Two of the most joyous celebrations in the life of the church are the service of ordination of an individual to the Christian ministry and the service of installation of a newly called pastor to your church. In both cases, a sense of pageantry and solemnity combine to declare before God this special event called forth by the Holy Spirit.

For more information about the Congregational basis and practice of ordination, here are some resources you might find useful:

The Art and Practice of the Congregational Way: A Church Guide by Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Mauro, which lifts up the practices that are hallmarks of Congregationalism and highlights the historical and theological underpinnings of the Congregational Way.

From Call to Settlement by Lloyd Hall, which provides an easy-to-follow, step-by-step process for churches. It includes a helpful timeline to guide you as well as sample agendas and letters.

How to Gather and Order A Congregational Church by A. Vaughn Abercrombie, which contains a section on ordination and installation that includes sample letters and order of worship.