Dedications and Installations
Preaching
HANDBOOK FOR SPECIAL SERVICES
In considering dedication and installation services, there are several misconceptions that need to be corrected. The foremost is that there is little difference between the dedication and the installation service. The second and more dormant of the two is that these services are ceremonies with little overall effect on the congregation. All too often, these misconceptions have become truth in our churches. It may stem from the practice of emphasizing the dedicatory and installation prayers as the highlights of these services. If the prayer is the main part, then there is little difference. Another contributing factor is the general apathy of many ministers toward these services. It takes considerable time which the pastor may not have or is not willing to give.
By definition, there is a considerable difference between a dedication and an installation. Within the realm of the church, to dedicate means to set apart for a religious purpose. To install is to place a person in an office with a specific challenge to fulfill the duties to the best of his ability.
The objects receiving the action of the individual services also differ. The installation service is always for people, while the dedication service may be either for people or for inanimate objects. The installation is an inner-directed service, in that it is usually limited and specifically intended for the local congregation. Occasionally, special guests are invited to participate; however, the pastor usually wants to speak on that occasion since he knows the people, the jobs, and the task before them in their local church. The dedication service is inner- and outer-directed. It is a highlight for the congregation and friends, as well as special guests are invited to share in this marking of progress.
PURPOSE
The overall purposes of the dedication and installation services are contained in the basic definitions; however, to facilitate the development of these services and complement the overall purpose, a list of primary purposes within the major concept should be formulated. One list for dedications and one for installations is not satisfactory. A separate list of primary purposes should be developed for each type of dedication and installation. These lists may have several of the same purposes, but if they are formulated properly, there should be several different ones on each list.
The primary purposes for each type should vary according to the specific situation. If God has performed a miracle and provided for a church sanctuary to be constructed at a reduced cost within the congregation's financial abilities, then one of the purposes of the dedication might be "to acknowledge that God is still active in providing for his people." The list could also include as a primary purpose "to testify that God is still performing miracles in this age." If an installation service for Sunday School workers is planned in a church where the Sunday School has played a significant role in the church's growth, the list of primary purposes should include an emphasis on the Sunday School as an arm of evangelism. It may also include the Sunday School as the source of the church today and tomorrow. Special consideration needs to be given in the formulation of the primary purposes so they have a direct relation to the people who are participating in and attending the special service.
There are several possible purposes for dedications and installations, such as:
Dedication of a Sanctuary
1. To worship God.
2. To dedicate the sanctuary for the nurture and growth of God's children.
3. To dedicate the sanctuary for the worship of God.
4. To give God praise for allowing and making possible its construction.
5. To give the community a special invitation to become acquainted with this local church.
6. To give the community an opportunity to rejoice with the local congregation.
7. To testify to the community how God provides for his children.
8. To recognize the achievement of the local congregation.
Dedication of an Organ
1. To worship God.
2. To dedicate the organ for the worship of God.
3. To emphasize the role of music in worship.
a. Old Testament.
b. New Testament.
c. Present Time.
Dedication of Children
1. To worship God.
2. To give the parents an opportunity to publicly present their child to God for his service.
3. To emphasize the importance of the Christian family and home.
4. To remind parents of their obligation to raise and to instruct their children in the admonition of the Word of God.
5. To remind parents of their obligation to be an example of living in obedience to God's will.
Installation of Sunday School Workers
1. To worship God.
2. To emphasize the importance of children in the church.
3. To spotlight the teaching ministry.
4. To inspire workers to apply themselves to the best of their abilities.
5. To charge the workers with the grave responsibility of teaching children whose lives can still be molded.
6. To project the Sunday School as a method of outreach into the community.
This listing shows some of the possible primary purposes for each ceremony. Many others can still be added. It is important to realize that there is a limitation to the number of primary purposes which can adequately be fulfilled within one service; therefore, the pastor will need to evaluate them and choose the ones which will best meet the needs of the congregation at this particular time. lt will also allow for a greater variety when the ceremony is repeated. This is especially true in the dedication of children and installation services. For example, in one dedication for children, the emphasis may be on the importance of the Christian family. The next dedication service may then emphasize the role of the parent as an example or teacher.
Dedications and installations need to be considered as special events in the overall church program. They afford the opportunity to recognize personal and group achievements, special events, and services rendered. These occasions allow individuals and groups to stand in the limelight while appreciation is shown. The ceremonies also lend an importance to the tasks which have been finished and which still need to be accomplished. This may provide an added challenge and result in a better effort.
In considering the purposes of dedications and installations, care must be taken so that in our haste to provide beauty and challenge we do not overlook worship. The foremost purpose in every dedication and installation must be the worship of God. Without this, the ceremony becomes a meaningless ritual.
OCCASIONS
The most common dedication services are those for children and church sanctuaries. There are many other types which could become a meaningful part of the church program. A dedication service should be considered whenever there is an addition to existing church facilities such as a baptistry, educational plant, stained glass windows, chimes, or a church sign. New pews, pulpit, or other church furniture may be dedicated. In the area of music, the purchase of hymnals, instruments, or choir robes offer opportunities for a dedication service. Still other items such as communion ware, flags, pulpit Bible, and church funds may be dedicated.
There are more opportunities for installation services due to the number of church offices which annually are open for appointment or election. Installation services may be held for the leaders of ladies' auxiliaries, men's fellowships, and youth groups. Every pastor should make a special effort to have an installation service for the members of the church board and Sunday School workers. These two groups are so vital to the progress and growth of the church. The responsibilities of these areas should be emphasized and the leaders challenged accordingly. Installation services may be held when new groups or fellowships are established within the church.
An area which many denominations and individual churches neglect is the installation of a new pastor, minister of music, or youth pastor. It is in this type of service that both the minister and the congregation are reminded of their duties and responsibilities to each other. This is a great way to establish an immediate understanding and lay the foundation for a working relationship. If the installation is for a new pastor, the church board or a committee appointed by the board needs to take the initiative in order for it to be a success. When it is for an assistant, the pastor can initiate the proceedings and, if he desires, be the leader of the installation.
Good judgment must be exercised so dedication and installation services do not become trivial due to their frequency or insignificance. Yet, no opportunity which could benefit the congregation and the operation of the church should be neglected.
PREPARATIONS
Though the amount and kind of preparations are dependent upon the type of dedication or installation, there is one constant factor: advance planning. Sufficient time must be provided if a meaningful program is to be developed. Planning for a large dedication such as for a church plant should begin a minimum of three months prior to the day. Some items such as the researching and writing of a history and the scheduling of speakers may need to begin six to nine months or more in advance. The planning for smaller dedications and installation services should begin at least one month in advance. The availability of materials, such as appropriate musical selections, responsive readings, and awards, determines the exact amount of time needed for advance planning.
The pastor should initiate the planning for these special services; however, it is not necessary for him to be the chairman or leader in the planning. He should consider delegating the responsibilities to a committee and allow other competent individuals to become involved in the creation of a meaningful dedication or installation. The pastor may want to reserve a certain portion of the planning, such as the selection of guest speakers, for himself. If not, he may act as an advisor and give general guidance to the entire program. The pastor should formulate a list of primary purposes for the event and share them with the committee. They may add or subtract
from the list. Then with their purposes firmly in mind active preparation may begin.
If a large dedication is planned, it is best for the pastor to initiate the planning with the church board since they are responsible for the finances. With a list of primary purposes, the pastor should present the need for the advance planning of this event. It then becomes the prerogative of the board to act as the planning committee themselves or give general guidelines to be followed and have a separate executive committee appointed from the members of the church.
This executive committee's first action must be to establish the primary purposes that they wish to have accomplished. With these in mind, they can begin to explore the various needs. Consideration must be given to the development of a guest list, purchasing and sending of invitations, decorations, news releases, and a fellowship dinner or lunch. If the pastor does not choose to arrange for the guest speakers, special music, and preliminary services leading to the dedication, these become the committee's responsibility. This committee also must determine if a church history is to be written and published. The age of the church, availability of source materials, and the method of publishing will determine the amount of time needed for this project. The committee would also be wise to develop a proposed budget. In most cases, the church board will act as the finance committee. The purposed budget or cost estimate should be presented for their approval. If the proposed budget does not meet with the board's approval, the committee must either cut it down or begin a fund raising project.
The executive committee should not even consider doing all of the work itself. Various areas of responsibility are to be delegated to groups already in existence within the church. The fellowship dinner may be assumed by the ladies' auxiliary. The usher committee may be responsible for renting or borrowing additional seating if necessary and act as guides for tours of the facilities on the dedication day. Some responsibilities may necessitate the forming of a special committee just for that occasion. Each member of the executive committee should be assigned to lend assistance to one group or committee that is contributing to the overall effort. This enables the executive committee to have first-hand information concerning the progress and problems in each area.
The preparation for an installation service may include many of the same items, such as decorations, news releases, and a fellowship dinner. Different items, such as the purchasing of certificates of appreciation and certificates of appointment, and a brief instruction session may need to be included on the planning list. The certificates of appreciation are a special way of saying "thank you" to those who have fulfilled their duties during the past year or period of appointment. The certificates of appointment can be used to emphasize to the individuals that they have a position and are obligated to fulfill its duties. An instruction session is necessary only if there are some specific procedures to be followed which are not self explanatory or could not be given during the ceremony. Instructions concerning seating arrangements and procedures for accepting awards as well as an overview of the program can be discussed in this session.
PROGRAM
The program for a dedication or an installation needs to be worthy of the occasion. One of the great sins in the development of these programs is the inclusion of unimportant or unrelated items. To avoid this, the primary purposes should be used as guidelines for what should and should not become a part of the service. When each part of the program has a direct relationship to the purposes, there is a continuity which in turn produces a major emphasis. It is no wonder that dedications and installations are not an important part of many churches' total program. They are such a "hodge-podge" of unrelated events that little benefit is derived.
Each program is to challenge, motivate, and inspire. Dedication services for inanimate objects usually have a considerable emphasis on the past through the church history, inviting of former pastors, and the sharing of how God assisted them in their project. This is necessary, and without it the program would be incomplete; however, there must be an element of looking to the future and further accomplishments. The task of the church is not to be represented as completed.
The congregation needs to be actively included in the service and in the actual dedication or installation ceremony. Concert prayer does not meet this requirement. Responsive readings are an effective way of involving the congregation and sharing a message and a challenge. Responsive readings may be found in books of dedication programs or the pastor may want to write one for that occasion.
The basic format for each service does not vary too greatly from the dedication to the installation. Both should include Scripture, prayer, congregational singing, special musical "presentations, and a short sermon. The dedication may include a history, response from a community leader, and recognition of former pastors. The installation service may include the awarding of certificates of appreciation and appointment. Though involving many of the same basic items, it is in the choice of Scripture, songs, and challenge that they become separate services with a specific purpose to fulfill.
HELPFUL HINTS
1. Plan in advance.
2. Invite individuals whose presence will be a contribution as well as within the realm of church protocol. Grandparents and great-grandparents should be included in baby dedications. Community leaders and former pastors should be invited to church dedications.
3. Include members of the local church in the service as well as talent from other areas.
4. Design the service so it builds up to the ceremony.
5. Include the congregation in the ceremony.
6. Allow for spontaneous worship.
By definition, there is a considerable difference between a dedication and an installation. Within the realm of the church, to dedicate means to set apart for a religious purpose. To install is to place a person in an office with a specific challenge to fulfill the duties to the best of his ability.
The objects receiving the action of the individual services also differ. The installation service is always for people, while the dedication service may be either for people or for inanimate objects. The installation is an inner-directed service, in that it is usually limited and specifically intended for the local congregation. Occasionally, special guests are invited to participate; however, the pastor usually wants to speak on that occasion since he knows the people, the jobs, and the task before them in their local church. The dedication service is inner- and outer-directed. It is a highlight for the congregation and friends, as well as special guests are invited to share in this marking of progress.
PURPOSE
The overall purposes of the dedication and installation services are contained in the basic definitions; however, to facilitate the development of these services and complement the overall purpose, a list of primary purposes within the major concept should be formulated. One list for dedications and one for installations is not satisfactory. A separate list of primary purposes should be developed for each type of dedication and installation. These lists may have several of the same purposes, but if they are formulated properly, there should be several different ones on each list.
The primary purposes for each type should vary according to the specific situation. If God has performed a miracle and provided for a church sanctuary to be constructed at a reduced cost within the congregation's financial abilities, then one of the purposes of the dedication might be "to acknowledge that God is still active in providing for his people." The list could also include as a primary purpose "to testify that God is still performing miracles in this age." If an installation service for Sunday School workers is planned in a church where the Sunday School has played a significant role in the church's growth, the list of primary purposes should include an emphasis on the Sunday School as an arm of evangelism. It may also include the Sunday School as the source of the church today and tomorrow. Special consideration needs to be given in the formulation of the primary purposes so they have a direct relation to the people who are participating in and attending the special service.
There are several possible purposes for dedications and installations, such as:
Dedication of a Sanctuary
1. To worship God.
2. To dedicate the sanctuary for the nurture and growth of God's children.
3. To dedicate the sanctuary for the worship of God.
4. To give God praise for allowing and making possible its construction.
5. To give the community a special invitation to become acquainted with this local church.
6. To give the community an opportunity to rejoice with the local congregation.
7. To testify to the community how God provides for his children.
8. To recognize the achievement of the local congregation.
Dedication of an Organ
1. To worship God.
2. To dedicate the organ for the worship of God.
3. To emphasize the role of music in worship.
a. Old Testament.
b. New Testament.
c. Present Time.
Dedication of Children
1. To worship God.
2. To give the parents an opportunity to publicly present their child to God for his service.
3. To emphasize the importance of the Christian family and home.
4. To remind parents of their obligation to raise and to instruct their children in the admonition of the Word of God.
5. To remind parents of their obligation to be an example of living in obedience to God's will.
Installation of Sunday School Workers
1. To worship God.
2. To emphasize the importance of children in the church.
3. To spotlight the teaching ministry.
4. To inspire workers to apply themselves to the best of their abilities.
5. To charge the workers with the grave responsibility of teaching children whose lives can still be molded.
6. To project the Sunday School as a method of outreach into the community.
This listing shows some of the possible primary purposes for each ceremony. Many others can still be added. It is important to realize that there is a limitation to the number of primary purposes which can adequately be fulfilled within one service; therefore, the pastor will need to evaluate them and choose the ones which will best meet the needs of the congregation at this particular time. lt will also allow for a greater variety when the ceremony is repeated. This is especially true in the dedication of children and installation services. For example, in one dedication for children, the emphasis may be on the importance of the Christian family. The next dedication service may then emphasize the role of the parent as an example or teacher.
Dedications and installations need to be considered as special events in the overall church program. They afford the opportunity to recognize personal and group achievements, special events, and services rendered. These occasions allow individuals and groups to stand in the limelight while appreciation is shown. The ceremonies also lend an importance to the tasks which have been finished and which still need to be accomplished. This may provide an added challenge and result in a better effort.
In considering the purposes of dedications and installations, care must be taken so that in our haste to provide beauty and challenge we do not overlook worship. The foremost purpose in every dedication and installation must be the worship of God. Without this, the ceremony becomes a meaningless ritual.
OCCASIONS
The most common dedication services are those for children and church sanctuaries. There are many other types which could become a meaningful part of the church program. A dedication service should be considered whenever there is an addition to existing church facilities such as a baptistry, educational plant, stained glass windows, chimes, or a church sign. New pews, pulpit, or other church furniture may be dedicated. In the area of music, the purchase of hymnals, instruments, or choir robes offer opportunities for a dedication service. Still other items such as communion ware, flags, pulpit Bible, and church funds may be dedicated.
There are more opportunities for installation services due to the number of church offices which annually are open for appointment or election. Installation services may be held for the leaders of ladies' auxiliaries, men's fellowships, and youth groups. Every pastor should make a special effort to have an installation service for the members of the church board and Sunday School workers. These two groups are so vital to the progress and growth of the church. The responsibilities of these areas should be emphasized and the leaders challenged accordingly. Installation services may be held when new groups or fellowships are established within the church.
An area which many denominations and individual churches neglect is the installation of a new pastor, minister of music, or youth pastor. It is in this type of service that both the minister and the congregation are reminded of their duties and responsibilities to each other. This is a great way to establish an immediate understanding and lay the foundation for a working relationship. If the installation is for a new pastor, the church board or a committee appointed by the board needs to take the initiative in order for it to be a success. When it is for an assistant, the pastor can initiate the proceedings and, if he desires, be the leader of the installation.
Good judgment must be exercised so dedication and installation services do not become trivial due to their frequency or insignificance. Yet, no opportunity which could benefit the congregation and the operation of the church should be neglected.
PREPARATIONS
Though the amount and kind of preparations are dependent upon the type of dedication or installation, there is one constant factor: advance planning. Sufficient time must be provided if a meaningful program is to be developed. Planning for a large dedication such as for a church plant should begin a minimum of three months prior to the day. Some items such as the researching and writing of a history and the scheduling of speakers may need to begin six to nine months or more in advance. The planning for smaller dedications and installation services should begin at least one month in advance. The availability of materials, such as appropriate musical selections, responsive readings, and awards, determines the exact amount of time needed for advance planning.
The pastor should initiate the planning for these special services; however, it is not necessary for him to be the chairman or leader in the planning. He should consider delegating the responsibilities to a committee and allow other competent individuals to become involved in the creation of a meaningful dedication or installation. The pastor may want to reserve a certain portion of the planning, such as the selection of guest speakers, for himself. If not, he may act as an advisor and give general guidance to the entire program. The pastor should formulate a list of primary purposes for the event and share them with the committee. They may add or subtract
from the list. Then with their purposes firmly in mind active preparation may begin.
If a large dedication is planned, it is best for the pastor to initiate the planning with the church board since they are responsible for the finances. With a list of primary purposes, the pastor should present the need for the advance planning of this event. It then becomes the prerogative of the board to act as the planning committee themselves or give general guidelines to be followed and have a separate executive committee appointed from the members of the church.
This executive committee's first action must be to establish the primary purposes that they wish to have accomplished. With these in mind, they can begin to explore the various needs. Consideration must be given to the development of a guest list, purchasing and sending of invitations, decorations, news releases, and a fellowship dinner or lunch. If the pastor does not choose to arrange for the guest speakers, special music, and preliminary services leading to the dedication, these become the committee's responsibility. This committee also must determine if a church history is to be written and published. The age of the church, availability of source materials, and the method of publishing will determine the amount of time needed for this project. The committee would also be wise to develop a proposed budget. In most cases, the church board will act as the finance committee. The purposed budget or cost estimate should be presented for their approval. If the proposed budget does not meet with the board's approval, the committee must either cut it down or begin a fund raising project.
The executive committee should not even consider doing all of the work itself. Various areas of responsibility are to be delegated to groups already in existence within the church. The fellowship dinner may be assumed by the ladies' auxiliary. The usher committee may be responsible for renting or borrowing additional seating if necessary and act as guides for tours of the facilities on the dedication day. Some responsibilities may necessitate the forming of a special committee just for that occasion. Each member of the executive committee should be assigned to lend assistance to one group or committee that is contributing to the overall effort. This enables the executive committee to have first-hand information concerning the progress and problems in each area.
The preparation for an installation service may include many of the same items, such as decorations, news releases, and a fellowship dinner. Different items, such as the purchasing of certificates of appreciation and certificates of appointment, and a brief instruction session may need to be included on the planning list. The certificates of appreciation are a special way of saying "thank you" to those who have fulfilled their duties during the past year or period of appointment. The certificates of appointment can be used to emphasize to the individuals that they have a position and are obligated to fulfill its duties. An instruction session is necessary only if there are some specific procedures to be followed which are not self explanatory or could not be given during the ceremony. Instructions concerning seating arrangements and procedures for accepting awards as well as an overview of the program can be discussed in this session.
PROGRAM
The program for a dedication or an installation needs to be worthy of the occasion. One of the great sins in the development of these programs is the inclusion of unimportant or unrelated items. To avoid this, the primary purposes should be used as guidelines for what should and should not become a part of the service. When each part of the program has a direct relationship to the purposes, there is a continuity which in turn produces a major emphasis. It is no wonder that dedications and installations are not an important part of many churches' total program. They are such a "hodge-podge" of unrelated events that little benefit is derived.
Each program is to challenge, motivate, and inspire. Dedication services for inanimate objects usually have a considerable emphasis on the past through the church history, inviting of former pastors, and the sharing of how God assisted them in their project. This is necessary, and without it the program would be incomplete; however, there must be an element of looking to the future and further accomplishments. The task of the church is not to be represented as completed.
The congregation needs to be actively included in the service and in the actual dedication or installation ceremony. Concert prayer does not meet this requirement. Responsive readings are an effective way of involving the congregation and sharing a message and a challenge. Responsive readings may be found in books of dedication programs or the pastor may want to write one for that occasion.
The basic format for each service does not vary too greatly from the dedication to the installation. Both should include Scripture, prayer, congregational singing, special musical "presentations, and a short sermon. The dedication may include a history, response from a community leader, and recognition of former pastors. The installation service may include the awarding of certificates of appreciation and appointment. Though involving many of the same basic items, it is in the choice of Scripture, songs, and challenge that they become separate services with a specific purpose to fulfill.
HELPFUL HINTS
1. Plan in advance.
2. Invite individuals whose presence will be a contribution as well as within the realm of church protocol. Grandparents and great-grandparents should be included in baby dedications. Community leaders and former pastors should be invited to church dedications.
3. Include members of the local church in the service as well as talent from other areas.
4. Design the service so it builds up to the ceremony.
5. Include the congregation in the ceremony.
6. Allow for spontaneous worship.
