ABCOPAD COMMISSION ON THE MINISTRY SAMPLE VOWS OF LICENSURE OR ORDINATION

Do you accept the faith and order of the American Baptist Churches, and promise to be loyal to this fellowship, that it may more and more be a fruitful branch of the church universal; and, while cherishing Christian love toward all faithful followers of Christ everywhere, do you engage in labor earnestly that the purity, peace and strength of this your chosen church may be increased?

I do so engage, God being my Helper.

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The Covenant and Code of Ethics For Ministerial Leaders of the American Baptist Churches

Having accepted God’s call to leadership in Christ’s Church, I covenant with God to serve Christ and the Church with, the help of the holy spirit, to deepen my obedience to the Two Great Commandments: to love the Lord our God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love my neighbor as myself.

In affirmation of this commitment, I will abide by the Code of Ethics of the Ministers Council of the American Baptist Churches and I will faithfully support its purposes and ideals. As further affirmation of my commitment, I covenant with my colleagues in ministry that we will hold one another accountable for fulfillment of all the public actions set forth in our Code of Ethics.

• I will hold in trust the traditions and practices of our American Baptist Churches; I will not accept a position in the American Baptist family unless I am in accord with those traditions and practices; nor will I use my influence to alienate my congregation/constituents or any part thereof from its relationship and support of the denomination. If my convictions change, I will resign my position.

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Suggestion Ordination Vows (and Installation also)

Minster:  Will you give attention, sympathy, and support, whenever possible to the larger fellowship of Christians beyond the American Baptist Churches/USA, recognizing that this church is a part of the whole Church of Jesus Christ in the world?

 

Candidate:  I will; and at all times I will recognize that I am a part of the fellowship of American Baptist Churches/USA which in turn shares a responsibility with other churches for the ministry and witness of the gospel.