A pastor installation service is a ceremony in which a newly appointed pastor is installed in his or her office. Typically, an elder or senior clergy member appointed to oversee the new pastor’s ministry officiates the installation service.
Typically, a pastor installation service takes place after the congregation has decided to hire the new minister and the minister has received official approval from their denomination or governing body. Installation is a Christian liturgical act that formally inducts clergy into a new role at a particular place such as a cathedral.
What Is A Pastor Installation Service
Installation is a rite where a pastor is publicly placed into his role as pastor in a specific congregation. While ordination happens only once in a pastor’s ministry, installation happens each time he begins serving in a new congregation or new role. An installation service should clarify and underscore the pastor’s responsibility to the church. In formally installing a man as their pastor, the church is recognizing that he is responsible to feed them with God’s Word, lead them to safety, protect them from attackers, and seek after lost sheep.
What is Installation?
Installation is a significant rite where a pastor is publicly placed into his role as pastor in a specific congregation. It is different from ordination, as installation happens each time a pastor begins serving in a new congregation or new role.
The Purpose of Installation
The installation service is meant to clarify and underscore the pastor’s responsibility to the church. It signifies that the pastor is accountable to the congregation for various duties.
Responsibilities of the Pastor
1. Feed the congregation with God’s Word: The pastor is entrusted with the task of teaching and preaching the Word of God to the congregation.
2. Lead the congregation to safety: The pastor is responsible for guiding and protecting the members of the congregation.
3. Protect the congregation from attackers: The pastor is expected to defend the flock against spiritual attacks and false teachings.
4. Seek after lost sheep: The pastor is called to reach out to those who are lost and bring them back to the fold.
Significance of the Church’s Recognition
By formally installing a pastor, the church acknowledges that he has been called by God to serve in that specific role. The congregation commits to supporting and praying for the pastor as he fulfills his duties.
Installation is a solemn and important event in the life of a pastor and his congregation. It serves as a reminder of the pastor’s responsibilities and the church’s commitment to uphold and support him in his role.
Installation Service Prayer, Song and Music
Choose an elder of the church who is mature in the faith and can perform an opening prayer. Have the prayer mention the new pastor and offer praise to God for bringing a new leader to the church. The songs and music for the service should be uplifting yet fit the style of the church. Because this is a festive occasion, a soloist or special musical performance can be included as well.
Sermon
A moderator, elder, other pastor, or member of the church board can deliver a welcome message. The message should focus on the duties and responsibilities of the pastor being installed while also tying in the teachings of the Bible. The installation sermon doesn’t need to be as lengthy as a typical sermon.
Charge to the Pastor
The charge is a statement outlining the task of the pastor and what is expected of him as he takes up his ministry. Ideally, the charge should be carried out by a church elder, board member or moderator of the service, and it should feature readings from scripture that support the biblical duties of a pastor. The charge must feature wording that asks if the pastor is willing to accept his responsibilities. The new pastor must respond by saying, “I will,” or a similar phrasing of acceptance.
Here is a sample Charge to the Pastor from Shady Grove Baptist Church:
A Charge to Pastor: As an ambassador of Christ, you are to preach and teach the pure doctrine of God’s Word, administer the Sacraments according to Christ’s institution, instruct the young in the way of salvation, counsel the inquiring, strengthen the weak, seek the lost and reclaim the straying, comfort the sorrowing, care for the needy, visit the sick, minister to the dying, and pray for the spiritual welfare of every soul under your care. You are to devote yourself to the meditation and study of the Scriptures and carry out your duties in conformity with the Word of God.
You (and your family) are to be an example to others in godliness and Christian living, putting no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that the ministry will not be discredited. The Apostle Paul says, Here is a trustworthy saying: “If any one sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. ” (I Timothy 3:1-4, 6, 7) Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and discharge all the duties of your ministry. (II Timothy 4: 2, 5)
Charge to the Congregation
The congregation then must be charged to uphold their responsibilities to the new pastor. This charge can include elements such as adhering to the teachings of the Bible, carrying out the duties of Christians, and holding the new pastor accountable to the commitment that was just made. The congregation must be given the opportunity to agree to the charge, similar to the way in which the pastor was given his charge.
Here is a sample charge to the congregation from a blog called Presbydestrian:
By calling and installing… into this position, you have all affirmed that he/she is indeed the person that God has called to be your pastor. Trusting that God knows what God is doing, open yourselves fully to his/her leadership and guidance. When he/she tries new things, support him/her. When he/she does something different than the way it’s always been done, trust him or her. When he/she leads, follow. In doing so, you not only enable him/her to be the best pastor, but you allow yourselves to be the people that the Holy Spirit is leading you to be.
Words Of Encouragement For Pastor Installation
- Let Them Know What You Learned
You can learn something from every situation and every sermon. Your pastor probably hears ample praise when they preach a beautiful message, but what about those instances when the sermon is average, or less than?
Chances are, there is still plenty to learn from an “average” message.
Follow-up with your pastor and let them know about a detail of the sermon that resonated with you. Focus on the message the pastor was trying to convey and share that you received the message (after all it’s about the Word, not always about the performance).
- Say “Thank You”
A simple “thank you” can go a long way. Saying “thank you” in passing might be forgotten; instead, thank your pastor for something specific they did for your family or for something they mentioned during a sermon.
Your pastor probably hears “thank you” often, but a heartfelt thank you can go a long way with letting a leader know they are impacting those they interact with. Pastors know their purpose is to lead others closer to Christ, but the feeling of doubt is common even in the strongest Christians.
If you feel called, send a letter to your pastor with words of encouragement. A handwritten message will usually be read in private which allows for a more personal “thank you” than saying so in the hallway on a Sunday afternoon.
- Inform Your Pastor Their Prayer Resonated With You
Have you ever felt that a pastor was praying directly to you, even though the prayer was in front of an entire congregation? I think all churchgoers have experienced this a time or two (read my Church Outreach Ideas).
How many of us have let our pastor know just how much the prayer meant to us? More than likely, only a few.
Prayer is a major part of a pastor’s day. Whether it’s a prayer at a wedding, at church, at a community event, or in the solitude of their home, a pastor is constantly praying.
We know that God hears all prayers and answers all prayers. But it’s very common for others to hear a pastor’s prayer too.
If you hear your pastor give an exceptional prayer, let them know! Chances are, a pastor might be curious whether their prayers resonate with those who hear them. A pat on the back after a great prayer can go a long way, and it may inspire more powerful prayers in the future.
- Ask To Assist Their Family
Has your pastor helped your family in faith or other areas of life? If so, return the favor by offering to help their family.
People in the church have a diverse set of skills. There are musicians, business leaders, teachers, and athletes.
Encouraging your pastor with the words “let me help you” can go a long way in lifting your pastor up in good and challenging times.
Assisting your pastor’s family might help during a stressful time at church. It could take pressure off in certain areas of their life so they can focus on navigating the tough times.
- Remind Them, Let God Take Control
If you sense your pastor is struggling, or if your pastor has shared a tough situation with the church, let them know you’re there for support. More importantly, let them know that God is always there.
Sometimes a pastor may feel overwhelmed as the leader of the church. It’s an understandable feeling. There are church members to lead and mentor, leadership meetings to facilitate, community obligations, and weddings and funerals to attend.
Your pastor may feel overwhelmed. Remind them that God is the one in control. A pastor shouldn’t carry the weight of the church on their back, rather, the blessings and challenges can be given to God so we can focus on the minor tasks of days, weeks, and months.
- Share With Them They Improve With Each Sermon
Has your pastor made a conscious effort to improve their leadership in the church? Have they shared the areas they intend to improve (sermons, financial leadership, delegation, etc.)?
If your pastor is putting forth the effort, their hard work is likely paying off. Instead of telling your pastor “great sermon” let them know how far they’ve come.
“Wow, I can’t believe how much you’ve improved since you arrived.”
“You seem to get better with each sermon.”
“The Church board recognizes the effort and progress you’ve made in leading our church.”
A comment about growth and improvement goes a lot farther than a “great job” or “nice work today”. Although both comments are uplifting, choose words of encouragement that will also inspire continued growth.
- Share A Second Hand Compliment
Last week I heard my neighbor make a comment about his church pastor. He was impressed with the sermon and told me the story he heard. I must admit, it sounded like a great message.
Chances are, that pastor will never know that a member of their congregation was paying them a complement behind their back (when talking behind someone’s back is a good thing).
If you’re sharing the message with neighbors and complimenting your pastor, take a moment to write down what you did and share it with your pastor (also read: Best Christian Marriage Retreats).
You don’t need to report to your pastor about everything you discuss with your neighbors, but sharing a story or two would certainly provide words of encouragement to your pastor.
- Complement Their Preparation
Like every profession, leading a church takes preparation. Your pastor prepares for meetings, outreach activities, baby dedications, and preaching.
If you’ve witnessed your pastor working hard, compliment them on their preparation. It’s a different angle than letting them know they had a good sermon and will probably appreciate a fresh take.
A compliment on you pastor’s preparation lets them know you considered all the work the put in throughout the week and not just the final product.
- Appreciate Their Family and Children
Showing appreciation for a pastor’s family is an indirect way of giving words of encouragement to your pastor. Imagine your pastor coming home to their family and hearing about a thoughtful message they received.
There are few things that can inspire a pastor more than family. Consider doing something nice for them and it will encourage your pastor.
- Remind Them, God Chose Them To Lead
Share words of encouragement from God. After all, God brought your pastor to your community and God has a plan for them.
Remind your pastor the reason they are in their position. It’s not about an individual or a small group of people. God is behind decisions of faith and God chose them to lead!
- Say “We Trust You”
Few things can be more encouraging than the words “we trust you.” For any leader, those three words give assurance and encouragement. To a pastor, those words can be uplifting in any situation.
Your pastor is bound to make mistakes here and there. Your pastor should always have the trust of the community, but they might not hear those words often. “We trust you” can go a long way!
- Inquire, How To Help
If your pastor needs help, they may ask for it. Many people, however, internalize the need for help or keep it between God and their family.
By simply asking your pastor if they need help, you show you care, and that alone can be encouraging (read my Prayers for Busy Moms).
They might open up and take you up on the offer. Don’t be surprised when your pastor puts you to work removing the old tree stump in their yard.
- Share A Prayer With Your Pastor
Prayers have been mentioned several times in this article; however, there’s another way to encourage your pastor without having to speak with them directly.
Write a prayer for your pastor and mail it to them. A hand-written letter is great, but a pastor may appreciate it even more if it includes a prayer.
Prayer can be uplifting and motivational. It’s a great way to encourage your pastor, even if it’s not a prayer in the traditional spoken form.
Pastor Installation Service Scriptures
Biblical text and holy words are an important part of the rite of installation. Giving the ceremony both context and history, no installation would be complete without installation scripture and especially a dedicated prayer.
Scripture
Finding bible verses dedicated specifically to installation is a difficult task, as the spiritual ceremony is a mostly modern exercise. However, there are many verses about pastoral encouragement and spiritual leadership. Below is a partial list of relevant text from the King James Bible online:
2 Timothy 4:1-5 – I charge [thee] therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.
Acts 20:28 – Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
2 Timothy 4:2 – Preach the word; be instant in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
1 Peter 4:11 – If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Romans 13:1-14 – Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Ephesians 4:11-12 – And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Isaiah 52:7 – How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
Hebrews 13:17 – Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.
2 Timothy 4:1-2 – I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.
Joshua 21:45 – There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.
John 1:1-51 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Acts 16:5 – And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
Romans 10:15 – And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
1 Timothy 5:17 – Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
Installation Prayers
Every church will interpret its installation service slightly differently. Some churches mark installation during a special service; others celebrate the rite of passage within a traditional Sunday service. One of the consistent elements of installation involves prayer. The message of most prayers geared toward honoring installation is to offer support to a new pastor, elder or minister. These prayers ask for guidance and blessings for the individual being installed.
Kathleen Rolenz collaborated with the Unitarian Universalist Association to write this installation prayer.
Spirit of Life, known to us in beginnings and endings,
possibilities and promises
We give thanks for all that has led to this moment.
And all that is yet to come.
We give thanks for those who mentored us.
The women and men in our lives who were our teachers,
Who said the turning words of encouragement?
When we needed them the most,
We give thanks to this church that has seen and embraced so much change.
And for all those who have sustained this community of faith for many years past and
For generations to come.
We give thanks for this minister for all that she has given and will give
to the living tradition we share.
May the words we have spoken, the dreams we have shared and the faith we have renewed this afternoon give this minister wisdom, comfort, and courage for all the days ahead, for the way is often hard, the path is never clear, and the stakes are very high.
But deep down, there is another truth:
She is not, and we are never alone.
Bless us in that knowledge, O Spirit of Life,
and let the congregation say
Amen.