Your Kingdom here on earth.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.