3.3.2.1 Liturgical position in the divine service

The ordination takes place following the celebration of Holy Communion. If several acts are planned, they are 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.

3.3.2.2 Execution

The ordination is performed by an Apostle.

Address

The following content is recommended:

Deacon ministry

• Deacons are designated by God for their ministry.^[4]
• Personal gifts are blessed and sanctified for service in the Church.
• Within the framework of their ministerial mandate, Deacons receive the authority to
  • properly proclaim the word of God and
  • dispense the Trinitarian blessing (benediction).
• They are now part of the ministerial body of the respective congregation and district, and can be entrusted with duties corresponding to their ministry within this area
• They are called to serve God and their neighbour out of love and with their gifts, and to publicly profess their faith.
• They are to exemplify a lifestyle oriented to the gospel.^[5]

Priest ministry

• Priests are designated by God for their ministry.^[6]
• They are blessed and sanctified to their priestly service.
• In addition to the powers conferred upon ordination to the Deacon ministry^[7] they receive the ministerial authority to
  • dispense the sacrament of Holy Baptism with water,
  • dispense the sacrament of Holy Communion,
  • pronounce the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus Christ in the commission of their sender, the Apostle.
• They are able to perform acts of blessing such as confirmations, weddings, and funerals.

Vow

The congregation is asked to rise. The Apostle asks the minister to be ordained a question to the following effect:

“I now ask you before God and the congregation: Are you prepared to accept the ministry of a (Deacon/Priest) in the congregation (…) and to exercise it in faithfulness to God, in oneness with the apostolate, and in accordance with the regulations of the Church?

“Will you align your conduct of life with the gospel of Jesus Christ, serve those entrusted to you in the New Apostolic faith – as it comes to expression in the Creed – in humbleness and love for God and your neighbour? Then vow this with a yes!”

Prayer (with epiclesis^[8])

The prayer can include the following:

• the plea for God’s blessing upon this vow
• the plea for strength and the ability to keep this vow and fulfil the duties associated with the ministry
• the plea to God the Holy Spirit to grant blessing, sanctification, and authority

Act

The ministry is received while the candidate kneels before the altar. The Apostle then lays his or her hands on the head of the minister to be ordained and speaks the following words:

“In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, receive the Deacon/Priest ministry. Receive from the apostolate of Jesus Christ the authority, sanctification, and blessing required to fulfil all of the duties associated with this ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Thereafter the powers associated with the respective ministry are specifically stated.

“Receive the authority…

• (Deacon ministry): …to properly proclaim the word of God and dispense the Trinitarian blessing at the end of the divine service.”
• (Priest ministry): …to perform Holy Baptism with water and to consecrate and dispense Holy Communion, as well as to proclaim the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus Christ and in the commission of your sender, the Apostle. In addition, you are now authorised to perform ecclesiastical acts of blessing.”

Further words of blessing and sanctification for the minister can follow thereafter:

• May God awaken, strengthen, and multiply the available gifts, and impart additional strengths.^[9]
• With the ministry, which is holy, God grants the minister a share of His holiness. Holy acts can be performed in the power of the Holy Spirit.^[10]
• Proclaim and stand up for the gospel of Christ. Look after the believers entrusted to you for pastoral care, be an example to them, and promote their faith. Accompany them in prayer even in the pressures of natural life.^[11]
• Contribute to the joy of those entrusted to your care and never consider yourself to be a lord over their faith.^[12]
• May the joy of the Lord always be your strength.^[13]
• The angels of the Lord accompany you on all your ways.

Mandatory conclusion:

“The blessing of God accompany you. The peace of the Risen One be with you. Amen.”