Rite of Recognition
For Those Completing the Lay School of Ministry

Leader: Dear Christian friends: Baptized into the priesthood of Christ, we all are called by the Holy Spirit to offer ourselves to the God of all creation in thanksgiving for what God has done and continues to do for us. It is our privilege to affirm those who have completed their study in the Lay School of Ministry of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin and are endeavoring to carry out their vocation as Christians in the world.

Through Holy Baptism our heavenly Father set us free from sin and made us members of the priesthood we all share in Christ Jesus. Through Word and Sacrament we have been nurtured in faith, that we may proclaim the praise of God and bear his creative and redeeming Word to all the world.

A Reading from Mark 10:42‑45‑ So Jesus called his disciples and said to them, "You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Leader: You have completed the basic 2 year curriculum of the Lay School of Ministry including study of the scriptures, the confessions, and the liturgy of the church. You have also sought to understand your specific vocation as a Christian. Now, therefore, I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the Church, the faith in which we baptize.

Leader: Do you renounce all the forces of evil, the devil, and all his empty promises?

Response (LSM participants only): I do.

Leader: Do you believe in God the Father?

Response (all): I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Leader: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

Response (all): I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Leader: Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

Response (all): I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Leader: Do you now intend to live out your baptismal covenant, seeking to pattern your life and service after our Lord Jesus?

Response (LSM participants): Yes, with God's help.

Leader: Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism: To live among God's faithful people, To hear his Word and share in his supper, To proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, To serve all people, following the example of our Lord Jesus, And to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?

Response (LSM participants): Yes, with God's help.

Leader: Let us pray. Almighty God, look with favor upon these persons in their commitment to serve in Christ's name. Continue to strengthen them with your Holy Spirit. Give them courage, patience, and vision. Enable them in their callings to witness to their faith in you and communicate your love. Empower them to be ministers of your reconciliation, love, hope, and justice. Keep us all strong in our Christian vocation of witness to the world and service to others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Crosses are given to each of the participants by their instructors

Leader: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

Response: And also with you.

After the exchange of peace, the participants return to their places and the service continues with the prayers of the people.