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The commissioning is designed to be used by your group prior to attending a servant event or mission trip.  The litany for departure is designed for you to do just before you leaving on your trip.

Commissioning of Servants

Leader:     Friends, (           names of Servants            ), servants in Christ:  You stand before this Christian community ready to embark as Christ’s “Servants.”  Before you go to (         site of Servant Event         ), hear the Word of the Lord concerning service.

Jesus says to His disciples:  “If one of you wants to be great, he must be a servant of the rest, and if one wants to be first, he must be the slave of all.”

The apostle Paul writes to the Galatians:  “Help carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.”

To the Christians at Rome, Paul explains:  “Love must be completely sincere.  Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good.  Love one another warmly as Christian brothers, and be eager to show respect for one another.  Work hard and do not be lazy.  Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion.”

Leader:     Do you wish to serve so that others may see Christ’s love through you?

Servants:  Yes, we go to serve as Christ served us and gave His life for all.

Leader:     Will you, to the best of your ability and with God’s help, be faithful in your calling and loving toward those called to serve with you?

Servants:  Yes, we go to serve in love for God and each other.

Leader:     Will you obey those in authority over you, seeking the best for all?

Servants:  Yes, with God’s help and guidance.

Leader:     This being your pledge, we send you out to serve.  Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what He has kept for His people.  For Christ is the real Master you serve.  He will bear you up on His wings and guide you on your way.  He will be with you!  Go and serve in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

All:             Father we thank You for these servants.  Keep them safe from all harm and danger.  Grant them Your Spirit and enable them to help Your kingdom grow.  Amen.


A Litany for Departure

Leader:    Lord God, you kept Abraham and Sarah in safety throughout the days of their pilgrimage.

Servants: When You brought Your people out of Egypt You personally led them every day.

Leader:    And by a star you led the Wise Men to the infant Jesus.

Servants: We’re asking You to now guide us in the same way.  Be with us as we travel, Lord.  Keep us safe and close to You.

Leader:    Remind these servants of Your presence with them on each day of this adventure.  Help them to remember that they can do all things with You by their sides and in their hearts.

Servants: Fill us with enthusiasm and energy to do Your will.  Calm our fears and settle our doubts.  We’re nervous – and excited, for You’ve chosen us to be Your hands and feet in ministry.

Leader:    Heavenly Father, You are the One who gives us the desire, the will, and the ability to be a blessing to others.  Be with each of these precious people as You enable others to see Jesus in them.

Servants: And help us to see each member of our group as a gift from You, Father. Give us an extra measure of patience and love as we live in close quarters with each other, as we work hard and play hard together.

Leader:    We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, the risen Lamb who is the Good News and whose love we share through His resurrection.

Servants: Amen.

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