by Alison O’Hara
Sometimes some of the most difficult but rewarding times for a Pastor, happen around life changing ceremonies. With such a wide range of obstacles and necessities to consider in each ceremony, how can one be sure to cover the extras while ensuring that the essentials of the event remain intact and meaningful? Is there a way to add items that will make each ceremony unique to the individuals and meaningful to the witnesses?Two of the most difficult ceremonies to navigate through for any pastor, new or experienced, are weddings and funerals. Both are life changing, not only for the ones directly involved but also for those witnessing the ceremonies. The challenge is making each ceremony unique and meaningful.
One way to bring encouragement and individuality to the service is through media. During the wedding ceremony where there is a private communion time or signing of the registry for the couple, the pastor could suggest a nice powerpoint slide presentation for the witnesses to view that brings them into the lives of the couple. The presentation could be a celebration of their times spent together and show the couple as they mature through their lives. Likewise, for a funeral, a presentation of pictures with songs playing in the background can allow the guests to celebrate the life that was lived before them. The pictures allow those in attendance at the funeral to witness the life of a loved one through fond memories seen in images that will aid in them in the grieving process.
A contemporary Handbook for Weddings and Funerals by Aubrey Malphurs and Keith Willhite is a wonderful resource available to young and old. In this handbook the authors have compiled many ideas to aid both new and experienced pastors alike. New ministers will be able to glean the advice of experienced ministers around these ceremonies, while veteran pastors can benefit from fresh ideas taht add meaning to services that they have performed many times. This handbook covers many of the hardest situations to handle from the death of a child to performing second marriages.
Weddings and Funerals offer opportunities to share the gospel through encouragement and giving direction to individuals during times when they are more receptive. By using all mediums available as resources the minister can find new ways to deliver the wonderful message of salvation, mercy and grace that is freely given to all who seek Jesus.
Tags: funerals, loss of a loved one, planning ceremonies, PowerPoint presentations, processionals, recessionals, weddings