An order for the commissioning of a
Church school headteacher
Celebrating the Christian ministry of
headship
Acclamation
Incumbent: There are varieties of gifts
Congregation: but the same Spirit.
Incumbent: There are varieties of service
Congregation: but the same Lord.
Incumbent: There are different kinds of working
Congregation: but the same God is at work in all.
Incumbent: There is one body, one Spirit, one hope in God’s call:
Congregation: one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
Incumbent: There is one God, Father of all, over all and in all,
Congregation: to whom Christ ascended on high.
Incumbent: Through his Spirit he gives us gifts:
Congregation: some are apostles, some are his prophets;
Incumbent: evangelists, pastors and teachers he gives us,
All together: so we can minister together to build up his body to be mature in the fullness of Christ.
Introduction
The incumbent introduces the new headteacher.
Promises
Incumbent: N, you have been appointed as the new headteacher of . . . school. You will recognize the responsibilities involved.
Education is part of the Church’s mission in sharing the good news of the gospel. It recognizes that all human experience presents opportunities for developing and deepening our love and knowledge of God and others.
As the headteacher of this Church school, you have a special responsibility to ensure that everyone in your school is valued and recognized as being a child of God, uniquely gifted by him.
You are also responsible for ensuring the school is rooted in Christian values, principles and beliefs; and that worship and religious education are central to the whole life and work of the school.
Will you commit yourself to this work?
Headteacher: I will, with the help of God.
Incumbent: (to parents) Parents, as your children’s first educators, will you commit yourselves to working in partnership with the headteacher, staff and governors of our school by supporting them as they seek to provide educational excellence, in a Christian context?
Parents: We will, with the help of God.
Incumbent: (to pupils) Children, will you promise to do your best to help your new headteacher and the staff of your school?
Children: We will, with the help of God.
Diocesan Adviser: (to school and governors) Governors, as caring employers, will you commit yourselves to supporting the headteacher, and ensuring that all pupils receive a quality Christian education?
Governors: We will, with the help of God.
Incumbent: (to school staff) Members of staff, will you commit yourself to the education and nurture of pupils in a Christian ethos, and to working with, and supporting, your new headteacher?
Staff: We will, with the help of God.
Incumbent: (turning to congregation) As members of the body of Christ in this place, you have a specific responsibility for the school which was founded by this church. Will you support the governors, headteacher, staff, pupils and parents with your prayers and active encouragement?
Congregation: We will, with the help of God.
Welcome
Incumbent: (to headteacher) N, to be appointed to the headship of a Church school, and to undertake the nurture of its pupils, is to be given a solemn trust. We pray that God will strengthen you, by his grace, faithfully to fulfil this task.
Churchwarden: On behalf of the Trustees and the local congregation we welcome you. We present you with the keys of the school as a symbol of your headship. May God bless you in all that you do.
Diocesan Director of Education: Receive this Bible to mark your new headship. It is God’s word and the foundation of true wisdom. Use it to guide and inspire you.
Intercessions
Incumbent: Lord, give to N your special gifts of love, joy, wisdom, grace and understanding that he/she may serve your children with gladness, to the honour and glory of your holy name.
Congregation: Pour out your Spirit upon us.
Incumbent: Grant to N creativity in teaching and learning; insight and understanding in management; and vision in leadership.
Congregation: Pour out your Spirit upon us.
Incumbent: May he/she lead the school in the ways of Christ through the pursuit of equality, truth, justice, love and peace.
Blessing
Incumbent: May Almighty God, who, for the salvation of the world gives to his people many gifts and ministries, to the advancement of his glory, stir up in you the gifts of his grace, and sustain each one of you in your ministry; and the blessing of God . . .
Produced by the Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education