The Standard of Jesus!

Commissioning Service Rev. Case & Gremar VanWyk

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Introduction:
Minister: Beloved in the Lord Jesus, it is a special day and privilege to commission fellow members off to a foreign land to bring the Good News of our Lord. Today, we bind ourselves to the VanWyk’s.

The Power of the Spirit in Missions: Acts 1:4–8 (NIV)

4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The Commissioning:
Minister: Congregation of Jesus Christ: Today we rejoice in Christ’s special care and love for His worldwide church as we have the privilege of commissioning Case and Gremar VanWyk to missionary service. Upon His ascension into heaven, Jesus Christ entrusted the Gospel of His kingdom to his apostles. He commanded them to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth.

All: As heirs of this calling and partners in this mission, we join in the task of telling this life- giving message of salvation. We rejoice in the knowledge that the Gospel knows no geographical boundaries.

Minister: The Holy Spirit moves us to share the Good News that Jesus is the Son of God, that the glory of the nations belongs to Him, and that His grace, love, and redemption are offered to them in the way of repentance and faith.

All: We at New Community Church of Newaygo are called to share this message in word and in deed, with our families, our co-workers, and all our neighbors, both nearby and far away.
Minister: In our congregation, God has assigned a world missions calling on the life of two of our members, Case and Gremar. They have heard the call to perform missionary service in Nigeria.

Pastor: In this work of missions, the church lifts up its eyes to the Lord. We pray for the power of the Holy Spirit in everything that you do on His behalf. We ask the Lord to send his Spirit in abundance in your work abroad.

God’s Word Goes Out

Isaiah 55:10–11 (NIV)

10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Accepting the Call:
Minister: Case and Gremar, to show that you accept this task, you are requested to stand in the

presence of God and His church to answer the following questions.

1. Do you believe that the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and life?
2. Do you subscribe to the doctrinal standards of this church, and the denomination of the Christian Reformed Church, rejecting all teachings which contradict them?

3. Do you believe that God Himself calls you to this holy ministry?
4. Do you promise to do the work of your office faithfully, in a way worthy of your calling, and in submission to the government and discipline of the church?

Case and Gremar: With the Lord’s help and the Spirit’s leading, we accept this call. We also promise to model the Kingdom of Jesus in our life and teaching.

The Congregational’s Responsibility (please stand):
Minister: Congregation of the Lord Jesus. You also have a commitment in this. Please answer the following:

1. How will you support Case and Gremar as they are sent to Nigeria?

Congregation: Case and Gremar, we offer the following: we offer our prayer support. We will pray for you all the time for fruitful and Godly work. We will also pray for divine protection from our enemy. We also will provide financial support the best we can. We also offer mutual accountability to you. You are not doing this alone, but with us. Be blessed in your work

LAYING ON OF HANDS: (Council members, plus those who have offered special support such as family and prayer partners, may come forward for the laying on of hands.)

Minister: Brothers and Sisters, be in continuing fellowship with these missionaries whom you send in the name of Christ. Sustain Case and Gremar with your prayers. Support them with your gifts. Strengthen them in hand and heart in every need. As Christ received you, be ready to receive those who are brought into the body of Christ through their ministry, that there may be one flock, one Shepherd. Case and Gremar, go with boldness and faithfulness in the Lord. For he can do more than we can ask or imagine. Amen.