SDM Framework — Releasing

SDM Framework — Releasing

Commissioning of Leaders

1. Definition and Essence

The Commissioning of Leaders is the formal and sacred act by which SDM releases prepared leaders into their God-ordained assignments. It is the culmination of positioning and equipping, and it represents the moment where responsibility, authority, and trust are formally transferred.

In SDM, commissioning is not symbolic alone. It is:

• Spiritual (rooted in prayer and divine authorization)
• Communal (witnessed and affirmed by the Body)
• Covenantal (sealed through vows and accountability)
• Administrative (documented and governed)
• Missional (directed toward Kingdom advancement)

Commissioning answers the question:

• Who is being sent, by whom, and with what authority?

2. Theological and Biblical Foundation

Commissioning is consistently biblical and orderly:

• Jesus commissioned the Twelve — authority preceded sending (Luke 9:1–2)
• The Seventy-Two were appointed and sent after instruction (Luke 10:1)
• Paul and Barnabas were set apart through prayer and laying on of hands (Acts 13:2–3)
• Timothy received his charge publicly through prophecy and eldership (1 Timothy 4:14)

Scripture establishes that:

• Calling is from God
• Commissioning is through spiritual authority
• Sending is public and purposeful

SDM follows this same Kingdom pattern.

3. Commissioning Process (Sequential Flow)

3.1 Gathering of the Cloud of Witnesses

Commissioning begins with a public gathering before God and His people. This cloud of witnesses includes:

• SDM leadership
• Spiritual fathers and mentors
• Fellow ministers and leaders
• Representatives of the community the leader will serve

Purpose:

• To affirm legitimacy and transparency
• To provide communal accountability
• To acknowledge that leadership is exercised before God and people

This establishes that the leader is sent, not self-appointed.

3.2 Prayer of Dedication and Laying on of Hands

The leader is consecrated through prayer. Senior leaders lay hands on the candidate, committing their:

• Life
• Calling
• Character
• Assignment

to the Lord.

This moment represents:

• Spiritual impartation
• Release of authority
• Dependence on divine grace, not human strength

It marks the spiritual activation of the commission.

3.3 Oath Taking / Covenant Commitment

The leader then makes a solemn oath before God and witnesses.

The oath typically includes commitment to:

• Faithfulness to God’s Word
• Integrity in life and leadership
• Accountability within the SDM Framework
• Faithful stewardship of the entrusted ministry
• Unity and non-competition within the Body

This oath establishes leadership as a covenantal trust, not a personal entitlement.

3.4 Presentation of Minister Commissioning Certificate

Following the oath, the leader receives a Minister Commissioning Certificate.

This certificate signifies:

• Formal authorization within SDM
• Recognition of readiness and release
• Defined scope of ministry
• Recorded governance and legitimacy

It serves both spiritual affirmation and administrative clarity.

3.5 Presentation of Minister Identification Card

The Minister Identification Card is then presented.

It represents:

• Verified ministerial identity
• Accountability and traceability
• Ethical representation of SDM
• Operational recognition in ministry contexts

This reinforces that authority is exercised responsibly and transparently.

3.6 Final Charge and Sending Forth

The commissioning concludes with a pastoral or apostolic charge, clearly stating:

• The leader’s mandate
• The boundaries of authority
• The expectation of humility, faithfulness, and fruitfulness

Prayer and blessing follow, and the leader is formally sent forth into their assignment.

This marks the transition from preparation to stewardship.

4. Outcomes of Commissioning

Through commissioning, SDM:

• Releases leaders with clarity and confidence
• Protects both leader and ministry field
• Ensures continuity without control
• Multiplies impact without fragmentation

Commissioning is not an end—it is the beginning of accountable leadership.

5. SDM Philosophy Statement

• SDM does not create leaders.
• SDM equips, positions, and commissions stewards.
• God establishes and gives increase.