Conducting Church Ceremonies in Times of Crisis
The world is facing unprecedented challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic, but the call to worship God remains steadfast. This article discusses how Adventist Church ceremonies such as baptism, child dedication, communion, and weddings can be conducted in times of crisis, emphasizing the crucial role of church elders as spiritual leaders. The process of election and ordination of elders is also outlined, highlighting the importance of preparation and authorization before assuming leadership responsibilities.
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The Church Elder & Church The Church Elder & Church Ceremonies in times of Crisis Ceremonies in times of Crisis By Passmore N Mulambo SID Ministerial Association Secretary
Church Ceremonies in Times of Crisis The world has experience what it has never gone through in the recent past. Covid-19 has challenged the entire globe; Yet we must continue Worshiping our God. Covid-19, or no Covid-19 pandemic we shall continue worshipping our God.
The BIG QUESTION.? HOW DO WE CONDUCT CHURCH CEREMONIES IN TIMES OF CRISIS??
Some Adventist Church Ceremonies 1. Baptismal Service 2. Child Dedication 2. Communion Service 3. Wedding Ceremonies
The Adventist Church Elders The elders are religious leaders of the church In the absence of a pastor, elders are the spiritual leaders of the church and by precept and example must seek to lead the church into a deeper and fuller Christian experience. Church Manual (2015), p. 73
Elected and Ordination Elected and Ordination Upon the election of new elders, the former elders no longer function as elders but may be elected to other church offices. Church Manual (2015), p. 73.
The Church Elder: Election and Ordination The Church Elder: Election and Ordination Election to the office of elder does not in itself qualify one as an elder. Ordination is required before an elder has authority to function. Church Manual (2015), p. 73
The Church Elder: Election and Ordination The Church Elder: Election and Ordination Between election and ordination, the elected elder may function as church leader church leader but not administer the ordinances administer the ordinances of the church. Church Manual (2015), p. 73 not
The Adventist Church Elders The Adventist Church Elders Elders must be recognized by the church as strong spiritual spiritual leaders and must have good reputations both in the church and community reputations both in the church and community. Church Manual (2015), p. 73 good
The Adventist Church Elders In the absence of a pastor In the absence of a pastor, elders are the spiritual leaders of the church Church Manual (2015), p. 73
Take great care of the flock God has given to them. Work in full harmony with the Church Pastor or District Pastor. Be ready to lead all church services. Learn to deal kindly with people, especially when they are overwhelmed with problems.
Have devotional lives that are increasing in virtue and grace. Be peacemakersand not sowers of discord. Be impartial and cordial with everyone. The world is negatively affected by issues that divide us-(Politics, Nepotism, racialism, tribalism, regionalism ) The elder has a responsibility of being responsible
Promote the giving of tithes and offerings. Be fully convinced of the value of the Spirit of Prophecy in Ellen G. White. Be vigilant to ensure the doctrinal purity of the church: To the law and to the testimony! Isaiah 8:20, NKJV
Baptismal service Baptismal service Baptism require another person to Baptize the candidate Nowhere does the New Testament prescribe self-immersion as a form of baptism.
Baptismal service Baptismal service Jesus Christ was baptized by John (Matt 3:13 17; Mark 1:9 11; Luke 3:21 23), The eunuch was baptized by Philip (Acts 8:38 40),
Mathew 28: 19 Mathew 28: 19 And Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matt 28:19).
Child Dedication Child Dedication There seems to be no challenges regarding Child dedication
Communion service Communion service Communion service was established by Christ as a holy memorial of His sacrifice and a witness to the hope of His second coming (1 Corinthians 11:24, in remembrance of me ). Affirms of our salvation and our Hope in the anticipated soon coming of our Lord.
Communion service Communion service The service of the Lord s Supper is just as holy today as it was when instituted by Jesus Christ. Jesus is still present when this sacred ordinance is celebrated. It is at these, His own appointments, that Christ meets His people, and energizes them by His presence. DA 656. 3
Therefore, In a virtual celebration, it would be much more difficult to follow the stipulation that an ordained pastor or local elder administer the emblems in the proper way.
Cerebrating Virtual Communion Not Possible Cerebrating Virtual Communion Not Possible A virtual celebration of the Lord s Supper does not seem possible, because it would not adequately reflect the sanctity and communal character of this sacred biblical ordinance, nor would it be in harmony with the Church Manual.
Wait! To Resume congregating Wait! To Resume congregating The suggestion is to wait until the church as a congregation can resume worshipping together in person. Otherwise, we risk trivializing the ordinance of communion by celebrating it in an inappropriate manner that is incompatible with biblical principles.
Weddings Weddings If the minister is invested with civil authority to perform the wedding, it must be ascertained whether a virtual wedding ceremony would be legally recognized, given the potential absence of other legal procedures that may be required. If a virtual wedding ceremony can be validated by the appropriate civil authorities, there may be reason to move forward.
ASSESS EACH CASE ASSESS EACH CASE Each case must be assessed individually, paying close attention to biblical principles, the Church Manual, pertinent legal requirements, and common sense. If, in some very exceptional circumstance, a pastor is not legally allowed to be present, then there may be justification even for a virtual wedding ceremony to be remotely conducted by the minister in the presence of witnesses. However, it should be noted that a virtual ceremony
Revival & Church Growth The disciples were focused on mission! Their central objective was soul winning They had passion for soul - winning. They were committed to evangelism. They ministered beyond cultural barriers. They spent time in prayer If the church is to experience Revival and Church Growth, Each individual member must experience personal Revival
