(Re)commissioning Service and Farewell

Elders laying of hands

We had our (re)commissioning service and farewell last Sunday. It was a miserable weekend weather wise so we were even more thankful to those who braved the weather to attend. Unlike previous commissioning services, we left much of the details of the service to one of the elders at our supporting Church and only had to chose the songs. It took much of the burden off organising our commissioning service which we were very thankful for. We were very encouraged by the service and we hope that those who attended we mutually encouraged.

One was the thoughts which popped into my mind leading up to the service was “Why do we bother having a (re)commissioning service?” Weren’t we commissioned 7 years ago when we first left? Isn’t that enough?

When we first arrived back in Australia 11 months ago, we weren’t sure when we would be able to get back to Thailand. We had plane tickets booked to return in 7 months. But when we arrived we were not in a state to be able to return and we didn’t know how long it would take before we would be ready.

By God’s grace he brought us to a point where we felt that God wanted us back in Thailand and we felt able to return. It took a little longer than first thought and he has lead us to a new ministry direction. So I came to the conclusion that in this case, a recommissioning was appropriate. It is similar to when ministers move to a new church they have a new commissioning service.

When we come back to Australia in 2 years time as planned and only stay for 2-3 months, then I’m not sure whether a commissioning service would be necessary, especially if we are going back to the same ministry. I guess opinions would differ in this case as I know that other people do have (re)commissioning services in situations like this.