Conducting Church Ceremonies in Times of Crisis
T
T
h
h
e
e
C
C
h
h
u
u
r
r
c
c
h
h
E
E
l
l
d
d
e
e
r
r
&
&
C
C
h
h
u
u
r
r
c
c
h
h
C
C
e
e
r
r
e
e
m
m
o
o
n
n
i
i
e
e
s
s
i
i
n
n
t
t
i
i
m
m
e
e
s
s
o
o
f
f
C
C
r
r
i
i
s
s
i
i
s
s
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 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
deepe
r and
fuller
Christian experience
.”
•
Church Manual (2015), p. 73
E
l
e
c
t
e
d
a
n
d
O
r
d
i
n
a
t
i
o
n
“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.
T
h
e
C
h
u
r
c
h
E
l
d
e
r
:
E
l
e
c
t
i
o
n
a
n
d
O
r
d
i
n
a
t
i
o
n
•
“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
T
T
h
h
e
e
C
C
h
h
u
u
r
r
c
c
h
h
E
E
l
l
d
d
e
e
r
r
:
:
E
E
l
l
e
e
c
c
t
t
i
i
o
o
n
n
a
a
n
n
d
d
O
O
r
r
d
d
i
i
n
n
a
a
t
t
i
i
o
o
n
n
•
“
B
e
t
w
e
e
n
e
l
e
c
t
i
o
n
a
n
d
o
r
d
i
n
a
t
i
o
n
,
t
h
e
e
l
e
c
t
e
d
e
l
d
e
r
m
a
y
f
u
n
c
t
i
o
n
a
s
c
h
u
r
c
h
l
e
a
d
e
r
b
u
t
n
o
t
a
d
m
i
n
i
s
t
e
r
t
h
e
o
r
d
i
n
a
n
c
e
s
o
f
t
h
e
c
h
u
r
c
h
.
”
•
Church Manual (2015), p. 73
T
h
e
A
d
v
e
n
t
i
s
t
C
h
u
r
c
h
E
l
d
e
r
s
•
“
E
l
d
e
r
s
m
u
s
t
b
e
r
e
c
o
g
n
i
z
e
d
b
y
t
h
e
c
h
u
r
c
h
a
s
s
t
r
o
n
g
s
p
i
r
i
t
u
a
l
l
e
a
d
e
r
s
a
n
d
m
u
s
t
h
a
v
e
g
o
o
d
r
e
p
u
t
a
t
i
o
n
s
b
o
t
h
i
n
t
h
e
c
h
u
r
c
h
a
n
d
c
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
y
.
”
•
Church Manual (2015), p. 73
The Adventist Church Elders
•
“
I
n
t
h
e
a
b
s
e
n
c
e
o
f
a
p
a
s
t
o
r
,
e
l
d
e
r
s
a
r
e
t
h
e
s
p
i
r
i
t
u
a
l
l
e
a
d
e
r
s
o
f
t
h
e
c
h
u
r
c
h
…
”
•
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
peacemakers
and 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
B
a
p
t
i
s
m
a
l
s
e
r
v
i
c
e
•
Baptism require another person to Baptize the candidate
•
Nowhere does the New Testament
prescribe self-immersion as a form of
baptism.
B
a
p
t
i
s
m
a
l
s
e
r
v
i
c
e
•
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),
M
a
t
h
e
w
2
8
:
1
9
•
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).
C
C
h
h
i
i
l
l
d
d
D
D
e
e
d
d
i
i
c
c
a
a
t
t
i
i
o
o
n
n
•
There seems to be
There seems to be
no challenges
no challenges
regarding Child
regarding Child
dedication
dedication
C
o
m
m
u
n
i
o
n
s
e
r
v
i
c
e
•
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.
C
o
m
m
u
n
i
o
n
s
e
r
v
i
c
e
•
“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.
C
e
r
e
b
r
a
t
i
n
g
V
i
r
t
u
a
l
C
o
m
m
u
n
i
o
n
N
o
t
P
o
s
s
i
b
l
e
•
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
.
W
W
a
a
i
i
t
t
!
!
T
T
o
o
R
R
e
e
s
s
u
u
m
m
e
e
c
c
o
o
n
n
g
g
r
r
e
e
g
g
a
a
t
t
i
i
n
n
g
g
•
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.
W
e
d
d
i
n
g
s
•
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.
A
S
S
E
S
S
E
A
C
H
C
A
S
E
…
•
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
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.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
You are allowed to download the files provided on this website for personal or commercial use, subject to the condition that they are used lawfully. All files are the property of their respective owners.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
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
