P=Pastor doing installation

R=Representative of the congregation

I=Pastor being installed

C=Congregation

A=Assisting Minister

 

Installation

 

The minister addresses the congregation:

 

P:  Having been authorized by the Church to install (name of pastor being installed), our co-worker in the Gospel, as pastor, I now ask for certification of this call.

 

R:  We, of (Name of Congregation) Lutheran Church, after prayerful deliberation, have elected (pastor being installed) to be pastor.  I present him/her for installation.  [This letter certifies the call.]

 

The minister addresses the pastor being installed:

 

P:  Our Lord Jesus Christ says: "Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.  Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." (John 20:21-23)

 

And again: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)

 

Hear the words addressed to Timothy: Set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.  Till I come, attend to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching, to teaching.  Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you.  Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.  Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:12-16)

 

P:  Pastor (pastor being installed), in the presence of this congregation will you commit yourself to this new trust and responsibility, and promise to discharge your duties in harmony with the constitutions of the church?

 

I:  I will, and I ask God to help me.

 

 

P:  Will you preach and teach in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and the Confessions of the Lutheran Church?

 

I:  I will, and I ask God to help me.

 

P:  Will you love, serve, and pray for God's people?  Will you nourish them with the Word and Holy Sacraments, leading them by your own example in the use of the means of grace, in faithful service and in holy living?

 

I:  I will, and I ask God to help me.

 

P:  Will you give faithful witness in the world, that God's love may be known in all that you do?

 

I:  I will, and I ask God to help me.

 

P:  Almighty God, who has given you the will to do these things, graciously give you the strength and compassion to perform them.

 

C:  Amen

 

Stand (The minister addresses the congregation)

 

P:  And you, people of God, will you receive this messenger of Jesus Christ, sent by God to serve God's people with the Gospel of hope and salvation?  Will you regard him as a servant of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God?

 

C:  We will.

 

P:  Will you pray for him/her, help and honor him/her for his/her work's sake, and in all things strive to live together in the peace and unity of Christ?

 

C:  We will.

 

The minister addresses the pastor being installed:

 

P:  The office of pastor is now committed to you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

The newly installed pastor kneels for the blessing:

 

P:  The God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever.

 

C:  Amen

 

The pastor stands.  The prayers are said.

 

A:  Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

 

After each portion of the prayers:

 

A:  Lord, in your mercy,

C: hear our prayer.

 

P:  Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

C:  Amen.

 

Sit

 

The presiding minister escorts the pastor to the font, where a representative of the congregations says:

 

You have been called to be among us to baptize, to teach, and to forgive sins.

 

They proceed to the pulpit, where a representative of the congregation says:

 

You have been called to be among us to proclaim the good news.

 

They proceed to the altar, where a representative of the congregation says:

 

You have been called to be among us to lead worship and preside at the Holy Communion.

 

Stand

 

P:  The peace of the Lord be with you always.

 

C: And also with you.