The beginning of a new pastor’s
ministry at any church involves joy, high hopes, great anticipation, and not a
little fear and trepidation, for both pastor and congregation. The Pastoral
Installation Service is meant to capitalize on the enthusiasm of new beginnings
as well as to redress anxieties.
In many ways,
the Installation Service is akin to the Wedding Ceremony. Certainly, there is
joy in both kinds of services, and some measure of anxiety, no doubt. What is
at the root of both ceremonies, however, is that two parties make vows to each
other in the sight of God and many witnesses. These are the most serious
promises we can make to each other, “so help us God.” Indeed, the exchange of
vows between pastor and congregation culminates the service.
Like a
wedding, the Installation Service features invited guests who witness the
exchange of vows. In accord with the auspiciousness of the occasion, we have
invited both civic dignitaries from our community and area ministerial leaders
with whom we partner in mission. They are invited not only to witness the
exchange of vows, but also to celebrate our mutual interests and calling by
bringing greetings and well wishes from our community and from their respective
organizations.
In addition
to the exchange of vows, ministers will admonish both pastor and congregation
about their obligations to one another. Both the charge to the pastor and to
the congregation are meant to be delivered with a Spirit-filled zeal and
urgency, so that the words press mightily on the hearers’ hearts and minds for
many years to come.
There will
also be an Installation Sermon. While the sermon and the charges emphasize the
magnitude of the stewardship that is bestowed upon the pastor and congregation
in their new ministry together, they also serve to allay fear and trepidation,
for the Lord promises his enabling presence: “Fear not! For I am with you
always!”
The Installation
Service may well be further solemnized by special music. Extended pre-service
music (perhaps by a guest musician) is appropriate, as well as special
processional and recessional music. A choral anthem and perhaps a vocal solo or
trio, etc. may also be in order. The congregation will sing majestic hymns appropriate
for the occasion.
While
processionals and recessionals are not typical for most Baptist churches, they
may well add to the auspiciousness of the occasion, especially if clerical
regalia (robes) are requested. If the church does not have enough robes
available, often a neighboring church with high church tendencies may be
willing to loan some.
An important
goal of the Installation Service is to bring the whole congregation together,
with an eye especially for our members who have not been attending regularly.
We want them to meet the new pastor and see for themselves the joy of our new
beginning. The Installation Service also is a fine reason to invite extended
family members and neighbors to come see what is happening in their community. While
the church office should send out invitation letters to many people, all church
members—each and every one of them—should do their part to reach out and invite
their friends and loved ones. In the end, we hope that the Installation Service
not only energizes pastor-congregation relations, but also serves as an
Evangelism-Church Growth opportunity.
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