Suggestions for a MTW Missionarys Commissioning Service by Presbytery, Session or Congregation 1. 2. 3. Sermon, following opening portion of service.

Statement of proceedings leading to Commissioning Service by presiding officer. Propounding of constitutional questions to candidate: a. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, as originally given, to be the inerrant Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice? Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of Faith and the Catechisms of this Church as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures; and do you further promise that if at any time you find yourself out of accord with any of the fundamentals of this system of doctrine, you will of your own initiative make known to your presbytery, session or congregation the change which has taken place in your views since this Commissioning Service? Do you approve of the form of government and discipline of the Presbyterian Church in America as being that which conforms to the general principles of biblical polity? Do you promise subjection to brethren in the Lord? Have you been induced, as far as you know your own heart, to seek missionary service from love to God and a sincere desire to promote His glory in the Gospel of His Son? Do you promise to be zealous and faithful in maintaining the truth of the Gospel and the purity and peace of the Church, whatever persecution or opposition may arise unto you on that account? Do you engage to be faithful and diligent in the exercise of all your duties as a Christian and a missionary, whether personal or relative, private or public; and to endeavor by the grace of God to adorn the profession of the Gospel in your manner of life and to walk with exemplary piety before those whom you serve? Are you now willing to accept commissioning as a short-term missionary of the Presbyterian Church in America? And do you, relying upon God for strength, promise to discharge the duties God shall set before you in mission service?

b.

c.

d. e.

f.

g.

h.

4.

Questions to the presbytery, session or congregation: a. Do you, the people of this presbytery (congregation), continue to profess readiness to support ___________ in his service as a short-term missionary of the Presbyterian Church in America? Do you promise to encourage him in his labors, to pray for him faithfully, and as the Lord leads you and enables you to assist in providing for his needs on the mission field?

b.

5.

Prayer of Commissioning. (Setting the short-term missionary apart to his calling in the Lord. The laying-on of hands may be employed as the presbytery, session or church shall choose. For a woman short-term missionary, it is up to the discretion of those commissioning her as to whether or not they want to employ the laying-on of hands.)

6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Pronouncement of the Commissioning by presiding officer. Charge to the missionary. Charge to the presbytery, session or congregation. Prayer. Hymn. Benediction.