My colleague Rachel Jackson of The Daily Record -- staff writer, religion writer and erstwhile copy editor/paginator -- has written an informative and insightful story about how ministers handle weddings and premarital counseling and a column about her family's experience with ministers who took a hard line on wedding ceremonies.
In the column, she presents a case why ministers should not take a hard line when it comes to community.
But, as one who has performed several wedding ceremonies, I arrived at the conclusion that I would not perform any and all weddings. Some couples seek you out because someone in their family a few generations ago used to attend the church. For others, you are merely a matter of convenience. For others still, they are believers who want God to bless their union.
My friend Jim Bird, who serves as a minister at Broadway Christian Church in Lexington, Ky., told me during our days at Cincinnati Christian University that he much preferred performing funeral services than wedding ceremonies and one day I would understand what he meant.
It seems like it is too easy for the minister to become just another piece of furniture during the wedding ceremony -- he needs to stand here, say these words then make the proclamation the two are now husband and wife and then get out of the way.
As was said in Rachel's news story, if a couple just wants to get married, then they can go to a judge, a mayor, a justice of the peace. If they have no intention of allowing God to be a part of their lives, then why have the ceremony in God's house.
In the Bible, God established some very hard lines (look at what happened to Aaron's sons and what happened to Ananias and Sapphira), and those who crossed them suffered the consequences.
Yet, despite all of this, God showed grace. So, how do we balance all of this? Well, each minister will find his way.
No matter what your position on ministers and weddings and premarital counseling, check out Rachel's story and column, they are definitely worth reading.
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