3.12.2.1 Liturgical position in the divine service

The appointment 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

3.12.2.2 Execution

The appointment is performed by the Apostle or a priestly minister designated by him or her for this purpose.

Address

The following basic content is recommended:

District rector

• The district rector is responsible for several congregations in both a spiritual and an organisational respect.
• This implies advocating the doctrine in accordance with the New Apostolic Creed and Catechism, and preaching the gospel in its purity. In addition, he or she will see to it that the other ministers do the same.
• This service includes pastoral care, ensuring pastoral care in the church district, and providing for the spiritual ministries and services (teachers, youth leaders) in the church district.

Congregational rector

• The congregational rector is responsible for one congregation in both a spiritual and an organisational respect.
• This implies advocating the doctrine in accordance with the New Apostolic Creed and Catechism, and preaching the gospel in its purity. In addition, he or she will see to it that the other ministers do the same.
• This service includes pastoral care, ensuring pastoral care in the congregation, and providing for the spiritual ministries and services (teachers, youth leaders) in the congregation.
• Those appointed to congregational leadership see to it that the members of the congregation can engage themselves with their gifts for the benefit of all.

Vow

The congregation is asked to rise. The minister to be appointed is now asked a question to the following effect:

“[By commission of the Apostle,] I now ask you before God and the congregation: Are you prepared to carry out your appointment as a (designation) in the (working area of …), in faithfulness to God, in oneness with the apostolate, and in accordance with the regulations of the Church? Then vow this with a yes!”

Prayer (with epiclesis^[15])

Act

The appointment is received while kneeling in front of the altar. It is received through the laying on of hands upon the head of the minister in question and is performed with the following words:

“In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, receive the appointment to work as a (district rector/congregational rector). May the triune God bless you and sanctify you in order to fulfil all the duties associated with this appointment in the mind of Jesus Christ!”

This can be followed by further words of blessing with the following content:

• May God awaken, strengthen, and multiply the available gifts that are necessary for the fulfilment of your leadership task.^[16]
• May God grant you the wisdom to make decisions that will serve for the preservation and growth of the (district/congregation).
• Always perform your duty in love for all members of the (district/congregation) and in oneness with the apostolate.
• Watch over that which is entrusted to your care, such that the gospel of Jesus Christ can be spread in a manner that corresponds to the teaching of the Apostles.
• See to it that the regulations of the Church, as determined by the apostolate, are observed.

Mandatory conclusion:

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