People: We serve in different ways, but under the same Spirit.

Leader: Joel announced the Spirit’s bestowal upon all God’s people.

People: The Spirit was given that we might announce God’s message to all.

Leader: We were all charged with announcing God’s gospel of salvation.

People: The same Spirit would speak through each of us today.

Leader: We are each charged with sharing Christ with the world.

People: We set Karen apart today, recognizing that she announces Christ.

Leader: Together we proclaim salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

People: We recognize the validity of Karen’s proclamation and the Spirit flowing through her.

Leader: By setting Karen apart, we are not exempt from our own service to Christ.

People: We will continue developing the gifts God has bestowed on us, allowing the Spirit to flow freely through our lives.

Leader: When the body serves as a whole, Christ is made complete.

People: We will work together with Karen and other believers to make Christ known, proclaiming the gospel throughout the world.

Scripture Reading — Rev. Ida Mae Hays

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (Pew Bible, p. 764)
Philippians 3:12-14 (Pew Bible, p. 1140)
Philippians 4:13 (Pew Bible, p. 1141)

Charge to the Church and Candidate — Rev. Ida Mae Hays

*Hymn — A Charge to Keep I Have

Prayer for Candidate — Rev. Gene Beverly

Laying on of Hands

In Baptist life, the ordination of ministers is a function of the local church, on behalf of the Church universal. It is appropriate, then, that the whole church, as well as those who have walked alongside Karen in other parts of her journey, take part in the blessing of laying on of hands.

Prayer — Rev. Ty Campbell

Presentation of Certificate of Ordination — Rev. Chris Harbin

*Hymn — Called as Partners in Christ’s Service

* Candidate’s Response — Rev. Karen Harbin

Candidate: Today you have set me apart for service in ministering the gospel of Christ Jesus by word and example. You have stated your recognition of God’s gifting me for service. You have ordained me on behalf of the church universal to be recognized by the larger body of Christ as a faithful minister and servant of God.

Congregation: We recognize God’s spirit flowing through you to make the gospel of faith known to all. We entrust you with fulfilling the calling of God upon your life.

Candidate: In the fulfilling of my calling and carrying out the ministry for which you set me apart, I will need your continued support and encouragement.

Congregation: We commit to pray for you and others who accept the challenge of serving as ministers of the gospel. We will seek to encourage you in your path of ministry, serving alongside you as we labor together in Christ’s service.

Candidate: In the course of my call to serve God, I will be tempted to please the body of Christ rather than the Lord who calls me to service. It will not be easy to serve with integrity when faithfulness makes others uncomfortable.

Congregation: We expect you to remain honest in your commitment to Christ, for it is your duty to speak His Word, rather than the message we want to hear.

Candidate: As you charge me to fulfill God’s call with integrity, I will accept no less from those before whom I minister the gospel. Together, we are the body of Christ and minister alongside each other.

Congregation: We are all charged by Christ to make known His gospel to the ends of the world.

All: We offer our lives to serve Christ Jesus, allowing His spirit of love and grace to impact the world through us.

Liturgical Movement — Ms. Rebecca Wright

“Go Light Your World”

Benediction — Rev. Karen Harbin

Postlude — Mr. Troy Mearkl

—©2007 Christopher B. Harbin