Page 37 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

The Tasks of Ministry 37

of all involved. To the couple the minister may be viewed as simply the authority
figure who will pronounce them husband and wife. However, it is at this point
that the deeper role of the minister begins.
During the first meeting with the couple, the minister can establish his or her
commitment as counselor. The minister who sees this role as aiding the marriage,
rather than merely performing a ceremony, opens the door for long-term
relationship with the couple.
It is primarily the minister’s responsibility to offer biblical counsel and
provide God’s guidance as the marriage is established. A couple should
understand that just as they do not enter this contract lightly, neither does the
minister take the responsibility lightly.

The Ceremony

The wedding ceremony is filled with symbolism that demonstrates the nature
of the union it solemnizes. While ceremonies take various forms and each culture
has its unique expressions, the intent is that the ceremony teach the nature of the
commitment and establish the relationship of its participants.
Required Elements
Wedding ceremonies vary significantly in content and length. Some wedding
customs provide for a day long ceremony in the most pristine surroundings while
others can be accomplished in a matter of minutes, in a setting as simple as the
minister’s office. Regardless of the setting or the grandeur of the event, there are
a few essential elements.
2 Describe how you would First, the couple must obtain a marriage license. Typically, the courthouse
approach securing the of the county where the wedding will be performed will provide the necessary
requirement of a marriage documentation. (Usually the minister must have registered in this county prior to
license.
the performance of the current wedding.) It is most important to understand that
failure to obtain a marriage license prior to the ceremony can compromise the
minister’s relationship with those who have issued his or her license; therefore,
it is best that the couple deliver the license to the minister prior to the ceremony.
The minister will need to complete certain portions of the document before filing
it with the state.
Once the state guidelines are met, the required elements for the actual
wedding ceremony are few: a declaration of intent and a pronouncement of
marriage. The declaration of intent is the bride and groom’s affirmation of the
marriage commitment. It is their response to some form of the question (for the
man), “Do you take (woman’s name) to be your lawfully-wedded wife?” Whether
the groom says “I do” or “I will” is up to him, but he must make some affirming
statement. This is his declaration of intent. The same question is addressed to
the intended bride and she must give her statement of affirmation. Again, this
is her declaration of intent. The couple may include many other symbols and
vows that extend their affirmation of commitment to the union, but the minimum
requirement is the declaration.
The pronouncement is the moment in the ceremony where the minister
announces that the two are now husband and wife. Most often, the
pronouncement will come near the end of the ceremony. However, it must always
come after the declaration of intent. The minister should also plan for a time
at the beginning of the ceremony to pray, inviting all to acknowledge God’s
presence. After the pronouncement, the minister should lead the assembly in
prayer again, asking for God’s blessing upon the new union.