David Donnan

In the Global Methodist Church, elders and sometimes deacons are presented with stoles during ordination. On a following Sunday, the local church may present the preacher with more stoles for the other seasons of the church year. 

Below is a liturgy I wrote to be used for such an occasion for a church member to present stoles to the pastor on behalf of the church. This is not an official Global Methodist liturgy. You are free to use and adapt this as you see fit. Attribution is appreciated.

Since my church had multiple services I was given different stoles in each service. All stoles may be presented at one service.

Appropriate prayers are encouraged to be prayed following the presentation.

Liturgy for Stoles

Hello, my name is ________ . Today it is my joy to present to Pastor ______ this (or these) stole(s) in recognition of his/her ordination by Bishop _______ recently at ________ (location of ordination).

Ordination is “the action by which the church sets apart those who have been so elected to a particular order of ministry for the good of the whole church.”¹

Pastor _______ is now an ordained elder/deacon as of ______ (date of ordination).

To be read for presentation to deacon:

• “Deacons are to witness to the Word in their words and actions, and to embody and lead the community’s service in the world for the sake of enacting God’s compassion and justice. Within and beyond a local church, deacons may, among other ministries, lead in worship, preach and teach, conduct marriages, bury the dead, care for the sick and needy, and interpret the needs of the world to the church.”¹

To be read for presentation to elder:

• “Those called to the ministry of elder bear authority and responsibility to proclaim God’s Word fearlessly, to teach God’s people faithfully, to administer the sacraments, and to order the life of the church so that it may be both faithful and fruitful”¹

Pastors wear vestments called stoles to signify they are part of the ordained clergy.

Pastor ______ was presented a red stole at his/her ordination. It is my joy to present to him/her this/these ________ stole(s) on behalf of the church to celebrate his/her ordination.

• The white stole is worn during high holy days such as Easter, Christmas, weddings, and funerals.
• The green stole is worn during a season of church life between Pentecost and Advent. During this time the church focuses on Jesus’ teaching and healing ministry. 
• The purple stole is worn during the seasons of Advent and Lent. These seasons are key in reminding us of the importance of understanding who Christ is through his incarnation and His journey to the cross.

Pastor _______ , thank you for responding to God’s call. May the Lord bless your new season of ordained ministry.

Sources

¹ Quotes are from page 51 of the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Disciplines of the Global Methodist Church.

Thanks to Rev. Jack Varnell for looking over an early draft.

Resources

For a printable pdf click here.

For a word document of this liturgy click here.

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