Page 56 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

56 Beginning Ministerial Internship: Student Manual

Responses to Interactive Questions

UNIT 2

Some of these responses may include information that is supplemental to the IST. These questions are intended

to produce reflective thinking beyond the course content and your responses may vary from these examples.

1 When does the Bible determine divorce to be an acceptable action?
The Bible speaks of divorce as an option when there has been marital infidelity or when an unbeliever has
chosen to abandon a believer. The Bible does not require divorce in either of these cases, and restoration should
be pursued whenever possible.
2 Describe how you would approach securing the requirement of a marriage license.
Responses may vary. However, while it is the couple’s responsibility to obtain the license, the minister should
not perform a ceremony until he or she has the license in his or her possession.
3 What three things should vows clearly communicate?
The depth or nature of the commitment; the exclusionary nature of the relationship; the duration of the
commitment
4 What does the exchange of rings symbolize about marriage?
Usually the enduring quality of gold and the eternal nature of the commitment by the ring’s circular shape. The
ring is also the outward symbol/evidence that a person is married.
5 When should someone other than the minister performing the ceremony do the premarital counseling?
When the minister feels he or she is not qualified to provide the counseling. When the minister is a relative or
friend and wants the couple to have an additional perspective.
6 Take time to visit a Christian bookstore and review the premarital counseling resources available.
There are no responses to this activity unless required by the mentor.
7 What Scriptural passages would you use in speaking to the couple concerning intimacy?
This will be a personal response, but should include Ephesians 5 and 1 Corinthians 7.

8 In what ways did Job’s three friends fail in their visit?
They sought to express answers that they did not truly possess. They failed to direct Job’s heart toward God in
a positive and trusting way.
9 What can the minister do to help the sufferer demonstrate trust in God?
He or she can encourage expressions of trust and demonstrate faith in the God who sees us in hours of sickness.

10 How is the preparation visit different from the crisis visit?
It typically lacks the same level of trauma.
11 Why might you need to focus on bringing hope?
Perhaps the sufferer is having difficulty generating that hope in his or her own heart.
12 Why will focusing on the sufferer aid the minister in avoiding the pitfalls associated with not knowing one’s
role?
Such focus will keep the minister’s energy aimed at the place where he or she is truly needed.
13 Why is listening an effective skill in hospital visitation?
Good listening will help the individual know what he or she must do and when will be the best time for action.
14 Which of the guidelines may be the most difficult for you to follow?
Personal response

15 Why do many people avoid thoughts of death?
It is a subject most do not understand and do not want to understand. It is a reality of our mortality, a fact we
prefer to ignore.