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Following the singing of an appropriate hymn, let the secretary read the names and positions of the officers to be installed. These may come forward and stand at the altar of the church, facing the minister. A covenant card should be provided for each. The minister shall then say:

Recognizing God’s method of setting apart certain workers for specific areas of Christian service, we come to this moment of installation of these officers (and/or teachers) who have been duly chosen to serve in our church for the ensuing year. Let us consider God’s instructions to us from His Holy Word.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1–2).

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).

“Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor” (Galatians 6:6).

We now come to this important moment when you who stand before the altar are to take upon yourselves the task of caring for the affairs of the church and Nazarene Missions International (NMI), Nazarene Youth International (NYI), and Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International (SDMI). May you look upon the assignments you now assume as special opportunities for service for our Lord, and may you find joy and spiritual blessing in the performance of your respective duties.

Yours is no light task, for the ongoing of the church and the destiny of souls is in your hands. The development of Christian character is your responsibility, and leading the unsaved to Jesus Christ is your highest objective. May God grant you wisdom and strength as you do His work for His glory.

You have been given a card on which is printed a covenant. We shall read it in unison, and as we do so, let us make it a personal commitment.

WORKER’S COVENANT

In consideration of the confidence placed in me by the church in being selected for the office I now assume, I hereby covenant:

To maintain a high standard of Christian living and example in harmony with the ideals and standards of the Church of the Nazarene.

To cultivate my personal Christian experience by setting aside each day definite time for prayer and Bible reading.

To be present at the regular Sunday School, the Sunday morning and Sunday evening preaching services, and the midweek prayer meeting of the church, unless providentially hindered.

To attend faithfully all duly called meetings of the various boards, councils, or committees to which I have been, or will be, assigned.

To notify my superior officer if I am unable to be present at the stated time, or to carry out my responsibilities in this office.

To read widely the denominational publications, and other books and literature which will be helpful to me in discharging the duties of my office.

To improve myself and my skills by participating in Continuing Lay Training courses as opportunity is afforded.

To endeavor to lead people to Jesus Christ by manifesting an active interest in the spiritual welfare of others and by attending and supporting all evangelistic meetings in the church.

The minister shall then offer an appropriate prayer, and a special song of dedication may be sung, after which the minister shall say:

Having pledged together your hearts and hands to the task of carrying forward the work of this church in your particular assignments, I herewith install you in the respective positions to which you have been elected or appointed. You are now a vital part of the organizational structure and leadership of this church. May you, by example, by precept, and by diligent service, be effective workers in the vineyard of the Lord.

The minister shall ask the congregation to rise, and shall address them as follows:

You have heard the pledge and covenant entered into by your church leaders for the coming year. I now charge you, as a congregation, to be loyal in your support of them. The burdens which we have laid upon them are heavy, and they will need your assistance and prayers. May you always be understanding of their problems and tolerant of their seeming failures. May you lend assistance joyfully when called upon, so that, as we work together, our church may be an effective instrument in winning the lost to Christ.

The minister may then lead in a concluding prayer or have the congregation repeat the Lord’s Prayer in unison.