06/02/2026
Some have asked for the transcript of the installation/ ordination of Pastor Bryan Cerrone. Below is the full transcript. To God be the glory.
Ordination and Installation of an Elder-Pastor
Beloved of the Lord, we gather today in the presence of God and this congregation to recognize and set apart our brother to the office of elder, and to the pastoral ministry among this church.Christ Jesus, the alone Head and King of His Church, has appointed officers for the gathering, edification, and orderly government of His people.
According to the Holy Scriptures, these officers are elders and deacons.
Elders are called by the Holy Spirit, recognized by the church, and entrusted with the oversight of the flock of God.
The duty of elders is to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word, to watch over the souls of God’s people, to preserve sound doctrine,to exercise discipline faithfully, and to promote the peace, purity, and good
order of Christ’s church. They are to shepherd the flock not as lords over God’s heritage, but as examples to the flock, knowing that they must one day give account to the Chief Shepherd.
The Second London Baptist Confession teaches that the way appointed byChrist for calling a man to the office of elder is that he be chosen by the
church and solemnly set apart by prayer. It further reminds us that pastorsare to labor constantly in the ministry of the Word and prayer, watching for
the souls committed to their care.
Having sought the mind of Christ, the members of this church, together withits elders, now testify that they have unanimously called this brother to
serve as an elder and as pastor among them, according to the order established in our constitution. For the Pastor is the lead Elder.
Brother, I now ask you these questions before God and this congregation:
● Do you receive the Holy Scriptures as the only sufficient, certain, and
infallible rule of faith and practice?
● Do you sincerely own the doctrine contained in the 1689 Baptist
Confession as agreeable to the Scriptures?
● Will you maintain and defend the truth of the gospel?
● Will you labor diligently in the ministry of the Word and prayer?
● Will you watch over this flock as one who must give account to
Christ?
● Will you preserve the purity of worship and doctrine and exercise youroffice faithfully?
Charge to the Minister
Hear the charge of the Apostle Paul:
“Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2)
Brother, preach Christ plainly and faithfully. Guard the doctrine entrusted to you. Preserve the gospel in its purity. Shepherd the flock with tenderness
and patience. Fear Christ above men. Endure hardship as a faithful servant of the Lord, and finish your course with joy.
Charge to the Congregation
Church, remember that Christ has given pastors and teachers for the building up of His people. Receive the Word of God with meekness and
seriousness. Esteem your pastor highly in love for his work’s sake. Pray continually for him, encourage him in his labor, and submit to biblical
oversight as he follows Christ according to the Scriptures.
Remember the exhortation of Hebrews 13:
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”
Therefore, church, be diligent to receive the Word, pray for your pastor, support him in his labor, and walk together in peace and faithfulness for the
glory of Christ.
We now proceed to the laying on of hands and prayer, commending our brother to the grace of God and to the ministry to which Christ has called
him.
Ordination Prayer with Laying on of Hands
The elders and any invited Elders and Pastors will gather around him andplace one or both hands
The prayer should praise God for the gift of Elder / Pastor
Thanksgiving for Christ’s government of His church
Acknowledging Christ as the only Head and King, who gives officers for
the gathering and edification of His people.
Recognition of Christ’s providential calling of this man
Thanking God for conversion, preservation, gifting, preparation, and the
church’s discernment.
Petition for the fullness of the Spirit’s aid:
In wisdom in doctrine
In fidelity in preaching
In courage against error
In tenderness toward weak sheep
patience in trial
In humility amid usefulness
In holiness in private life
In steadfastness unto death
Pray for preservation of the gospel - That he would neither corrupt nor
dilute the apostolic faith, but hand it down unaltered to the next generation.
Pray for fruitfulness - That sinners would be converted, saints matured,
discipline exercised faithfully, and Christ glorified through his ministry.
Prayer for his household - That his family would adorn the gospel and be
sustained under the peculiar burdens of pastoral life.
Pray to commend him wholly to Christ’s keeping.
7. Declaration of Installation
Proclamation to the body:
“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the alone Head of the Church, and by the authority He has committed unto this congregation according to His Holy Word, we do publicly recognize and set apart this, our brother to the office of elder and pastor among this people, committing him to the ministry of the Word, prayer, oversight, and rule in this church, according to the rule of Christ and the order of the gospel.
The declaration establishes before God and the congregation that: this is Christ’s appointment mediated through the church
The office is real and binding.
The man is now accountable for this charge
The church is now accountable to receive his oversight.
8. Right Hand of Fellowship
All the Elders and Pastors offer him the right hand of fellowship and greet
him
