03. Appeal to Ministers (E)

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To Ministers:

Don't let the company con you into misrepresenting the Church by using attention?grabbing trappings or improper procedures.

Don't let them refuse the need for a prior meeting with the couple where the meaning of the Christian ceremony can be properly presented.

Don't let them take you out of your true role as a minister of the Gospel and the leader of a worship service by demanding the "conveyor belt approach" ?? a compressed time schedule with hasty intoning of a few sentences in order to prepare quickly for the next couple.

Don't let them misuse you or the name "Christian" or "chapel" by conducting a mere form without conveying the true meaning of these symbols and of the occasion.

My calling in the chapel wedding ministry:

l.  To explain thoroughly the background and meaning of the church wedding to the couple in a time of "orientation" prior to the day of the wedding.  Discussion of the vows is crucial.  (This is where the witness to the Living God takes place.  "God is the Creator of heaven and earth ?? and you.  He saw you before you were born and has a wonderful plan for your life.")

2.  To declare the Living, Creator God in the ceremony.  This declaration is the "message" part of the wedding.  "God desires to walk with us.  It is in fellowship with Him that we can know true happiness in life."  (I do not feel compelled to explain all the elements of the Gospel at this time.  I am not interested in giving advice on the marriage relationship, nor do I consider a nice "homily" on a biblical passage my central thrust.  Evangelism in Japan begins with the explanation of who God is.)

3.  To give a genuine, traditional, Christian wedding service and, thus, to help the people understand the meaning of the Christian wedding.

4.  To make the church attractive by providing a beautiful, meaningful service with solemnity and deep feeling.  (This includes careful attention to cultural appropriateness in the order of service, in language used, etc., but with true Christian content.)

5.  To truly bless the couple in the name of the living God and, through them, to bless their families and the nation of Japan.

Doyle C. Book                                   December 1997