Covenant Treasure Institute
ORDINANCES SERIES
Foreword
It is unfortunate that down through the history of the church, certain denominations have made religious rituals out of the ordinances that Jesus ordained and sanctioned in the body of Christ. Because of this, many Spirit-filled churches give them very little, if any, place in their programs. Funerals are not exactly an ordinance, but it is a ceremony that ministry must know how to deal with and perform. I believe that weddings fall under this category of an ordinance, since they have been ordained of God.
It is understood that the ordinances of the church should not be worshipped or touted as part of God’s salvation plan. However, since Jesus admonished us to do them, they should not be neglected or tossed aside as unimportant either!
I have found, particularly with weddings, funerals and baptismal services, it is an excellent time to see people in church who otherwise would never be there. This is not to say that you must make each of these an evangelistic campaign, yet, it is worth bearing in mind. There is always an opportunity at a wedding to visit with the unsaved, and at funerals people’s hearts are tender and they seem to be more open to the things of God. A baptismal service is an excellent time to share the gospel!
We trust as you study the ordinances and realize why they were given, and what the truth is that lies behind each one, that you will be encouraged to occasions of joy and worship in the giving and receiving of communion, in dedicating children, in baptizing in water, in performing weddings and yes…even funerals.
May your knowledge be increased as you study. There is a definite blessing associated with these ordinances. Don’t miss it, and don’t allow those whom God places under you care to miss it!
In His love,
Patricia T. Smith, President
Covenant Treasure Institute
Covenant Treasure Institute
INDEX
STUDENT WORKBOOK
ORDINANCES SERIES
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lesson 1, Weddings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Review, Lesson 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lesson 2, The Funeral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Review, Lesson 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lesson 3, Communion/Baptism/Infant Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Review, Lesson 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MINISTRY LEADERSHIP
Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lesson 1, Spirit-Led Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Review, Lesson 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lesson 2, Spiritual Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Review, Lesson 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lesson 3, Ministry Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Review, Lesson 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lesson 4, Ministerial Ethics I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Review, Lesson 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lesson 5, Ministerial Ethics II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Review, Lesson 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lesson 6, Characteristics of a Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Review, Lesson 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lesson 7, Hurdles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Review, Lesson 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Material herein may not be copied or duplicated in any way without permission from Covenant Treasure Ministries, P O Box 667, Elgin, Texas 78621
Covenant Treasure Institute
ORDINANCES
LESSON 1, WEDDINGS
By Rev. Jerry Edmon
The study of weddings will be in three parts:
1. Explaining what a marriage covenant is
2. A questionnaire for pre-wedding counseling
3. The actual marriage ceremony
A COVENANT OF MARRIAGE
A covenant is the strongest bond known to man. One Hebrew word for blood covenant is “a vow or promise of self denunciation” (I will put myself down in behalf of you). It could not be broken. It is said that in ancient days, if someone broke a covenant, their kinfolk would hunt them down for three generations until they found them to destroy them. It is because they felt they cursed the ground. In this modern time, we have had no idea of the strength and commitment connected to the word “covenant.”
What do you look for in a covenant partner? In the literal sense, you would look for someone who is strong in areas in which you are weak. Your mate becomes your completion, i.e. all the things you are not, they are. All the things that they are not, you are. This is why it is so important not to try to change one another. Rather, our responsibility is to sharpen and polish them.
There are many symbolic things that we do in our marriage ceremonies. Most people don’t have a clue as to what most of them mean. I would like to go through some of the things that we do in our marriage ceremonies and explain how the traditions of the blood covenant are used in our ceremonies.
Q. Why is the white runner used in many weddings in the center isle?
A. The white runner is symbolic of Holy Ground. It suggests coming into the presence of God and
declaring the sanctity of this coming together as husband and wife.
Q. What part do the parents play?
A. Every parent has a responsibility to raise their children and be in authority over them until they
are joined to their lifetime mate. After the couple is joined, the parents leave the role of
authority and take the role of counselors. Their commitment to the ceremony is just as binding as that of the bride and groom. When the Father comes down the isle to give his daughter in marriage, he is not only declaring that he gives his full blessing on the union, but also he is transferring the responsibility of care and protection of his daughter to the groom.
Q. Why does the groom enter the auditorium before the bride?
A. This indicates that the groom is the initiator of the marriage covenant. This is symbolic of Christ who takes the greater responsibility in the relationship. As you look through the scriptures, you will find that it was God who initiated the covenant in every case.
Q. Why do the bride and groom join hands during the ceremony?
A. Throughout history, the open right hand represented the resources and strengths of that
person. By clasping hands, it represents the pledge of these resources and strengths to each other. In our country, we see how a handshake was used as the seal of a covenant or agreement, thus saying that the agreement would not be broken until the terms were satisfied.
Q. Why is there a wedding ring?
A. The ring was a symbol of authority and the possessions that go with it. In a covenant, there was always an exchange of possessions. Therefore, everyone who saw you with the possession of another person, knew you were in covenant with someone. This was very important if the enemy tried to come against you. They would know that they not only had to deal with you, but also with someone that you were in covenant with. It was a source of protection and identification.
Q. Why have a veil?
A. The veil represents the thing that separates the couple. It represents all of the things in life that would keep you apart. When the veil is removed, you will from then on have a face to face, heart to heart relationship. When the veil in the temple of God was torn in two, God was saying, now nothing will separate us any longer. I will come and make my abode in your heart.
Q. Why pronounce the couple husband and wife?
A. Upon this pronouncement, it is known to all that hear that it is done. It gives a definite point in time for the beginning of this marriage covenant. It gives validity and confirmation to all of the guests and witnesses.
Q. Why introduce the new couple by the new name?
A. In a covenant, there is not only an exchange of possessions, but also an exchange of names. You would each take on a part of each other’s name. When God made covenant with Abram, his name was changed to Abraham, and Sarai’s name was changed to Sarah. Then God was known as the “God of Abraham.” Your name declares who you are in covenant with.
Q. Why sign the wedding papers?
A. It is a public record; a public document about the covenant. It is a testimony to the public that the wedding is confirmed.
Q. Why have a guest book?
A. The people who attend the wedding are saying that they become a witness of the covenant. When they sign the book they are saying that they become witness to this event.
Q. Why do the couple feed cake to each other?
A. This represents the covenant meal. Again, an exchange. By feeding cake to each other, you are saying, “this represents my body, my substance, my strength that I give to you.
Q. Why do the couple give each other wine to drink?
A. The wine is representative of the blood covenant. The very life of each other given in the ceremony.
Q. Why do the witnesses and guests throw rice at the end of the ceremony?
A. It is the gesture that symbolizes fruitfulness. By doing this they are saying, “be fruitful in all that you do.”
MARRIAGE QUESTIONNAIRE
The questionnaire is to help the couple make some evaluations before the marriage ceremony. Let them know that as they enter into this questionnaire to try to get alone where they will have no interruptions. Take their time. Do not move on to the next question until they have answered each question to complete satisfaction. Please, do not give quick answers. Give a real legitimate response to each question. Otherwise, they will not receive the full benefit of this self-evaluation.
Getting Acquainted
Why are you getting married?
What makes you think that this is the person you are to marry?
How long have you known each other? Do you feel this is enough time to go into a marriage? Why?
What was it that you saw in each other that attracted you?
What makes you feel that you can make a lifetime commitment to each other? Did you seek counseling from someone that you respect? Describe to each other what that person told you.
On a piece of paper, describe the person that you want to marry.
Relationships
How much freedom do you give each other for outside interest?
How much time should be given to relationships outside the home?
What kind of relationship do you feel should be between you and your in-laws?
Are you a jealous person over your mate? If so, why?
Would you be willing to receive counseling for this problem?
Your Family
How many children do you want?
Explain your feeling about the discipline of your children.
What is discipline?
Have either of you ever had a problem in this area? If so, explain.
If your spouse already has children, what are your feelings about them?
Please explain your commitment to them?
What day of the week do you intend to set aside for your family?
What do you feel the role of the husband is in the family?
What do you feel the role of the wife is in the family?
Who will do the grocery shopping?
Who will do the Christmas and birthday shopping?
Whose responsibility is it to clean the house?
Whose responsibility is it to take care of the yard?
Whose responsibility is it to prepare the meals?
Do you feel that you are selfish? Try to explain why.
Do you feel that you have been completely honest in your relationship so far?
Describe your relationship with your future in-laws.
What could you do to make your relationship with your in-laws better?
What is it about your in-laws that you like the most?
Your God
Are you committed to a home church? If not, why not?
What are your feelings about commitment to church, to God and to prayer?
Do you pray on a regular basis? If not, why not?
Do you pray together? If not, why not?
Do you read the bible on a regular basis? If not, why not?
Did you ask God if this marriage was His will?
What part will God play in your marriage?
Do you feel that your mate is called to some form of ministry now or will be at some point in the future? If so, how do you feel about that?
Do you intend to raise your family up in church?
If your mate comes from a different religious background, who’s faith will you follow?
Sex
What are your convictions about sex before marriage?
Explain your sexual responsibility to your mate.
Do you have any phobias or fears about sex?
Are you willing to receive counseling in this area if needed?
How important is physical appearance to you?
Describe what you desire to see in the appearance of your mate.
Your Money
Will both of you work? If so, why?
Are you both willing to work if you need to?
If you have money in the bank, or cash on hand, whose money is it?
Which of you will handle the financial records?
Do you have a budget? If not, will you try to work one up before you get married?
Are you willing to receive financial counseling?
Please explain your view on giving. Are you a tither? If not, why not?
How do you feel about giving over and above your tithe?
Your Future
On a piece of paper, write down your six-month goals. What do you hope to accomplish in your first six months of marriage? File this paper away where you can occasionally get it out and look at it together.
Write down your one-year goals.
Write down your five-year goals.
Write down your ten-year goals.
Write down your twenty-year goals.
Write down your fifty-year goals.
Write down your seventy-five year goals.
Commitments
What are you willing to do to make this marriage a success?
Can your marriage survive:
1. Financial difficulties 2. Sexual difficulties
3. Sickness 4. Disagreements
5. Two careers 6. Disappointments
Are you willing to accept your mate just as they are, or do you feel that they need to change in some area?
If you could change something about your mate, what would it be?
If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?
Turn and look at each other right now and tell what you are committed to do in this relationship.
Communication
What is communication?
Do you make decisions together about the following?
1. Bills 2. Groceries 3. Discipline
4. Purchases 5. Investments 6. Hobbies
7. Careers 8. Children 9. Church
Are you honest in telling what you want from each other?
Are you flexible enough to change?
Do you listen, or just wait for your turn to talk?
What approaches do you take in problem solving?
What do you have in common? List as many as you can think of.
What are your differences? List as many as you can think of.
Past Problems
Do you now or have you ever used drugs?
Have you ever had a disease?
Do you feel that you have ever had mental or emotional problems?
Are there any genetic problems or illnesses that could be passed down to your children?
Have you ever had a drinking problem?
Have you ever had a credit problem?
Do you have a spending problem?
List all of the jobs you have had in the past, how long you stayed with them and why you left each job.
Have you ever physically abused anyone?
Have you ever been in jail?
Do you have a police record?
Do you have any outstanding tickets or warrants?
Is anyone in the process of taking you to court for anything that you know of?
Do you have any habits?
Have you ever had an operation or surgery of any kind?
Have you or any of your family ever had a problem with incest or child molestation?
THE WEDDING CEREMONY
Love is the strongest force in the human heart. It is the adhesive that holds a marriage together. Love is made up of many things. I Corinthians 13:4-7 says:
“Love is patient and kind; true love is not jealous, conceited or proud. Love is not ill mannered, selfish or irritable. Love does not keep record of the wrongs done to us. It is not happy with evil, but rejoices in the truth. Love is slow to suspect or condemn, and quick to trust and justify. Slow to offend, quick to defend. Slow to expose, quick to shield, slow to belittle, quick to appreciate. Slow to demand, quick to give. Love never gives up. It’s faith, hope and patience never fail.”
“Groom and Bride, it is a joy and privilege to share this event with you. My prayer is that God will richly bless your marriage. It is my responsibility to remind you of the sacredness of the commitment that you are about to make. Marriage is a sacred union and is not to be entered into lightly, but discreetly, soberly and in the fear of God. Marriage is a covenant that is cut before God between a man and a woman. The union of marriage began when God joined a man and a woman, and a one-flesh relationship came into being. In like manner, this marriage will be held in the highest of esteem, building a relationship that is based on love and trust, forsaking all others, cleaving to one another and experiencing from this day forth that “one-flesh” relationship.”
SONG
“Who gives this woman to this man?”
At this time, the father will take the hands of the bride and groom and join them together, then take his seat.
Bride and groom should now step up to the minister.
CHARGE:
“The pattern of marriage is that of the communion and relationship between Christ and His Church. The responsibilities of the husband and the wife are to each other. Christ and the Church being their pattern. I now charge you both as you stand in the presence of these witnesses, to remember that true love and observation of these marriage vows are required for a foundation of a successful marriage and establishment of a complete and enduring home. Without these, there can be no real and enduring marriage, and the home that you will endeavor will be a vain effort. Keep the solemn vows that you are about to make, live in tender consideration of each other, conduct your lives in honesty and truth and your marriage will last and your home will endure. The marriage bond will be a blessing to you and you will be a blessing to others. This should be embraced as you declare your desire to be wed. The world has the idea that marriage is just a legal contract. While this is true, it is so much more than that. This is not a 50-50 agreement. You are not equal with each other. This is a wrong concept of what is happening here. Rather, you are the fulfillment of one another. Groom (insert name here), all that you are not, your bride is. Bride (insert name here,) all that you are not, your husband is. You should never try to change one another. God has joined you because when you are together you are whole.”
PROFESSION
“Groom and Bride, knowing that you are both believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, following the Lord’s will in your marriage and knowing of no barriers which should hinder this union, I ask you to join you right hands and respond to the questions which I ask.
“Groom (insert name here), in taking this woman you hold by the hand to be your wife, will you promise to love, honor and cherish her, as Christ loves the church, as long as you live?”
(Groom responds)
“Bride (insert name here), will you in turn, take the man who holds you by the hand to be your husband, will you promise to love, honor and cherish Him as long as you live?”
(Bride responds)
PRESENTATION OF THE RINGS
“Groom (insert name here), what do you give as a token of your affection, sincerity and fidelity?”
Groom responds: A ring.
“The exchange of rings is symbolic of the transfer of authority, strength and protection. All who see this ring will know that you are in covenant. In scripture, the ring is symbolic of authority and the resources go with it. The rings are used in a wedding as a seal of the sacred vows being made.”
“Groom (insert name here), as you take the ring which you will place on (insert bride’s name here) finger, notice the completeness. It is a never-ending circle, a symbol of marital love. Such love knows neither boundaries nor limitations. It is never ending, undying and unfading. Please place the ring on her finger.”
Bride (insert name here), what token do you give as a symbol of your affection, sincerity and fidelity?”
Bride responds: A ring.
“As you take this ring which you place on (insert groom’s name here) finger, notice its composition. That of pure gold. This too is symbolic of the purity and worth of your love. Such love seeks only the best for each other.”
“As you place the ring on his finger would you please look at each other and repeat this pledge to each other:
To you, my love, I pledge all the days of my life, through joy and sorrow, sickness or health, to share in the fullness of living at your side as long as we both shall live, because I love you with all my heart. Wherever you go I will go. Your people shall be my people and your God my God.”
“Let us pray.”
UNITY CANDLES / SONG
After the song begins, bride and groom move toward the unity candle to light it. They remain there during the song. After the center candle is lit, the other candles are put out and they join hands and look into each other’s eyes. As the song is ending, they return to their position for the final declaration of blessing over their marriage.
PROCLAMATION
“Having vowed your love to each other, I declare that you be blessed in all that you are and in all that you ever will be, in all that you put your hands to, may the blessings of God be upon you and your children and your children’s children. May you enjoy health, protection and prosperity at the Hand of God as long as you live. Now by the authority vested in me as a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the presence of God and these assembled witnesses, I pronounce you Husband and Wife. As the scripture states, “what God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.”
“Groom (insert name), you may kiss the bride.”
Bride will receive bouquet from maid of honor. Bride and groom take hands and face congregation.
“May I introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. ________________.
Music will begin and Bride and Groom will exit down isle followed by rest of the party. Minister may be asked to announce reception.
TEST REVIEW
Ordinances, Lesson 1, Weddings
What is the definition of the Hebrew word “covenant”?________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________
A marriage is a ________________________________.
What happened in ancient days when someone broke a covenant? _______________________ ____________________________________________________________________________
In a covenant partner, you look for someone who is _______________ in areas where you are ________________.
Why does the groom enter the auditorium before the bride? ____________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Why do the bride and groom hold hands during the ceremony? __________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________
What does the wedding ring symbolize? ____________________________________________
The feeding of cake to one another after the wedding symbolizes the ________________ meal.
The wine the couple drinks is representative of the ___________________________________.
Why should you counsel with any couple who desires you to perform their wedding ceremony? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The counseling tool in this lesson deals with 10 areas of relationship. Name them: 1.______________________ 2. ______________________ 3. _________________________ 4. ______________________ 5. ______________________ 6. _________________________ 7. ______________________ 8. _______________________ 9. ________________________ 10. _____________________
Outline the order of events in a wedding ceremony that you would like to adhere to when ask to perform a wedding. ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________