Minister's Handbook (PDF Download)
- A collection of creative wedding ceremonies and helps to guide a pastor in making the wedding service a worshipful experience. About the Author Jim Henry, native of Nashville, Tennessee, is a graduate of Georgetown College in Kentucky and earned his B.D., M. Degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
- This item: The Pastor's Wedding Manual by Jim Henry Hardcover $13.70 Only 3 left in stock - order soon. Sold by Lower-Christian-Prices and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
It is our prayer that this Manual will make a lasting contribution toward the building in this world of Christ's 'Kingdom of love,' by enriching the program of his Church as it ministers to men and women of all races, classes and cultures the world around. PATTERSON, Presiding Bishop 1968-1989. The Pastor’s Wedding Manual is a collection of creative wedding ceremonies to help guide the pastor in making the wedding service a worshipful experience.
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The Seventh-day Adventist Minister's Handbook (revised in 2009) provides a wealth of information on the role of the minister in the church organization.
Short excerpt from the book:
'A call to the gospel ministry is a uniquely personal call. It must come only from Christ. It includes three distinct spiritual qualifications.
A Personal Call From Christ
Ministry a privilege. Preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ is the highest privilege and the most fascinating adventure ever given to human kind. 'The greatest work, the noblest effort, in which men can engage is to point sinners to the Lamb of God. True ministers are colaborers with the Lord in the accomplishment of His purposes' (Gospel Workers, p. 18). Henry Ward Beecher said it well: 'Working for men! There is nothing so congenial. It is the only business on earth that I know of, excepting the mother's business that is clean all the way through; because it is using superior faculties, superior knowledge, not to take advantage of men, but to lift them up and cleanse them, to mould them, to fashion them, to give them life, that you may present them before God' (Lectures on Preaching, p. 48).
Ministry a privilege. Preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ is the highest privilege and the most fascinating adventure ever given to human kind. 'The greatest work, the noblest effort, in which men can engage is to point sinners to the Lamb of God. True ministers are colaborers with the Lord in the accomplishment of His purposes' (Gospel Workers, p. 18). Henry Ward Beecher said it well: 'Working for men! There is nothing so congenial. It is the only business on earth that I know of, excepting the mother's business that is clean all the way through; because it is using superior faculties, superior knowledge, not to take advantage of men, but to lift them up and cleanse them, to mould them, to fashion them, to give them life, that you may present them before God' (Lectures on Preaching, p. 48).
Ministry a divine appointment. 'God has a church, and she has a divinely appointed ministry' (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 52). You may choose a profession but the ministry cannot be invaded that way, for the ministry is more than a profession; it is a calling. 'And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was' (Heb. 5:4).
The true minister for God is not self-called. As with the apostle Paul, the initiative is not the individual's, but the Lord's. Paul did not choose; God chose. Paul's choice was whether or not to respond to God's choice. His testimony: 'He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry' (1 Tim. 1:12). (See also Isa. 6 and Jeer. 1.)
A call to the gospel ministry is a call to be not a sociologist or a public performer, but an ambassador for Christ A call to anything less is not a call to the ministry. This call demands a full-time, life-consuming devotion.
Question your call unless you feel that in any other work, no matter how large the salary, the job would seem too small. As Martin Luther counseled: 'Lest thou art called, avoid preaching as thou wouldst hell.' Christ has a work for you, a plan for your life. If you're in the wrong place, not only will you fill it poorly, but the right place is empty
The true minister for God is not self-called. As with the apostle Paul, the initiative is not the individual's, but the Lord's. Paul did not choose; God chose. Paul's choice was whether or not to respond to God's choice. His testimony: 'He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry' (1 Tim. 1:12). (See also Isa. 6 and Jeer. 1.)
A call to the gospel ministry is a call to be not a sociologist or a public performer, but an ambassador for Christ A call to anything less is not a call to the ministry. This call demands a full-time, life-consuming devotion.
Question your call unless you feel that in any other work, no matter how large the salary, the job would seem too small. As Martin Luther counseled: 'Lest thou art called, avoid preaching as thou wouldst hell.' Christ has a work for you, a plan for your life. If you're in the wrong place, not only will you fill it poorly, but the right place is empty
A Personal Relationship With Christ
Jesus 'called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him' (Mark 3:13). Christ called they came. The early apostles were successful in inviting others to come to Christ, because they themselves had already come. You cannot bring until you have been brought. To give others what you yourself do not have is an impossible and frustrating task. And after the disciples came, they spent the next three years in an intimate, everyday relationship with Christ. Only then were they prepared to minister successfully.
Saul saw a vision of Christ on the Damascus road and it caused him to ask, 'Lord, what do You want me to do?' (Acts 9:6). He was ready for ministry only after catching a vision of Christ. Young ministers sometimes seem to catch a vision of themselves: as sanctified divines, as powerful preachers, as leaders of adoring congregations. Stay away from the ministry unless you catch a vision of Christ. Your power in appealing to human hearts will be in proportion to your fellowship with Him.'
Jesus 'called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him' (Mark 3:13). Christ called they came. The early apostles were successful in inviting others to come to Christ, because they themselves had already come. You cannot bring until you have been brought. To give others what you yourself do not have is an impossible and frustrating task. And after the disciples came, they spent the next three years in an intimate, everyday relationship with Christ. Only then were they prepared to minister successfully.
Saul saw a vision of Christ on the Damascus road and it caused him to ask, 'Lord, what do You want me to do?' (Acts 9:6). He was ready for ministry only after catching a vision of Christ. Young ministers sometimes seem to catch a vision of themselves: as sanctified divines, as powerful preachers, as leaders of adoring congregations. Stay away from the ministry unless you catch a vision of Christ. Your power in appealing to human hearts will be in proportion to your fellowship with Him.'
This is a non-refundable electronic product that you will receive via email, no physical product will be shipped to you.
Traditional Wedding Ceremony
Prelude
(Music)
Processional
Welcome & Opening Prayer
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the presence of family and friends to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony, which is commended of St. Paul to be an honorable estate, instituted of God and therefore is not to be entered into unadvisedly or carelessly, but reverently, joyfully and in the love of God. Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined.
Presentation of the Bride
Minister says, 'Who gives this bride to this Groom in marriage?' Father says, 'I do' (He then takes the Brides right hand and places it in the groom's left hand, and retires to his place. Father sits with Mother)
Bible Principles of Marriage
Jesus Christ Reminds us, that at the beginning the Creator made us male and female , and said, For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.
God loved us, and created us to love others. Our lives find completion only as we love and are loved in return. Together, we can become what we could never be separately. Marriage is of God.
(Your Reading or from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
________ and ________ come today desiring to be united in this sacred relationship.
Minister Prayer
Minister says, 'Let us Pray.'
O' Almighty God you have created us all in the image of Love, the image of Yourself. Bless now these two who stand before you. Guide them in your wisdom, shine your light upon them, that as they journey through this life together they will walk as bearers of your Truth. Amen.
(At this point, the bride may wish to give her bouquet of flowers to her attendant or place them on the table next to her.)
Joining of Hands
Minister will say, 'Please join hands.'
Marriage Vows
Minister -- 'I ask you each now, to repeat the marriage vows.'
Groom -- I, ________ take you, ________ for my wedded wife, To love and cherish, For better or worse, for richer or poorer, In sickness and in health. From this day forward.
Bride -- I, ________ take you, ________ for my wedded husband, To love and cherish, For better or worse, for richer or poorer, In sickness and in health. From this day forward.
Blessing of the Rings
(At this point the Minister will ask that the rings be placed in his hands) or ( he will turn to where the rings have been set, placing them in his hands for Blessing)
Minister -- Bless, O Lord The Giving of these rings that they who wear them, may live in your peace and your favor all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessing in Hawaiian
Hiki ka haku ho'omaika'i ke'ia mau komo ke'la oe hau'oli mehe kou ho'ailona o aloha a la'ahia. Amene.
Blessing in English
May the Lord Bless these rings which you give to each other as your sign of Love, Devotion and ever lasting peace. Amen.
Exchange of Rings
Minister -- As you place this ring on your partner's finger I ask that you repeat these words.
Groom & Bride -- This ring is my sacred gift to you, A symbol of my Love, A sign that from this day forward and always, My Love will surround you, With this ring I thee wed.
(Music)
Closing Prayers
'Oh, eternal God Creator and preserver, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy Name; that they, living faithfully together, may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant between them as symbolized by these rings as a token and pledge, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together and live according to thy laws.' Amen.
Pronouncement
Minister -- For as much as ________ and ________ have consented together in holy matrimony and have witnessed the same before God and those present, and have pledged their faithfulness, each to the other, and have declared their love by giving and receiving Rings and by joining hands, I now, by the authority committed unto me as a minister and a priest, declare that ________ and ________ are husband and wife according to the ordinance of God, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those Whom God Has joined together, let no one put asunder.
Benediction
'May the Peace and the Unconditional Love of God surround you and remain with you now and forevermore. Amen.'
'You may seal you vows with a kiss.'
(Then the couple shall turn so as to face the guests,)
Minister says -- 'Allow me to present Mr. and Mrs. ________.'
Recessional
Wedding Officiant Manual
(Music)
37 Comments
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