ISSUE 12.2-AUTUMN2005 1 Editorial Why do we need preachers? CONTENTS 'How can the,y hear without ofthe ministryofthe whole people of 1 Editorial someone preachingto them? And God leads to sharing, discussion and how can the,y preach unless the,y a focus on small groups rather than 5 CohabitationandMarriage aresent?' (Rom. 10:1+-15) proclamation.Inaworlddominatedby Cordon Kennedy image and the internet we lose confi T hese words of Paul tell dence in the livingWord ofGod and 9 CohabitingCouples us something of the life retreat from preaching. Ofcourse we PeterWhite changing nature of God's need to understand our world and Word. Preaching declares the mind relate to peoplewherethey are,butwe 11 NewToolsforEffective of God and thus preaching demands must never confuse that withbringing Preaching a response. Yet so often this is not them into a living contact with God JohnPerdval the experience. Many claim to be through the Word which is able to committed to it but their diaries tell a make us wise for salvation through 14 TheWindofthe Spirit different story asadministration, visits, faith in Jesus Christ. Let me suggest A sermonbyJames S Stewart counselling, committees and similar four reasonswhy expositorypreaching activities prove more popular and isneededmorethan ever. 19 MenofDevotion oftenseem to be moreeffective.In this RobinSydseiff editorialIwanttosayfour things about 1. It is the method why we needpreachersand fivethings which is least likely to 28 AnnAlienmeets about dangers faced by preachers stray from Scripture DouglasKelly themselves. Paul's questions encapsu lates these two emphases: the first is When the Bible is opened, read and 32 BookReviews that hearing the Word of God is the expounded God's voice is heard..He essence ofpreaching, and the second is the Teacher, and the preacher must that those who preach need to bring listen to whathe issayingand commu theirmessagefrom Godhimself. nicate that message with faithfulness We need to keep ournerve and not and sensitivity to others. The whole allow the good to become the enemy Bible isneeded:everybook,every type of the best nor the urgent to drown ofliterary genre, and the best way to the voice ofthe eternal.We live in a ensure that people hear it is to work consumersociety and ourchurchesare systematically through it. Jim Packer often runlike supermarketswhere the describes the Bible as'God preaching' emphasis is on pleasing the customer. andsoourtaskaspreachersisnottohave Recognition, good and right in itself, newinsights,butafaithful expounding 2 THERUTHERFORDJOURNALOF CHURCHAND MINISTRY What we need to do is to catchpeople and their ofan infallible revelation.This revela tion Paul describes as'the pattern of sound teaching... the good deposit' (2 problems up into worship ofthe greatness and Tim.1:13-14) whichistobe'guarded'. That does not mean kept locked away but rather the opposite: proclaimed wonder ofGod where in the light ofhis Word everywhere. This is to continue in every generation and to be 'entrusted these other matters take their true place to reliablemenwhowillalsobe quali fiedto teach others'(2Tim.2:2).Thisis tohappen'inseason'and'outofseason', and thismeans whetheritiswantedor become part ofour thinking and our Two things will happen when not. Indeed the less it is wanted, the whole expression and presentation is expository preaching is done well. more it is needed.The Bible is God's biblical.This will also deliver us from First,people will see the newness and revelation and our preaching must the snares ofa 'Bible-based ministry'. freshness oftexts they thought worn faithfully communicate this without ThisseestheBibleasa'resource',akind shiny with over-familiarity. As the adding to it or subtracting from it. oftrampolinefromwhichwebounceoff Gospels, for example, are preached, The Bible must be received like the with ourownideas.Perhaps trampoline the living Christ will be revealed in manna, that is fresh(1y) every day.We isabad metaphorbecause atleastyou unmistakeable and challenging ways. cannotliveon the rapidly diminishing regularly reconnect with your starting Second,peoplewillgainconfidencein biblical capital of earlier generations. point. lessfamiliarparts ofthe Bible and start Every generation needs the whole 'Bible-based' is often a euphemism exploringbookslikethe SongofSongs Bible expoundedand applied,and true for domesticating the Bible, searching and Nahum, and find in them saving preachingisthe indispensable founda itfor'relevant'textswhichwethenuse truth. tionfor thisto happen. as a starting point for our own spec ulations and advice. It is not our task 4. Expository preaching 2. It is the best wayto avoid to make the bible relevant,the Bible is is God-centred and the preacher'shobby horses relevant.Ourtaskistodemonstratethat Christ-exalting - not to create it. Ultimately 'Bible All preachers have pet themes, and based' thinking shows adistrust ofthe Preaching which is issue-centred will while we can be fairlyadept atfinding Bible as God's living and powerful deal with the felt "needsofparticular these almost everywhere,we are more Word speaking not only to its own peopleand particulartimes.Itisalways likelyto ride hobbyhorsesifwe major time butto every time. Ourpreaching indangerofbecomingmoralisingplat on thematic or topical preaching than needs to be thoroughlybiblical. itudes and ofsimplyengagingemotion ifwe major on expository preaching. without real business being done in 3. Expository preachers Expository preaching will make us hearts andminds.We knowthat people teach others to readthe Bible tackle passagesofScripture we would suffer from stress at work and prob shyawayfrom ifwe aresimplylooking lems in relationships, struggle with for themes. For example, in my own When it is well done, expository temptations,longforintimacyand feel ministry I have recently preached on preachingcreatesahungerfortheBible vulnerable. But what we need to do 2 Samuel 21 and 1 Corinthians 5 as and adesireto explore itfurther. Good is to catch people and their problems partofexpositoryseries. Lookatthese preachingwill notleavepeoplebaffled up into worship ofthe greatness and and ask yourselves ifyou would have and thinking,'What a clever preacher wonder ofGod where in the light of preached on those if they were not - I could never do that.' Rather they hisWord these othermatters taketheir part ofa series.Yet,since allScripture willbe thinking,'I cando that myself', true place. This is not simply saying istheWord ofGod, these passagesand and the congregation will also begin that GodisgreatandChristisLordand many others have vital and fascinating to thinkbiblically.Theywill find new hurryingontoothermatters;ratherthe truth for us.We need to tackle every depths and fascination in what they exposition ofScripture will continu part ofthe Bible and unfold its riches. thought was familiar, e.g. parts ofthe allyfocus our thoughts and minds on We needto unfoldthe bigpicture and Gospels, and they will be encouraged the many-spendoured glories ofGod. show howeach partcontributesto the to read lessfamiliar parts such as the From that vantage point our human whole.Thatdoesnotmeanweserveup prophets with some understanding. problemscanbeseenintheirtruelight huge slabsofbackground history and Preaching will place the Bible at the and realhelp given. systematic theology. We needto work heart ofthe church's agenda and will This isthe high calling,and because hard in the study so that these matters foster a love ofhearing the Word of ofour limitations and weaknesses we God. ISSUE 12.2- AUTUMN2005 3 Our ideas about God are ofno great signifi- felt needs as well. Felt needs always clamourfor attention. Real needs like cance. What matters is what God says about conversion, holiness, growth in grace and Christlikenesswillalwayssufferby comparison.We need to show in our himselj And what matters in preaching is that preaching that felt needs such asrela tionships, stress,work,fulfilling poten tialandthe likeflowfrom ourrelation it is God, not us, who is seen ship with God and ultimately find no rest until they find it in him. All who preach regularly have had the experi need to lookat various waysin which ideasaboutGodareofno great signifi enceofstrangersaskinghowtheyknew we canlimitand evennullifythe effect cance.What matters is what God says abouttheirprivate lives,sorelevantwas ofexpositorypreaching. about himself. And what matters in theWordofGod. preachingisthatit isGod, notus,who There we learn dependence on the is seen.This means constant reference Spirit,trusttheBibletobetheBibleand to the textand openBiblesaswe show unleash the living Word into a world EXPOSITORY PREAClllNG people that the surpassing glory is of ofhurt,fear,anger, temptation and sin Christ and not ofus.Preachingshows and allow it to do itswork. Ifwe trust 1. Wemust not collapse the glory ofGod from hisWord and the Bible we find that there is saving preaching into explanation not from our imagination.Think, for and sanctifying truth everywhere.We example,ofIsaiah40- read aloud and will find that Estherwithitspicture of It is possible to expound orthodox meditateon the great creationpoemin an unseenbutpowerful Godspeaksto doctrines with all the passion of vv.12ff.and you will be overwhelmed. those whothemselves aresearchingfor someone reading train timetables, But such a God surely is too great to aGodwhoseemsto be absent.Wewill and to present the gospel asifit were care for our little concerns. No, says find that Nahum is the starting point like deciding on the relative merits of Isaiah, he is not too great to care, he on the journey offaith for some who different insurance policies. We must istoo great to fail,and so the chapter had never before pondered God and engage deeply with the text and allow ends withthe God'who givesstrength the nations. All ofthe Bible is about its dynamics to shape our preaching. to the weary and increases the power real people and real needs because We will bring out narrative flow, ofthe weak'(v.29).Oragain- thinkof allofit isthe Word ofthe living God looking at plot, characterisation and 1Corinthians 15withitsbreathtaking speakinginto the humansituation.For setting, and try to convey something expositionandunfoldingofthe Resur this to happen theWord ofGod must ofits excitement.We will explore the rection.We know Christ hasrisen not speak to our own hearts. It isapartic imagery ofpoetry and how its effects because 'he liveswithin my heart' but ular danger for experienced preachers areachieved.Wewillread the prophets becausehereignsoverheavenandearth to find words coming too easily and with an ear for theirspecialvoice,and and has given notice to death that its we can speak ofholiness without any the parables with an openness to their time isrunningoutandthatourlabour relishforit;wecanspeakofthe majesty challenges.This means that God'sWord isnotinvain.Ofcourse,heliveswithin ofGodwithout tremblingbeforehim; will trulybe presentedin ourwords as yourheart,butwhathelp isthat when we can speak ofhis love without our we submit not only to what the Bible yourheartisbroken and crushed? It is hearts being moved. Our hearts need saysbutto the wayitsaysit. the great truthsofthe gospel,preached to be stirred by a noble theme (Ps. in the powerofthe Spirit,whichbring 45:1) and we need to eat the food we 2. Wemust not divorce assurance and keep us running the prepare for others and recognise the preaching and worship race. Only great thoughts ofGod and deep needs ofourownhearts. a warm heart for his glory will create Preaching is a central part ofworship aspirit ofworship which will honour 4. All our preaching because in it we hear the voice of Christand transformpeople. must be expository the living God and are challenged to respond.This hasto beginin the study. 3. Wemust deal with real Over the years, like most of you, I Have you never fallen on your knees, and not merely felt needs have preached a number ofseries on wept, laughedwithjoyand beenover thematic subjects - e.g.what it means whelmedby the poweroftheWordof Ifwe allow felt needs to dominate our to be human; the gifts of the Spirit; God?When that happens in the study preachingwe will soon strayfrom the problemsfacingChristiansandthelike. itsfruits willbe seenin the pulpit.Our gospel and end up unable to address Butallthese were expositorysermons. 4 THERUTHERFORDJOURNALOF CHURCHAND MINISTRY Theywerenotversebyversecomments at work in the preaching ofthe Word but the topics grew from the passages and the response ofthe hearers. and were not imported into them. Keep on preaching,keep on praying, Exposition means that the content of keep on believingthat the HolySpirit our sermon unfolds the truth of the will use your words and thus lead to Bible, it does not refer to a particular the livingWord. Believe that Scripture style.Often, notably in Paul, verse by isaliveand trust it to do itsappointed verse expositionwill be appropriate as work. we tease out the argument. Normally in narrative, e.g. 1 & 2 Kings,we will 'Come then with Pra'yer and be concerned to unfold the dynamics contemplation, of the text and take longer passages. see how in Scripture Christ is Sometimeswe mayunfoldthe essence known; ofabook in one sermon.The size of wonderanew atsuchsalvation the text isamatterofchoiceandjudg hereinthesesacredpagesshown; ment. Our responsibility as preachers liftever'yheartinadoration, isto open it up in such a way that its childrenotGod b'ygracealone.' messageisheard clearly,accuratelyand TimothyDudleySmith relevantly.The best way to ensure this is to have exposition ofbooks as the staple fare ofour preaching.Then we willavoidthe monotonywhichcomes from choosingatopic and lookingfor apassageto fitit.Each bookisunique and faithfulness to its distinctive messagewillmake forvariety aswellas authorityin ourpreaching. s. Wemust believe in the Holy Spirit It is often said that as C.H. Spurgeon climbed the pulpit steps he said on everyone,'I believein the HolySpirit.' We need to have that not just as an articleintheCreed,butalivingconvic tion.This means that theinspirerofthe Bible is also the one who takes our words and with all their imperfection uses them to open the writtenWord andleadto thelivingWord.This means that when ourpreparationisfaithfully and diligently completed and we are ready to preach, we give what we are to sayas an offering on the altar and askthe living Spiritto useit to glorify Christ. We are totally dependent on him,andwithouthimwemayspeakin the tongues ofmen and ofangels but will achieve nothing.We need to pray throughthe processofpreparationand remember that the Spirit is also the enabler ofthose who hear:we needto recover the sense of expectation that the SpiritwhoinspiredtheBibleisalso ISSUE 12.2-AUTUMN2005 5 Cohabitation Marria and e Gordon Kennedy Stranraer This article is one of a series offered in washurt and anger, (3)the couple left nition ofmarriage offered in the same response toanaddress bytheRevd David unhappy and (4)parents ofthe couple, Dictionary by]. H. Olthuis:'Marriage Easton attheCriejJFellowship inMarch especiallythose withachurchconnec is a mutual, exclusive, life-long, one 2005. ~ are rightlygrateful toDavidfor tion, were often very angry about a flesh union between a husband and hiscareful andsensitive work in thisarea refusal from the minister to conduct wife characterizedby troth. Troth isan reflected inaddresses totheCriejJFellow a wedding. The outworking of the OldEng. word for fidelity,truth,trust, shipandanarticleinthisJournal, (R]CM policy waswhollynegative:no couples love and commitment.' (NDCEPT Vol.1No.2Winter1994).Those ofusin responded positively, families were s.v.'Marriage'). It is not difficult to parishministryknowthetensionsthatarise alienatedfrom the church and contact imagine,and we may know ofcouples whenpresentedwitharequestformarriage with the church was lost and broken. who cohabit for a lifetime displaying fromacouple whoare cohabiting.Thisisa Asone who hastried to follow such a all these characteristics of marriage situation thatwillnotnowdiminish but, policy in my parishes Irecognise allof without evermarrying.The difference for many, has become andwillremain the these responses and can offer no posi between cohabitation and marriage is norm. It isessential then thatweface the tive experiences to set against them. I recognisedby Olthuis when he writes questionssuchrequestsbringbeforeus. amsurethat Iamnotalone in this. ofthe relationship between marriage, stateand church: Cohabitation D avid has over the years By means ofamarriage licence (and described a policy, endorsed In a helpful article on cohabitation in bill of divorce), the State legally by his Kirk Session, which the New Dictionary of Christian Ethics acknowledges the birth (and death) hasbeenadoptedandoperatedinother andPastoralTheology G.].]enkins offers ofa marriage. By means ofa public parishes. Simply put, the policy was as a definition of cohabitation 'any blessing, the church community that on presentation of a request for unmarried heterosexual couple who recognizes the marriage and pledges marriage by a cohabiting couple they consistentlyshareacommonresidence support. Aweddingrite isacelebra wouldbeaskedeithertomarryassoon and regularly engage in sexual inter tive ceremony in which a couple, aspossibleand that withinone year,or course'. (NDCEPT1 s.v, 'Cohabita sharing theirjoy and seeking support, to agree to liveapart until theirchosen tion'). Cohabitation isnot only when publiclypledge theirtrothinthepres date for the wedding service. David a couple engage in sexual intercourse, ence offamily,friends, church, State has described four effects of seeking but also when they share a common andGod. consistently to operate this policy: (1) address. requestsforweddingsfellaway,(2)there We can compare this with the defi- 6 THERUTHERFORDJOURNALOF CHURCHAND MINISTRY A cohabiting couple are publicly humansexuality outwiththe covenant the opportunitiesfor evangelismatthe exhibiting their relationship. What ofmarriage issinful,bothfalling short time ofawedding,we will never need they are not doing is recognising ofthe standard and crossing the limits themwiththiscouple! the role ofthe State to regulate such set for us by our God. For those who Theconstantproblem humanrelationships. Ofcourse we are have been wounded by adultery from with consistency now moving into a situation where within marriage and short-lived rela legallythe State will recognise cohab tionships that never became marriage, iting couples for tax and inheritance we must teach the judgment ofGod In his address at CrieffDavid rightly purposes, which raises the question, upon those who wilfully disobey reminds us that consistency is impor what, in the thinking ofour Govern his commands, and the grace ofGod tant,butalsodifficult.Ifacouplecome ment,isthe difference betweencohab towards those victims of the all-too seeking marriage and tell us they itationand marriage? common sexual promiscuity of our are living separately are we naive to At the heart of this difference times. believe them? It issurely not right for between marriage and cohabitation is We are right then to teach marriage us to become investigators snooping then the involvement ofthe State, or as God's ideal for men and women around trying to find out ifthey are perhaps a recognition by a cohabiting who seek to live in an intimate and living together, or perhaps only at the couple that their relationship is not sexual relationship. Cohabitation does weekends or just while on holiday merely their own business but does not and will never meet this standard together. However, ifwe have made a involve the whole community. We Godcallsusto. firm and public stand on notmarrying may trace the steps from the starting cohabiting couples unless they fall in To marry, ornot to marry? point that each party to a marriage with our policies we may in fact be must freely consent to this union,to 'I makinglaughingstocksofourselves as will marry/live with whoever I want What then are we to do when the community with glee notes how and it isnone ofyour business', to an approached by a cohabiting couple easily we are taken in. We will also overthrowofanyrolefor the commu seeking to be married? make rodsfor ourbacksto be wielded nity in which this couple now lives. Under the policy described above a by angryparents who know aboutthe This privatisation ofsexual relations is couple admitting to living at the same livingarrangementsofcoupleswehave a further instance ofthe privatisation address would be presented with two married while refusing to marry their oftruth, opinion and emotions. From options: marry as soon as possible or daughter. the time ofthe Reformation we have live apart until the wedding. Expe This, of course, does not begin to given to the State the responsibility of rience shows that this results in the touch the situation ofa couple main recognising a couple as husband and couple seekingthe servicesofanother taining separate addresses who are wife.A couple cannot declare them minister or civil registrar. In our sexually active before marriage. This selves,nor can a church service on its denomination where the exercise of isnot cohabitation and isnot covered own declare a couple to be husband discipline upon ministers isat best lax by the policy described above and and wife. Surely this has implications or at worst non-existent, there will only a direct question to the couple for ourunderstandingofmarriageand alwaysbe another minister willing to wouldaddresssuch aconcern.Butisit Christianmarriage. perform a wedding service without reasonable for aministerto putsuch a A cohabiting couple cannot be considering the pastoral implica direct question to every couple? How considered ashusband and wife.Even tions of another minister previously would their response be'judged?The in the situation ofthe one remaining having been approached by a couple. opportunities to cause offence here form of irregular marriage, once a As people who believe the warnings are legion. And yet, are we to find couplehaveapplied to the appropriate ofthe Bible that God will not fail to ourselves without question marrying courtfortheirrelationshiptoberecog punish sin that is not covered by the coupleswhoaresexuallyactivebutnot nised, it is recognised as becoming blood ofthe LordJesus,to see such a cohabitingyet refusing to marry those a married relationship between a couple turning awaywithout consid openly,anditmightbearguedbymany husband and wife. What is irregular ering the dangers of their standing today,morehonestlycohabiting? is that no public ceremony has taken before the Lord canonly causeusdeep Marriage andforgiveness place.The pattern for the expression pain.Will such a couple ever hear the ofourhumansexuality revealedin the gospel? Will they form the opinion Scriptures is between a husband and ofthe church, the gospel, the Lord as Inthe titletrack ofthe album TheRiver wife. In our sex-obsessed society we alwayssaying'No'?Arewetobefound Bruce Springsteen sings of a young rightly give thanks to God that he has guiltyofnothelpingthoseweakandin couple where the girl falls pregnant regulated human sexuality within the need ofthe liberatingtruth ofChrist's and then'We wentdownto the court covenant ofmarriage.Any exercise of grace?WhateverMike Parker writesof house,andtheJudgeputitalltorights'. ISSUE 12.2- AUTUMN2005 7 Isthishowwe thinkofmarriage? formersinor torecognise theircohab Jesus and the presence of his Spirit, The phrase 'making an honest itationassin. by which husband and wife may love womanofme/her'isonethathaspassed one anotherasChristlovesthem.The into common usage. The thinking When is marriage a role ofaChristianministeristo guide behindthisphraseisthat acouplehave Christian marriage? and prepare such a couple and to lead beensexually activeor cohabitingand a service ofpublic worship at which that this is dishonest, but now that Increasingly I think this is a crucial this couple pledge themselves to one they are being married their relation question that hasbeen badly answered another; at which service God'sWord shipbecomeshonest. Whateverwrong in the past. isreadandprayerisofferedforthisnew there has been in the past is now put Let me try to clarify the question: Is family unit. Where a couple are not right by the act of getting married. Christian marriage a marriage which Christian in preparation the minister Is this what we want to teach about begins with a Christian service in a hasaduty (perhapsbetteran opportu forgiveness?Isthisnotaformofworks churchbuildingconductedbyaChris nity) to speak ofthe Christianlifeand righteousness? By what theological tianminister,orisChristianmarriagea the blessings there are in submitting means haveweremovedthe crossfrom marriage contractedbetween aChris toJesus Christ asLord in the context this couple's life that they might find tian couple?We teach that it islawful ofbecominghusbandand wife.At the atonement in an act oftheir own will for all people to marry (Westminster service the non-Christian couple will and power? Confession of Faith 24:3). This must pledge themselves to one another, the Surely we need to be more honest include Christians and non-Chris minister may read and seek to apply and courageous with couples. Getting tians.What do we mean by describing God's Word and will pray for them married does not'make it right'.Only a marriage service, however prop - nevertheless this will be a different the blood ofJesus covers sin before a erly conducted by a minister, asbeing worship service from that engaged in holy God. This gospelmessagemustbe Christianmarriage? byaChristiancouple. proclaimed or elsewe are comforting The analogy with funeral services Surelyhere ourunderstandingofthe sinners in one area oftheir liveswith is apt. Often a parish minister will Church ofScotlandasaparish church their own works and expecting them be called upon to conduct a funeral and her ministers asparish ministers is to depend upon grace in others; no service for a parishioner whose life important. wondersofewbelievethe gospel! style was far from Christian, and yet In the Articles Declaratory of the So far as the State is concerned a such services are regularly conducted Constitution ofthe Church ofScot public marriage ceremony and the without the heart-searching or ques landin Matters Spiritualthe third article issuing ofa marriage certificate regu tioning that we find ourselves mired isrecognisedtobethe ChurchofScot larises an existing relationship and in with marriage services. Isa funeral land'sself-definitionofwhatweseekto in this sense alone we may say that service a Christian service because it be asthe nationalchurchofthe people marriage'makes it right'.However,we is conducted by a Christian minister, ofScotland. Itisworthquotinginfull: shouldbecarefulinusingthislanguage or because the person being buried as couples will readily and gladly or cremated is Christian? It may be Ill.This Churchisin historical conti misunderstand and think that we are best to conclude that this isalazy use nuity with the Church of Scotland talkingaboutChristianforgivenessand of language. Yes,the service may be which was reformed in 1560, whose makingitrightwithGod. conducted according to the traditions liberties were ratifiedin 1592,andfor Our marriage preparation classes and customs ofthe Church ofScot whose security provision was made must be used asevangelistic opportu land, or whatever Christian tradition in the Treaty ofUnion of1707.The nities;wemust'hear'acoupleaskingto the minister follows, but there is no continuityandidentityofthe Church be marriedasthoughthey were saying question ofthe nature ofthe service of Scotland are not prejudiced by to us'please tell usthe gospel'. Where affecting the Christian standing ofthe the adoption of these Articles. As a acoupletellusoftheircohabitationor personwhohasdied. national Church representative ofthe non-cohabitingsexualactivitywemust A Christian lifeislived by a person ChristianFaith ofthe Scottish people faithfully minister the grace of God committed to Jesus Christ as Lord itacknowledgesitsdistinctive calland and the callto repentance and faith as and Saviour. A Christian funeral, dutytobringtheordinancesofreligion the only waythey maybeforgiven. expressingaconfidenthopeandthejoy to the people in everyparish ofScot And yet this must be done in the ofsalvationisconductedbyaChristian landthroughaterritorialministry. context where marriage isbetter than ministerwhenthe deceasedhasdiedin non-marriage, even for non-Chris faith,trustingin the LordJesus.There Of interest here is the final phrase tians.We should teach all people the fore, a Christian marriage is a rela aboutthe ordinancesofreligion.These blessingsand benefits ofmarriage even tionship entered into by a Christian are understood to be marriage and ifthey arenotwilling to repentofany couple in dependence upon the Lord burial according to the custom and 8 THERUTHERFORDJOURNALOF CHURCHAND MINISTRY practice of the Church of Scotland, ofmarriage there mayatleastbe some God's people, even when speaking of or sometimes referred to as Christian whichisbetterthan none. a rebellion against God and his ways burial and Christianmarriage. the couple will be loved and encour AtitsbestthisArticle isamissionary aged to trust in God's grace through commitment to our nation; by exer Awayforward Christ.Every time a couple leave our cising a parish or territorial ministry vestries and do not return that is one the Church is seeking to evangelise Let me conclude with some sugges more couple astep further awayfrom the people ofScotland.Whenwe offer tions towardsawayforward. hearingthe gospelin awaythey might the services ofa minister at times of 1.Itisbettertobemarriedthanto positivelyrespondto it. marriage and death we are seeking to cohabit.This istrueforallpeopleand 4. Serving people without condoning buildrelationshipsbetweentheminister the churchshouldteachandencourage sin. Ifwe only offer to serve those and those involved in receiving these this being pro-marriage. The conse who are without sin we will offer ordinances ofreligion.Weshouldhold quenceofthisisthat whenacouplein veryfew any kind ofservice at all. firm to the distinction between sacra a cohabiting relationship approach us This is not about'love the sinner but mental ministry and the ministry of ourdesiremustbeforthemtobecome hate the sin', ratherit isan attempt to the ordinances ofreligion: sacramental married. recognise that we are offering Chris ministryisfor those expressingfaith in 2.Itisgoodtobeinvitedtosharein tianministryto asinfulpeople. Canwe JesusChrist,the ordinances ofreligion someone'slife.Acoupleapproaching conductaweddingserviceforacouple areamissionarytoolthe churchusesto us with a request for marriage are who are cohabiting that reflects in an make contactwiththe peopleofScot invitingusintoone ofthe most signifi appropriateand gracious waythe truth landfor theirblessingandsalvation. cant eventsoftheirlife.Oftenouratti that their cohabiting is a falling short If we are to offer our services, our tude towards a request for marriage of God's purposes for them? In this ordinance of religion ministry only makesitclearthatwedonotappreciate edition ofthe Journal, PeterWhite is to those who exhibit Christian faith this invitation. The Code ofGoodPrac offeringussome thoughtson the order we are changing the nature of our ticefor the Conduct ofMarriage Services ofservice for awedding and how this duty in terms ofArticle Ill.There are submitted to the GeneralAssembly in mayreflectthe pastcohabitationofthe otherwaysofbeingchurchandunder 1997states: couplenowbeingmarried. standingourrelationshipto the nation, butthis isthe one we believe Godhas 4.A minister agreeing to conduct a You will have noticed that I have not distinctively called us to within the weddingshouldendeavourtoestablish answered the key question: should we or ChurchofScotlandand until or unless apastoralrelationship withthe couple shouldwenotperform weddingservicesfor it is changed or modified we should within which adequate pre-marriage cohabiting couples? I hope however that striveto ministerwithinthe contextof preparation and subsequent pastoral thisshort article has outlined some ofthe this'distinctivecalland duty'. caremaybegiven. issues involved in coming toananswer to Itisin this contextthat the question (The ChurchofScotlandYear thisquestion.Itisonethatwillnotnowgo of civil services is raised. Should we Book200SI06,p.68) away.Onethingwecannotaffordistothrow pursue with the Scottish Executive a stonesatoneanother;someofuswilldecide policy that allweddingservicesshould Theburdento establishagoodpastoral tomarrycohabitingcouples,otherswillnot. be conducted by the civil authorities relationshiplieswiththeminister.How Thisshouldnotbeallowedtobecomesome withthepossibilityofachurchblessing much time do we spend preparing shibboleth oforthodoxy whidi divides us for those members or those who wish pre-marital classes? How often do we fromoneanotherandcreates suspicion and such a blessing? Although initially follow up the weddingdaywithavisit distrust. Ourcalling tominister thegospel attractivesuchaproposalwillmove the to the home?We havebeeninvitedin, to thepeople ofScotland is hard enough concernswehaveto anotherpoint:can arewe goingthroughthisopendoor? withoutaddingtoourburdens.Letusrather we blessthe marriage ofacouplewho 3. It is better for a couple to be agree prayeifully to consider the pattern thismorningwere cohabitingandhave married by a Christian minister ofourministry andin thatsame spirit to just left the Registrar's Office having than not. This isnot about ourserv supportandencourageoneanother- allthe completed their marriage schedule? ices being better than a Registrar's or morewherewedisagree. If we can with good conscience do some snobbery about being married this, why can we not marry them? in church. A Christian minister will NDCEPT- NewDictionaryofChris 1 Howmany couples required to have a minister to, will serve, the couple in tian Ethics andPastoralTheology, Inter civilceremonywill leaveit at that and a godly and Christian way.They will VarsityPress,Leicester,1995 never comenear the churchoraparish be prayed for and with, they will be minister?And whilewemaythinkthat invited to become associated with the meaningful contact islimited at times life ofa worshipping congregation of ISSUE 12.2-AUTUMN2005 9 Cohabi couples: modifying the wedding service Peter White, Minister ofSandyford Henderson Memorial Church, Glasgow T he question of modifying these have in our congregation.There God has made it clear in holy Scrip the wording ofour wedding is admirable balance in our Lord's ture that sexual union is his wedding service is all ofa piece with 'Neither do I condemn you; go and gift,intendedto be openedonlyaftera our relationship with the couple and sin no more.' Surely we do wrong if couple have publicly given themselves the pastoral objectives which have we failto stand up publiclyfor chastity to each other asman and wife in life been developing. Clearly therefore beforeand outsidemarriage;surely we longmarriage. thissectionofthe article shouldnotbe do wrong ifwe fail to offer a Saviour In choosing to marry, therefore, A consideredin isolationfrom the others winsomely. and B are regularising their relation (whichIhavenotseen). The four places where alternative ship before God in a way which we We are always aiming for people's wording may be introduced are the respect and on which we seek God's salvation and the honour of Jesus preface, the prayers, the vows and the blessing.... Christ. With a couple who (for address. I restrict myself to offering example) make no profession offaith alternativemodificationsto the preface Preface addendum no. 2 * and havechildrenafteryearsofcohab and the vows,soasto indicatethe kind itation, our objectives are different ofvariation I think called for ifwe are God's design for marriage, which he from those where both parties profess to reclaim faith and marriage for the made for the greatest happiness of the Faith. Likewise the task of the nextgeneration. men and women, is that life together wording in the service is different if I take it for granted that during the and sexual union shouldstart after the the couple are repentant, from that if preparation for the wedding we have wedding. they areunrepentant. made clear that a couple's cohabiting To my great admiration,Aand B,on The wording finally chosen for the creates difficulty for a minister and discoveringthey were doingwrongin modification of the wedding service that this hasbeen exploredopenlyand this, separated before coming to this therefore depends on what we want charitably(asfarasin uslies!).Wemust day and have invited me to tell you it to achieve. The precise burden of not introduce a significant change in so.This separation and coming fresh thatwillbe asvarious asthe peoplewe the servicewithoutpriorwarningand to the wedding service is a choice to are serving, and those now suggested explanation. honourGod.Wemaybe quitesurethat shouldberegardedasillustrationsfrom he will honourthose whohavechosen Preface addendum no. 1 aspectrumofpossiblewordings. to honourhimin thisway. Ourguide is'WhatwouldJesus do?' alwaysaware that we shallbe tempted As we know, A and B have been Preface addendum no. 3 * to be either less straight than he or living together for years.You would lesskind,depending on ourparticular not expect me asa Christian minister God's design for marriage, which he personality along with those of the to think that living together before made for the greatest happiness of couple,theirfamiliesand the influence marrying is God's best, and I do not. men and women,isthat sexual union 10 THERUTHERFORDJOURNALOF CHURCHAND MINISTRY and life together should start after the constituteapublic commitmentto the wedding. exclusivityofmarriage. Inthe BibleGodtellsusthat coming If such changes are introduced, I togetherin thiswaybefore marryingis personallywouldbe shyofany modi wrong. I have said this because other fication ofthe prayers:the matter has wiseyou mightgetthe impressionthat been dealt with. A repentant couple the Churchisnotconcernedaboutsex have been freely forgiven long before before marriage,and thatwearefailing now,anditwouldbeanabuseofprayer to upholdGod's standards. touseitasaclosetsermonto the unre Clearlyarelationshiplikethiscreates pentant. difficulty for a minister. If he says Ourobjectiveislivingfaithattended nothing about it that may appear as by evangelical obedience. If we approval;ifhecondemns,itsounds like honestly do whatwe believe ourLord a lack ofcompassion. But it is always will smile on, in preference to fearing good when a relationship is regular the consequences of causing offence, ised before God, asA and B are now and ifour manner is one ofcheerful doing. Irejoice that they have decided confidencein whatisrightratherthan to marryand to do sobefore Godand embarrassed apology for it, we shall in church. surelyfind the rightwords. Modifiedvows based on the vowsin * the first order ofmarriage, 1994 Book modified from Edward Pratt, Living of Common Order for the Church of in Sin?,St Simon's Church, Southsea, Scotland. 1991. Inconfirming ourunionin the pres ence of God and before these witnessesI,A ,givemyselfto you,B ,to beyourhusband, andtakeyou nowto bemywife. I promise to loveyou, to be faithful and loyal to you, keeping myself only to you as long as we both shalllive. Inconfirming ourunionin the pres ence of God and before these witnessesI,B ,givemyselfto you,A ,to be yourwife,and takeyou nowtobe myhusband. I promise to loveyou, to be faithful and loyal to you, keeping myself only to you as long as we both shalllive. The two changes are, first the intro duction of the first four words; and secondly the wording I alwaysimport from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer. The first four words represent the fact that this couple have usurped God asto the act ofunion: they have alreadymade themselvesone flesh.The BCPaddendum,'keepingmeonlyunto thee'or (ashere) itsmodernequivalent,