The Service of Holy Ordination and Elevation - Greater Fellowship Church

The Service of Holy Ordination and Elevation Saturday, the Thirteenth of August, in the year of our Lord, Two thousand Twenty-Two, Anno Domini Ten o’clock in the Ante Meridian at

Maranatha Baptist Church

112-42 Springfield BLVD. Queens Village, New York 11429

Apostle Kendra Reneè Manigault, Chief Celebrant Apostle Nadine Forrest, Homilist

The Candidates

The Pastor ANITA S. HILL Site Pastor The Elders SHARON HAWKINS IVY NEIKO OCOLISAN LÈJA RENEÈ STEPHENSON

The Order of Divine Worship Where indicated (+), please stand

PRELUDE

The Organist

THE CALL TO WORSHIP +

Apostle Kendra R. Manigault, General Overseer

Apostle:

Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.

People:

His mercy endures forever.

Apostle:

Blessed be God, the Creator of Heaven and all things.

People:

And blessed be His Kingdom, now and forever.

THE PROCESSIONAL • • • • • • • • •

“Holy, Holy, Holy”

The Adjutants The Diaconates The Licentiates The Elders The Pastors The Adjutants The Candidate for Installation The Homilist The Chief Celebrant +

OFFICIAL WELCOME

Pastor A’Kim Beechman Maranatha Baptist Church

THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD The Old Testament Reading – Isaiah 42:1-9 Lector: People: The Reading of the Epistle – 1 Timothy 3:8-16 Lector: People:

Elder Henry Wilson Christian Fellowship Church The Word of the Lord.

Amen.

Bishop-Designate Anitera R. Newell Kingdom Life Family Worship Center The Word of God. Amen

The Reading of the Gospel + - St. Luke 10:1-8 Please Stand Lector: People: INVOCATION +

Lady Dr. Faith Davison NY Deliverance Gospel Temple, Inc. This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God. Pastor S’ken Evans Mt. Zion Pentecostal Holy Church

CELEBRATION OF PRAISE

Minister Alia Akili Davis Atlanta, Georgia

CONSECRATED PRAYER FOR THE MOTHERS

Mother Cynthia Hill Greater Bethel Ministry

Mother Martha Dunston Mother Chloe Malcolm THE INSTITUTION OF PASTORAL MINISTRY APPOINTMENT The candidates stand before the Apostle and are presented.

The Presentation of Candidate

Overseer Michael J. Battle Transformation Church

Apostle Manigault, we have come together today to welcome Anita Hill, who has been appointed to serve as Site/Executive Pastor of The Greater Fellowship Church. We believe she is well qualified and that she has been prayerfully selected.

Apostle: Answer: Apostle: Answer: Apostle: Answer: Apostle: Answer:

My sister, do you believe that you are truly called by God to assist the leadership of your local assembly, The Greaters Fellowship Church?

I Believe I am so-called.

Do you now, in the presence of the congregation, commit yourself to do this trust and responsibility with diligence and integrity?

I do.

Will you respect and be guided by senior pastoral direction and leadership? Will you walk in accountability with those over you?

I will.

Will you continue to be diligent in the reading and studying of the Holy Scriptures that will make you a stronger and more able minister of Christ?

I will.

Apostle:

Will you endeavor to minister the Word of God and the ordinances of the New Covenant, that the reconciling love of Christ may be known and received?

I will.

Answer: Apostle:

Will you undertake to be faithful to all whom you are called to serve, laboring together with them and with your fellow ministers to build up the family of God? I will.

Answer: Apostle:

Will you do your best to pattern your life and that of your household in accordance with the teaching of Christ so that you may be a wholesome example to your people?

I will

Answer: Apostle:

Will you persevere in prayer, both in public and in private, asking God’s grace, both for yourself and for others, offering all your labors to God, through the meditation of Jesus Christ and in the sanctification of the Holy Spirit?

I will.

Answer: To the congregation

Apostle: Congregation: The Charge

Will you who witness this new beginning support and uphold Anita in this ministry?

We will!

Apostle Kendra R. Manigault

My sister in Christ: The Church is the Family of God, the Body of Christ, and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. All baptized people are called to make Christ known as Savior and Lord and to share in the renewing of His world. Now you are called to work as Site/Executive Pastor, together with us, your Senior Pastor, and to share in the Councils of the Church.

As Pastor, it will be your task to proclaim by word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to fashion your life in accordance with its precepts. You are to preach the Gospel, to declare God’s forgiveness to penitent sinners, to share in the administration of Holy Baptism and in the celebration of the mysteries of Christ’s Body and Blood, and perform the other ministration entrusted to you.

Apostle: Answer:

May the Lord who has given you the will to do these things give you the grace and power to perform them.

Amen.

The Pastor will now kneel before the Apostle for the Prayer of Consecration to the office of the Site Pastor.

The Apostle will grant the ancient “Laying of Hands,” apply the oil, and pray. The organ is playing softly.

Apostle:

Lord, make Anita Hill a Site/Executive Pastor of the flock known as The Greater Fellowship Church. Fill her with your Spirit and sanctify them with your word.

May they exalt you, O Lord, in the midst of your people; offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to you; boldly proclaim the Gospel of salvation; rightly administer the sacraments of the New Covenant. Make her a faithful pastor, patient teacher, and wise counselor. Grant that in all things, she may serve without reproach so that your people may be strengthened and your Name glorified in all the world. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever.

The new Pastor is now vested according to the order of pastors and receives her credentials.

The new Pastor receives her cross and cord, pastoral stole, and other symbols of the office.

Apostle: People:

Anita, receive this Stole and be in this place as Pastor and priest.

Amen.

Apostle: People:

Anita, receive this Book, and be in this place as ministers of prayer.

Amen.

Apostle: People:

Anita, use this Oil and be in this place as a healer and reconciler.

Amen.

Apostle: People:

Anita, let all these be a sign of the ministry which is mine and yours in this.

Amen.

The Pastor: (kneeling in prayer) O Lord, my God, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; yet you have called your servant to stand in your house and to serve at your altar.

To you and to your service, I devote myself, body, soul, and spirit. Fill my memory with the record of your mighty works; enlighten my understanding with the light of your Holy Spirit; and may all the desires of my heart and will center in what you would have me do. Make me an instrument of your salvation for the people entrusted to my care, and grant that I may faithfully administer your holy Sacraments, and by my life and teaching set forth your true and living Word. Be always with me in carrying out the duties of my ministry. In prayer, quicken my devotion; in praises, heighten my love and gratitude; in preaching, give me readiness of thought and expression; and grant that, by the clearness and brightness of your Holy Word, all the world may be drawn into your blessed kingdom. All this I ask for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Apostle Presents the New Pastor to the Congregation

THE HYMN

Elder-Designate Alyse Gamble Life Chapel

THE ORDINATION AND CONFIRMATION OF THE ELDERS The Ordinands stand before the Apostle and Site/Executive Pastor and are presented

The Presentation of Candidates

Elect -Lady Nicole Battle Transformation Church

Pastor Hill, I present to you Sharon Hawkins, Ivy Neiko Ocolisan, and Lèja Reneè Stephenson to be ordained as elders in the Church of God. Pastor:

Sharon, Ivy, and Lèja, it is with God’s grace that we ordain you to the ministry of elder. You have been found to be of sound learning and Christian character, who possesses the necessary gifts and graces and believes you to be duly called to serve God in this ministry. If there is any valid reason why she should not be ordained an elder, let it now be made known.

Pastor:

We ask you, people of God, to declare your consent to the ordination of Sharon, Ivy, and Lèja. Do you trust that they are by God’s grace worthy to be ordained and confirmed?

Congregation:

Yes, Worthy! Thanks be to God!

Pastor:

Will you uphold them in the ministry?

Congregation:

We will!

The Examination:

Pastor Anita Hill

My sisters, you are to be ordained and confirmed to the ministry of an elder in the Church of Jesus Christ. All baptized Christians are called to share Christ’s ministry of love and service in the world, to the glory of God, and for the redemption of the human family. As an elder in the church, you are called to share in the ministry of Christ and the whole church: by preaching the of God and presiding at Baptisms and the Lord’s Supper; by leading the people of God in worship and prayer, and nourishing, teaching, and encouraging them from the riches of God’s grace; by exercising pastoral care and oversight, ordering the life of the congregation, counseling the troubled in spirit, and declaring the forgiveness of sin; by leading the people to God in their obedience to mission in the world, and in their concern for justice, peace, and freedom for all people; by taking a responsible place in the government of the Church and in service to the community; and by being conformed to the life of Christ, who took the form of a servant for our sake.

As an elder in the church, you are called to be a co-worker with the Apostle, local Pastor, and the other elders in the place to which you are appointed. It is your task to proclaim by word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to fashion your life in accordance with its precepts. You are to love, serve and pray for all the people among whom you work, caring alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor. Understanding the meaning of what you are called to do; practice what you profess.

Always remember that you are called to serve rather than be served, to proclaim the faith of the church and no other, and to look after the concerns of Christ above all.

So that we may know you believe yourself to be called by God and that you profess the Christian faith, and in order that your promises may the more move you to fulfill the ministry, we ask you: Pastor: Response: Pastor: Response: Pastor:

Response: Pastor: Response: Pastor:

Response: Pastor: Response: Pastor: Response: Pastor:

Do you trust in your heart that you are truly called by God to the life and work as an elder in the church?

I do so trust.

Do you believe in one God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, and do confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

I do so believe and confess.

Are you persuaded that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as given and interpreted under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, convey the Word of God, contain all things necessary for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and are the unique and authoritative standard for the Church’s faith and life?

I am so persuaded by God’s grace.

Will you be faithful in prayer, in the reading and studying of the Holy Scriptures, and in pursuing the knowledge that will make you a stronger and more effective minister of Christ?

I will, with the help of Christ.

Do you promise faithfully to fulfill the duties of your calling among the people committed to your care; to preach and teach the word of God and the faith of the church, to lead the celebration of Baptism and the Lord’s supper, to exercise pastoral care and leadership, and in the spirit of Christ to defend the Church against all doctrine contrary to God’s Word?

I do so promise, with the help of God. Will you, by precept and example, lead the people of God to participate in the life and work of the community and to seek peace, justice, and freedom for all people?

I will, with the help of God. Will you be a steadfast and prayerful disciple, in accordance with the teachings of Christ, so that your life may be fashioned by the Gospel and provide a faithful example for all God’s people?

I will, with the help of God. Will you be loyal to the church, accepting its order, doctrine, and discipline, and submitting, as sons and a daughter in the Gospel, to those who are appointed to serve over you so that the church may more and more realize the will of God in Christ for this world?

Response:

I will, with the help of God.

Pastor:

As ambassadors of Christ, will you, with the help of the Holy Spirit, continually rekindle the gift of God that is in you to make known to all people the Gospel of the grace of God? I will, with the Spirit’s help.

Response: Pastor:

Response:

May the One who has given you the will to do these things give you the grace to perform them, that the work which God has begun in you may be brought to fulfillment. Faithful is God, who calls you and who will not fail you.

Amen

The Laying on of Hands and Prayer of Ordination The candidates will now turn and kneel before the Apostle and Pastor to be anointed with oil, at which time the saints are singing worship songs as led by the praise team.

Pastor:

Lord, make Sharon, Ivy, and Lèja elders in the Church of Jesus Christ. (prayers are now offered)

The new elders are now vested (Collars) according to the order of elders and receive their credentials.

The Pastor Presents the New Elders to the Congregation

THE EUCHARIST THE LORD’S PRAYER

Bishop J.L Morning Someone Cares Deliverance Ministry

THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROSPER

Reverend Dr. Shane Hilliard St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem

INTRODUCTION OF HOMILIST

Apostle Kendra R. Manigault

THE SERMONIC SELECTION

Elder-Designate Alyse Gamble Life Chapel

THE RHEMA CHARGE

Apostle Nadine Forrest Bringing Back Pentecostal Outreach Ministry Inc.

THE CALL TO COMMITMENT

Chief Apostle Ira Davison NY Deliverance Gospel Temple Inc.

THE FINAL OBSERVATIONS

Deaconess Simone Johnson Greater Fellowship Church

THE BENEDICTION AND RECESSIONAL

THANKS TO Pastor A’Kim Beechman Host Pastor Apostle Nadine Forrest, The Homilist Pastor Reginald King Chief Adjutant Lector Elder Henry Wilson Pastor Anitera R. Newell Lady Dr. Faith Davison Pastor S’ken Evans Pastor Sabrina Fulcher AP Trina Lightner Chief Apostle Ira Davison Overseer Michael J. Battle Elect -Lady Nicole Battle Bishop J.L Morning The Psalmist Minister Alia Akili Davis Elder-Designate Alyse Gamble Musicians - Organist, Pianist, and Drummer _______________ The Doorkeepers of Kingdom Ambassador Global Ministries Sister Cherry Pelzer Music by Eddie Long Audio and Media Engineers Family, Friends, and Coworkers Who Traveled Near and Far! And to All that Made This Worship Experience Memorable and Manageable