I officiated first baptism rites to four new church members, Alex, Channel, Cathyrine and Lydia. Well, it was cool and a little bit exciting... I did not remember be crying when I was being baptize but hehehe... they were crying. Maybe God has bless and touch them through the ceremony.
It was my first experience and I praise God for such opportunity. What I was disappointed about was the photographers... they gave emphasis on those being baptize without me included in the picture. They included only my hand!!! Eh kami nga yun importante sa picture eh!!! The evidence is not on the act of baptism but the person officiating it... Sino ba yun nagbigay ng instruction sa mga photographers??? Dapat pukpukin talaga.
Then I remember the bad attitude of many Christians towards God. We give more emphasis on the blessing rather than on the blesser. We wanted blessing from God but never wanting to be with God. Same attitude di ba? Focusing on the blessing rather than on the blesser. hehehe…
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Triple Celebration
I praise God for His goodness to our church for the past 80 years. In spite of our imperfections but continues to showers His blessing to our church. All I can reflect and thank God is about how our church forefathers has been faithful with the Lord and we continue to receive such blessings and grace. It also allowed me to reflect what are we to leave behind for the next generation.
This morning celebration was already very grand. It was short but grand. Each second really counts through the help of five energetic worship coordinators that made all things possible. Our joint service was meaningful though lasted only 125 mins, it was just right; just as we planned the flow of the program. The prayer of Rev. Ong that morning was inspiring, it moved my heart to appreciate God more because of so much unsung heroes that were faithful in serving the Lord. Each part was practically WORSHIP. Though in my busy overseeing the whole program, still incredible that I was so blessed and was able to worship the Lord.
The fruit baskets were really symbolic and nice. The hymns were so spirit filling. The message was a really challenge to renew our commitment in knowing our LORD!. The prayer of the church members were heartfelt. The anthem sung by the church leaders really made the opening salvo calling the congregation to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth. Of course our liturgist Elder Steven Sy has a very good command of both English and Chinese languages that has pulled people's attention to God. I praise God for every second of the joint worship.
The afternoon service was the main course I believe, with 73 churches and para-church organizations came to celebrate with us. It was a three-in-one celbration; a thanksgiving, a reconciliation and an ordination. The thanksgiving help us pictured our heritage and learn how to appreciate them, follow the models of our church fathers. What made the whole service tick more was when the speaker ushered the direction of our church with a sad past during our 70th year and a new beginning for our 80th year. After our 70th year celebration, our church split but today we leave the past behind and reconciled our broken relationships together. United Evangelical Church of the Philippines and New Millennium Evangelical Church made a bold move to mend differences, putting the past behind and moving both churches forward. It was a very emotional moment at that time. Well, though we have differences that cause our parting ways, I believe there were still a lot of good days than bad days in the past.
Today, both church put a big period (.) in our history; we have closed a chapter of our books. The shaking of hands, hugging and tears has allowed me to see how God was gracious to both churches. I think this is even record breaking, because I have not heard of church that split, publicly reconciled. Both churches really have spiritual maturity, with the desire to honor Christ. The reconciliation was witnessed by our guests and in front of all ordained ministers. It was so good and God glorifying moment. I praise God, really praise Him.
The third part opened with the entrance of our two emeritus pastors to the sanctuary, both are very old and well. Rev. Wesley Shao 93 and Rev. Wesley Chang 94 came in at the same time, we gave them honor by recognizing their contributions to our church together with two lady pastors Pastor Ho Wee Tuan and Pastor Yap Aie Hoo. I think it was so well sequence that after recognizing the pastors, we entered the ordination ceremony. It made our ordination even more meaningful. Imagine both of our senior leaders who are well respected by the Filipino-Chinese Churches came to the scene in full robe and join the ordination. For me, it was a blessing because their presence made our ordination meaningful, especially when they handed over to us the Shepherd's Staff. I did not notice this great significance, but members told me that they were so blessed when the pictured out the most senior ordained ministers passing their baton to the youngest ordained ministers. When I was told about such insight, the more I appreciate and see the load of responsibility even heavier.
The ordination ceremony was indeed significant when each part was highlighted with its symbolic significance. I was again bless, though many still thought that I was excited but in reality I am confused. The different symbolisms of the ordination ceremony made me more undeserving and questions' myself if I am qualified to such position. Anyway, I believe God's grace I really need to move forward and continue to do His ministry for His glory.
Dinner was simple, elegant and really fellowship. At first we have problem, how many people? but at the end of the day, from 50 tables expanded to 60 to 70 and awhile ago 75 tables all in all. Many were willing to buy more tickets but we were really exhausted, the ballroom can only accommodate 60 tables max, we need to use the hallway to accommodate all the people. It was really a big celebration. God is honored.
I praise God for allowing me to be part of this wonderful church. I believe I see spring for UECP. After being frozen in the winter for almost a decade. Now, we enter spring, the long cold winter is over. I believe UECP will be very very well blessed by God in the coming years. It is now springtime, it would be exciting years ahead for us...
Praise the Lord!
This morning celebration was already very grand. It was short but grand. Each second really counts through the help of five energetic worship coordinators that made all things possible. Our joint service was meaningful though lasted only 125 mins, it was just right; just as we planned the flow of the program. The prayer of Rev. Ong that morning was inspiring, it moved my heart to appreciate God more because of so much unsung heroes that were faithful in serving the Lord. Each part was practically WORSHIP. Though in my busy overseeing the whole program, still incredible that I was so blessed and was able to worship the Lord.
The fruit baskets were really symbolic and nice. The hymns were so spirit filling. The message was a really challenge to renew our commitment in knowing our LORD!. The prayer of the church members were heartfelt. The anthem sung by the church leaders really made the opening salvo calling the congregation to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth. Of course our liturgist Elder Steven Sy has a very good command of both English and Chinese languages that has pulled people's attention to God. I praise God for every second of the joint worship.
The afternoon service was the main course I believe, with 73 churches and para-church organizations came to celebrate with us. It was a three-in-one celbration; a thanksgiving, a reconciliation and an ordination. The thanksgiving help us pictured our heritage and learn how to appreciate them, follow the models of our church fathers. What made the whole service tick more was when the speaker ushered the direction of our church with a sad past during our 70th year and a new beginning for our 80th year. After our 70th year celebration, our church split but today we leave the past behind and reconciled our broken relationships together. United Evangelical Church of the Philippines and New Millennium Evangelical Church made a bold move to mend differences, putting the past behind and moving both churches forward. It was a very emotional moment at that time. Well, though we have differences that cause our parting ways, I believe there were still a lot of good days than bad days in the past.
Today, both church put a big period (.) in our history; we have closed a chapter of our books. The shaking of hands, hugging and tears has allowed me to see how God was gracious to both churches. I think this is even record breaking, because I have not heard of church that split, publicly reconciled. Both churches really have spiritual maturity, with the desire to honor Christ. The reconciliation was witnessed by our guests and in front of all ordained ministers. It was so good and God glorifying moment. I praise God, really praise Him.
The third part opened with the entrance of our two emeritus pastors to the sanctuary, both are very old and well. Rev. Wesley Shao 93 and Rev. Wesley Chang 94 came in at the same time, we gave them honor by recognizing their contributions to our church together with two lady pastors Pastor Ho Wee Tuan and Pastor Yap Aie Hoo. I think it was so well sequence that after recognizing the pastors, we entered the ordination ceremony. It made our ordination even more meaningful. Imagine both of our senior leaders who are well respected by the Filipino-Chinese Churches came to the scene in full robe and join the ordination. For me, it was a blessing because their presence made our ordination meaningful, especially when they handed over to us the Shepherd's Staff. I did not notice this great significance, but members told me that they were so blessed when the pictured out the most senior ordained ministers passing their baton to the youngest ordained ministers. When I was told about such insight, the more I appreciate and see the load of responsibility even heavier.
The ordination ceremony was indeed significant when each part was highlighted with its symbolic significance. I was again bless, though many still thought that I was excited but in reality I am confused. The different symbolisms of the ordination ceremony made me more undeserving and questions' myself if I am qualified to such position. Anyway, I believe God's grace I really need to move forward and continue to do His ministry for His glory.
Dinner was simple, elegant and really fellowship. At first we have problem, how many people? but at the end of the day, from 50 tables expanded to 60 to 70 and awhile ago 75 tables all in all. Many were willing to buy more tickets but we were really exhausted, the ballroom can only accommodate 60 tables max, we need to use the hallway to accommodate all the people. It was really a big celebration. God is honored.
I praise God for allowing me to be part of this wonderful church. I believe I see spring for UECP. After being frozen in the winter for almost a decade. Now, we enter spring, the long cold winter is over. I believe UECP will be very very well blessed by God in the coming years. It is now springtime, it would be exciting years ahead for us...
Praise the Lord!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
A Revival - A Church that Rocks the World
Tonight is the first of the two part revival meeting entitled, "A Church That Rocks the World" by Elder Li Chien. I was spiritually nourished, if only I can listen to more message like these, if would help me a lot in my spiritual journey with God.
Tonight, focused on a passage where I did my exposition paper on Ephesians 4: 17-20. I was reminded that the letter speaks to Christians who continues to walk like a Gentile. It is true that no matter how long we have been a Christian does not say that we would walk with God smoothly. The speaker reminded that the older we get in our walk, the more we become vulnerable to become more like Gentiles as our focus misaligned with the desires of God. Just like the Pharisees who became "Pharisees" not in a day but a little by little shift on their original focus with God to focusing on themselves and the law.
The speaker shared that he needs to remind himself with this passage every time he has a new ministry to do. Yes, I believe I have to do this to myself as well. The more important to rethink how my walk with God becomes more relevant to being with God, rather than being busy with God. I am also reminded by the book I have been reading this month on "Healthy Emotional Spirituality." This book also kept on reminding about the personal transformation and the "being" rather than the "doing."
The speaker also shared that what is important is not the outward appearance which involves doing ministry or our behavior or action but rather the life with God and our heart for God. Before, he is focus on the three, but later he shared that the outward or our behavior which we usually use as gauge of our spirituality is rubbish. The most important is our life with God, then our heart for God. We need only to focus on the two.
The root of the tree is more important than its leaves. We living in a tropical weather would not understand this. But for those who lives in four seasons would understand this. The leaves are the outward appearance. If the tree during winter times, would cling on to its leaves and not let go, it will die because it has not concentrated on its roots to make it survive. Trees that are in winter places loose their leaves because the energy is all focused down below to keep itself from surviving the weather. The same is true when you plant a seedling, you cut the leaves because the most important is not how beautiful it would look but rather if it would survive. Cutting the leaves pushes the effort of the plant on its roots. And the roots is the main component for the tree to seedling to survive. The same is true with our life with God. This is the root of our being. Without the life with God, there is nothing in our outward appearance.
The trunk symbolizes our heart for the Lord. The same importance given with our life with God (roots). This two combination would enable us to bear much much good fruit in our life. As we live our life on earth, we need to keep on reminding ourselves about our life in God and our heart for God because this is the most important components of a life the rocks the world.
I praise God for tonight's meeting. It refreshes me and allowed me to see and be kept reminded that I need to focus on what is important and that involves nourishing my life with God as well as my heart for the Lord. Other than these are nothing...
Praise the Lord!!!
Tonight, focused on a passage where I did my exposition paper on Ephesians 4: 17-20. I was reminded that the letter speaks to Christians who continues to walk like a Gentile. It is true that no matter how long we have been a Christian does not say that we would walk with God smoothly. The speaker reminded that the older we get in our walk, the more we become vulnerable to become more like Gentiles as our focus misaligned with the desires of God. Just like the Pharisees who became "Pharisees" not in a day but a little by little shift on their original focus with God to focusing on themselves and the law.
The speaker shared that he needs to remind himself with this passage every time he has a new ministry to do. Yes, I believe I have to do this to myself as well. The more important to rethink how my walk with God becomes more relevant to being with God, rather than being busy with God. I am also reminded by the book I have been reading this month on "Healthy Emotional Spirituality." This book also kept on reminding about the personal transformation and the "being" rather than the "doing."
The speaker also shared that what is important is not the outward appearance which involves doing ministry or our behavior or action but rather the life with God and our heart for God. Before, he is focus on the three, but later he shared that the outward or our behavior which we usually use as gauge of our spirituality is rubbish. The most important is our life with God, then our heart for God. We need only to focus on the two.
The root of the tree is more important than its leaves. We living in a tropical weather would not understand this. But for those who lives in four seasons would understand this. The leaves are the outward appearance. If the tree during winter times, would cling on to its leaves and not let go, it will die because it has not concentrated on its roots to make it survive. Trees that are in winter places loose their leaves because the energy is all focused down below to keep itself from surviving the weather. The same is true when you plant a seedling, you cut the leaves because the most important is not how beautiful it would look but rather if it would survive. Cutting the leaves pushes the effort of the plant on its roots. And the roots is the main component for the tree to seedling to survive. The same is true with our life with God. This is the root of our being. Without the life with God, there is nothing in our outward appearance.
The trunk symbolizes our heart for the Lord. The same importance given with our life with God (roots). This two combination would enable us to bear much much good fruit in our life. As we live our life on earth, we need to keep on reminding ourselves about our life in God and our heart for God because this is the most important components of a life the rocks the world.
I praise God for tonight's meeting. It refreshes me and allowed me to see and be kept reminded that I need to focus on what is important and that involves nourishing my life with God as well as my heart for the Lord. Other than these are nothing...
Praise the Lord!!!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Understanding Ordination
Weird but true... since I am the Program Director of the 80th Anniversary, I have no choice but to do the program of my own ordination. Weird but true, because I was also the Program Director during our church's 75th Anniversary, I was able to gain experience how to do it. This time with some coaching from Rev. Willy Cheng more meaning has been added to the ordination ceremony as compared last time and even the past ordination ceremonies of our church. I came to learn and understand what ordination is all about. Some misconceptions were changed and in the end, we realized even more that ordination is no joke or not even "just" a ceremony.
The Ordination goes like this...
Opening Remarks (Explains to the congregation the meaning and importance of ordination of ministers).
Script: Pastoral Ordination is an ecclesiastical credential. It is proffered upon an individual in public acknowledgment of what the Lord has already accomplished in calling him to the Gospel Ministry. One seeking such a congregational affirmation should be and must remain above reproach in life and character, and be sound in doctrine as well as competent in ministry skills.
Introduction of Candidate (The candidate is presented to the congregation with a recitation of key aspects of his Christian life and ministry).
Script:
Pastor Leonides T. Son was born on June 17, 1971 in Manila. He is the eldest son of Arsenio and Purita Son.
He studied in Hope Christian High School from pre-school to high school, graduating in 1988. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Accounting degree from the Philippine School of Business Administration in 1992. He worked in the corporate world for five years before heeding the call of God for fulltime ministry. He graduated with a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies from the Biblical Seminary of the Philippines in 2000. He finished his Master of Arts in Education Major in Educational Management in De La Salle University in 2006 and finished his Doctor of Philosophy in Education Major in Educational Leadership and Management in 2008 at the same school.
Pastor Leo was an active youth leader in UECP before entering the seminary. Since 2000, he has served as a fulltime pastor at UECP. He held various positions, including Chief Youth Pastor, Head of General Service Department, Head of Nurture and Training Department, Program Director of the 75th and 80th Anniversary Celebrations, organizer and adviser of various ministries.
He is also an active member of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines serving as Assistant Leader Trainer with CMT, training adult leaders. He is currently on his 3rd term as First Vice Chairman of Manila Council, BSP.
Pastor Leo Jaime T. Son was born in Manila on April 2, 1975 and is younger brother to Pastor Leonides and the youngest of three siblings. He graduated from Hope Christian High School in 1992 and finished his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the Mapua Institute of Technology in 1997.
His earliest involvement in UECP was with the Children’s Choir and Sunday school. Since his early teens, he served in the youth ministry in various capacities. His involvement with Campus Crusade for Christ in college further developed his passion for evangelism and discipleship. After graduation, he worked in the world of sales and marketing for some years.
After 8 years of waiting for God’s timing, Pastor LJ went to Singapore Bible College for his theological training. He graduated with a Masters of Divinity in Biblical Studies in 2003 and Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling in 2004. He has been married to Nancy for 7 years now and they are blessed with a son, Nigel, who is now 10 months old. For the past five years, Pastor LJ has been serving at UECP as youth pastor, reaching, discipling and equipping youth and young professionals alike to make disciples. He looks forward to involve you in partnering with him to fulfill the Great Commission for the glory of God.
Narration of Events (A telling of the sequence of events including the Consistorial recommendation, pastoral examination and final endorsement).
Script: In June 1, 2009, the UECP Board of Elders formally endorsed Pastor Leonides T. Son and Pastor Leo Jaime T. Son for ordination. This was affirmed by the UECP Consistory on June 5, 2009. Subsequently, an ordaining council composed of seven ordained ministers was organized. The candidates were interviewed on their doctrinal beliefs, pastoral experiences and personal life conditions on June 18 and 20, 2009.
Endorsement of Ordination (A public endorsement of the candidate for Pastoral Ordination is given which affirms his fitness and willingness for the profferment).
Script: Upon the recommendation of the leadership of UECP and after a thorough examination by the ordaining council, both candidates meet the standards for ordination. Therefore, we endorse Pastor Leonides T. Son and Pastor Leo Jaime T. Son to be ordained.
Doctrinal Examination (The candidate is examined before the congregation with reference to his doctrinal beliefs and steadfastness).
Script:
1. Do you believe in the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and rely on Jesus Christ as your Savior and confess Him as Lord of the Church? (I believe.)
2. Do you believe that the Scripture of the Old and New Testaments are revealed by God, are the supreme standard of faith and action, including all doctrine for salvation? (I believe.)
3. Are you willing to seek the unity and fellowship of the church and uphold and keep the sacraments and ordinances of our church according to the proper interpretation of Scripture? (I am willing.)
Pastoral Promises (The candidate is asked to publicly declare his commitment to the pastoral ministry).
Script:
1. As far as you know, your own heart and conscience, do you believe your willingness to accept this office comes from a sincere desire to glorify God and to seek the growth of His church? (I so believe.)
2. As you receive this call to be a minister, is your greatest purpose and most important motive to glorify God and to spread the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ? (It is.)
3. Do you promise through God’s help to sincerely take up the responsibilities of pastor of this congregation, to joyfully seek all work that will extend God’s kingdom, and to give an example of faith and life to them? (I so promise.)
Congregational Promises (The congregation pledges their support to the future pastor, promising to be subject to his spiritual instruction and vowing to take care of his earthly needs).
Script:
Members of the United Evangelical Church of the Philippines, since you have chosen and called Pastor Leonides T. Son and Pastor Leo Jaime T. Son to be the ministers of your congregation.
1. Do you promise with humble hearts to accept the truths of the Gospel that they preach? (Congregation raises hands.)
2. Do you promise to pray for them, to encourage them in shepherding the church, and to help and follow them? (Congregation raises hands.)
3. Do you promise, in order to preserve the order and name of the church, to follow the rules of the church and to mutually forgive so as to avoid harm to the work? (Congregation raises hands.)
4. When they become your minister, will you respect their office and give them what is necessary so that their life may be without strain and that the dignity of the church may be protected? (Congregation raises hands.)
Signing of Promises (The candidate signs an agreement based on the Pastoral Promises in front of witnessing Elders attesting to his commitment to fulfill the duties and responsibilities as an ordained minister).
Ordination (The members of the Ordaining Council, being composed of ordained ministers, lay hands upon the candidate to ordain him into the pastoral ministry).
Presentation of Robe (The pastoral robe placed upon the newly-ordained symbolizes his willing assumption of the new office. It also serves to hide the human instrument, thereby highlighting his being sheltered by the grace of the Lord Christ whom he serves).
Presentation of Stole (The stole symbolizes the religious authority of this office to the ministry of the Word and to officiate religious ordinances).
Presentation of Bible and Scriptural Verse (A copy of the Bible is presented to the new minister as a symbolic gesture that his teaching is to be guided by the Word of God. A selected Bible verse(s) is read to him by way of encouragement, exhortation or reminder).
Presentation of Shepherd’s Staff (The Shepherd’s Staff handed over to the new minister represents his responsibility to guide and to protect the flock, as well as his authority to lead and to instruct them).
Presentation of Towel (The Towel of Servanthood is presented to the new minister in remembrance of the Lord Christ who washed and dried the feet of His disciples).
Presentation of Gift (The Gift represents the congregation’s pledge of steady support and provision for the life and ministry of the new minister).
Presentation of Ordination Certificate (The Ordaining Council presents the Certificate of Ordination to the new minister).
Presentation of Newly Ordained Minister (The new minister is formally presented to the congregation).
Script: In the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Church, according to the authority He has given the church, I now announce that both of you, Rev. Leonides T. Son and Rev. Leo Jaime T. Son, have been ordained as ministers by the United Evangelical Church of the Philippines to proclaim the Gospel, to celebrate the sacraments and to conduct other ordinances, to lead and serve the Church.
Prayer of Supplication (A member of the Ordaining Council prays for divine sustenance and blessings upon the newly-ordained in this new phase of his ministry as a Minister of the Gospel).
Right Hand of Fellowship (The Ordaining Council welcomes the new minister into the fellowship of ordained pastors. The new minister is ushered to take his place on the stage with other ministers).
Script: As servants of the Lord, we by this hand of fellowship welcome you into our fellowship, together doing the Lord’s work.
Pastoral Pledge (The new minister declares his commitment to the Lord, to sound teaching, to the Great Commission and to the pastoral ministry).
Ordination involves solemnity and high value because its office is affirmed and instituted by God through His selected people (Ordained Ministers). This experience of program preparation has allowed me to understand the sacredness of the office that I am about to receive. All the more, I am humbled because I am not worthy for such office but God's grace gave it to me to fulfill the Ministry of the Gospel.
For His GLORY!!!
The Ordination goes like this...
Opening Remarks (Explains to the congregation the meaning and importance of ordination of ministers).
Script: Pastoral Ordination is an ecclesiastical credential. It is proffered upon an individual in public acknowledgment of what the Lord has already accomplished in calling him to the Gospel Ministry. One seeking such a congregational affirmation should be and must remain above reproach in life and character, and be sound in doctrine as well as competent in ministry skills.
Introduction of Candidate (The candidate is presented to the congregation with a recitation of key aspects of his Christian life and ministry).
Script:
Pastor Leonides T. Son was born on June 17, 1971 in Manila. He is the eldest son of Arsenio and Purita Son.
He studied in Hope Christian High School from pre-school to high school, graduating in 1988. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Accounting degree from the Philippine School of Business Administration in 1992. He worked in the corporate world for five years before heeding the call of God for fulltime ministry. He graduated with a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies from the Biblical Seminary of the Philippines in 2000. He finished his Master of Arts in Education Major in Educational Management in De La Salle University in 2006 and finished his Doctor of Philosophy in Education Major in Educational Leadership and Management in 2008 at the same school.
Pastor Leo was an active youth leader in UECP before entering the seminary. Since 2000, he has served as a fulltime pastor at UECP. He held various positions, including Chief Youth Pastor, Head of General Service Department, Head of Nurture and Training Department, Program Director of the 75th and 80th Anniversary Celebrations, organizer and adviser of various ministries.
He is also an active member of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines serving as Assistant Leader Trainer with CMT, training adult leaders. He is currently on his 3rd term as First Vice Chairman of Manila Council, BSP.
Pastor Leo Jaime T. Son was born in Manila on April 2, 1975 and is younger brother to Pastor Leonides and the youngest of three siblings. He graduated from Hope Christian High School in 1992 and finished his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the Mapua Institute of Technology in 1997.
His earliest involvement in UECP was with the Children’s Choir and Sunday school. Since his early teens, he served in the youth ministry in various capacities. His involvement with Campus Crusade for Christ in college further developed his passion for evangelism and discipleship. After graduation, he worked in the world of sales and marketing for some years.
After 8 years of waiting for God’s timing, Pastor LJ went to Singapore Bible College for his theological training. He graduated with a Masters of Divinity in Biblical Studies in 2003 and Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling in 2004. He has been married to Nancy for 7 years now and they are blessed with a son, Nigel, who is now 10 months old. For the past five years, Pastor LJ has been serving at UECP as youth pastor, reaching, discipling and equipping youth and young professionals alike to make disciples. He looks forward to involve you in partnering with him to fulfill the Great Commission for the glory of God.
Narration of Events (A telling of the sequence of events including the Consistorial recommendation, pastoral examination and final endorsement).
Script: In June 1, 2009, the UECP Board of Elders formally endorsed Pastor Leonides T. Son and Pastor Leo Jaime T. Son for ordination. This was affirmed by the UECP Consistory on June 5, 2009. Subsequently, an ordaining council composed of seven ordained ministers was organized. The candidates were interviewed on their doctrinal beliefs, pastoral experiences and personal life conditions on June 18 and 20, 2009.
Endorsement of Ordination (A public endorsement of the candidate for Pastoral Ordination is given which affirms his fitness and willingness for the profferment).
Script: Upon the recommendation of the leadership of UECP and after a thorough examination by the ordaining council, both candidates meet the standards for ordination. Therefore, we endorse Pastor Leonides T. Son and Pastor Leo Jaime T. Son to be ordained.
Doctrinal Examination (The candidate is examined before the congregation with reference to his doctrinal beliefs and steadfastness).
Script:
1. Do you believe in the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and rely on Jesus Christ as your Savior and confess Him as Lord of the Church? (I believe.)
2. Do you believe that the Scripture of the Old and New Testaments are revealed by God, are the supreme standard of faith and action, including all doctrine for salvation? (I believe.)
3. Are you willing to seek the unity and fellowship of the church and uphold and keep the sacraments and ordinances of our church according to the proper interpretation of Scripture? (I am willing.)
Pastoral Promises (The candidate is asked to publicly declare his commitment to the pastoral ministry).
Script:
1. As far as you know, your own heart and conscience, do you believe your willingness to accept this office comes from a sincere desire to glorify God and to seek the growth of His church? (I so believe.)
2. As you receive this call to be a minister, is your greatest purpose and most important motive to glorify God and to spread the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ? (It is.)
3. Do you promise through God’s help to sincerely take up the responsibilities of pastor of this congregation, to joyfully seek all work that will extend God’s kingdom, and to give an example of faith and life to them? (I so promise.)
Congregational Promises (The congregation pledges their support to the future pastor, promising to be subject to his spiritual instruction and vowing to take care of his earthly needs).
Script:
Members of the United Evangelical Church of the Philippines, since you have chosen and called Pastor Leonides T. Son and Pastor Leo Jaime T. Son to be the ministers of your congregation.
1. Do you promise with humble hearts to accept the truths of the Gospel that they preach? (Congregation raises hands.)
2. Do you promise to pray for them, to encourage them in shepherding the church, and to help and follow them? (Congregation raises hands.)
3. Do you promise, in order to preserve the order and name of the church, to follow the rules of the church and to mutually forgive so as to avoid harm to the work? (Congregation raises hands.)
4. When they become your minister, will you respect their office and give them what is necessary so that their life may be without strain and that the dignity of the church may be protected? (Congregation raises hands.)
Signing of Promises (The candidate signs an agreement based on the Pastoral Promises in front of witnessing Elders attesting to his commitment to fulfill the duties and responsibilities as an ordained minister).
Ordination (The members of the Ordaining Council, being composed of ordained ministers, lay hands upon the candidate to ordain him into the pastoral ministry).
Presentation of Robe (The pastoral robe placed upon the newly-ordained symbolizes his willing assumption of the new office. It also serves to hide the human instrument, thereby highlighting his being sheltered by the grace of the Lord Christ whom he serves).
Presentation of Stole (The stole symbolizes the religious authority of this office to the ministry of the Word and to officiate religious ordinances).
Presentation of Bible and Scriptural Verse (A copy of the Bible is presented to the new minister as a symbolic gesture that his teaching is to be guided by the Word of God. A selected Bible verse(s) is read to him by way of encouragement, exhortation or reminder).
Presentation of Shepherd’s Staff (The Shepherd’s Staff handed over to the new minister represents his responsibility to guide and to protect the flock, as well as his authority to lead and to instruct them).
Presentation of Towel (The Towel of Servanthood is presented to the new minister in remembrance of the Lord Christ who washed and dried the feet of His disciples).
Presentation of Gift (The Gift represents the congregation’s pledge of steady support and provision for the life and ministry of the new minister).
Presentation of Ordination Certificate (The Ordaining Council presents the Certificate of Ordination to the new minister).
Presentation of Newly Ordained Minister (The new minister is formally presented to the congregation).
Script: In the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Church, according to the authority He has given the church, I now announce that both of you, Rev. Leonides T. Son and Rev. Leo Jaime T. Son, have been ordained as ministers by the United Evangelical Church of the Philippines to proclaim the Gospel, to celebrate the sacraments and to conduct other ordinances, to lead and serve the Church.
Prayer of Supplication (A member of the Ordaining Council prays for divine sustenance and blessings upon the newly-ordained in this new phase of his ministry as a Minister of the Gospel).
Right Hand of Fellowship (The Ordaining Council welcomes the new minister into the fellowship of ordained pastors. The new minister is ushered to take his place on the stage with other ministers).
Script: As servants of the Lord, we by this hand of fellowship welcome you into our fellowship, together doing the Lord’s work.
Pastoral Pledge (The new minister declares his commitment to the Lord, to sound teaching, to the Great Commission and to the pastoral ministry).
Ordination involves solemnity and high value because its office is affirmed and instituted by God through His selected people (Ordained Ministers). This experience of program preparation has allowed me to understand the sacredness of the office that I am about to receive. All the more, I am humbled because I am not worthy for such office but God's grace gave it to me to fulfill the Ministry of the Gospel.
For His GLORY!!!
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