How to Write an Ordination Invitation

An ordination ceremony is one of the most special occasions that any religious leader experiences. It is the time in a minister's life when he is set apart from other members of the congregation and is consecrated as clergy. Ordination services are performed in many religions, including various denominations of Christianity and Buddhism.

Ordination invitations should include specific information, as well as personal notes and instructions. Whether hand-written or professionally done, ordination invitations can serve as a beautiful memento for a blessed event.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. State the name of the church where the ordination is to take place at the beginning of the invitation. It could read something like this:
   
   "[name of the church]
   
   Cordially invites your presence and prayers
   
   For the Ordination to the Ministry"
   
   Note whether a full church service is to take place or if this is simply an ordination service.

2. Add in the name of the person who is to be ordained, such as:
   
   "of [candidate's full name] "
   
   Since this is a formal occasion, the participant's full name should be used.

3. State the day, date and time of the ceremony as well as the church official who is presiding over the service:
   
   "on [day, date, time]
   
   by [name of person performing the ordination service]"

4. Clearly state the location of the ordination service:
   
   "at [name of host congregation] Church
   
   of [full address]. "
   
   You should list the full address here, including the city and zip code. Guests who are traveling from out of town may need that information to enter the destination into their GPS or mapping software.

5. If a reception is to follow the ceremony, include information about it at the end of the ordination invitation, including what type of reception it will be.
   
   "A lunch reception to follow at [name of church/reception hall]."

Tips & Warnings

• For a more professional yet inexpensive choice, ordination invitations can be made from templates at your local print shop or even on your home computer.
• Have three different people read the ordination invitation before you have them printed to double check for spelling, grammar or factual mistakes.

References

• Disciples Home Missions

Resources

• The Meaning of Ordination