Members or ministers who are to serve over a longer period on either a district or congregational level, as the primarily responsible teacher—be it in Pre­Sunday School, Sunday School, Religious Instruction, or Confirmation Instruction—or as the primarily responsible youth leader will be assigned to these services.

Liturgical position

The assignment of members or ministers to a duty that is not bound to a ministry can take place either during or following the divine service, in the presence of the congregation, or in the circle of those whom the assigned individual is to serve.

If it takes place during the divine service, it is performed following the cele­bration of Holy Communion. If several acts are planned, they are to be performed in the following sequence:

• retirement, termination of an appointment or assignment bound to a ministry
• ordination, appointment, assignment, reinstatement
• termination of, or assignment to, a service that is not bound to a ministry
• engagement blessing, wedding blessing, wedding anniversary blessing

Execution

The assignment is performed by the responsible priestly minister.

Address

Among other things, the following content is recommended:

Teachers^[37]

• The teacher has the task of supporting parents in their responsi­bility of raising their children in the New Apostolic faith.
• This support is provided by instructing the children using the teaching material provided by the Church.
• The teacher is to support the children in developing their own personal faith. This includes emphasising the value of prayer and the divine services and of encouraging them to acquaint themselves with the content of the New Apostolic faith.
• The teacher acts in consultation with, and by mandate of, the district rector or congregational rector.

Youth leaders^[38]

• The youth leader is the personal contact who is to support the young people in their various situations of life and questions of faith.
• They are encouraged to become involved in the congregation’s many activities, and to practise, profess, and stand up for their faith in their surroundings.
• The youth leader acts in consultation with, and by mandate of, the district rector or congregational rector.

Vow

The congregation is asked to rise. The brother or sister to be assigned is then asked a question to the following effect:

“I now ask you before God and the congregation: Are you prepared to henceforth assist your district rector/congregational rector in humbleness and faithfulness to provide pastoral care to the chil­dren/young people? Are you prepared to serve the children/young people entrusted to your care in the love of Jesus Christ? Then vow this with a clear yes.”

Prayer

The prayer can include the following:

• the plea for God’s blessing upon this vow
• the plea for strength and the ability to fulfil the associated duties
• the plea to God to support the assigned individual

Act

The assignment is performed while standing in front of the altar. The officiating minister shakes the hand of the designated teacher or youth leader and assigns him or her with the following words:

“I hereby assign you as a (designation: teacher or youth leader). May the triune God bless and strengthen you so that you are able to fulfil all the tasks associated with this assignment.”

• Thereafter all the duties associated with the respective assign­ment are listed.
• Further blessings can be added in conclusion.