4 Ways to Conduct the Call to Worship in a Christian Wedding

Call to Worship
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A Christian wedding ceremony is not a performance, but rather an act of worship before God. In a Christian wedding ceremony the opening remarks that typically begin with "Dearly Beloved" is a call or invitation to worship God. These opening remarks will invite your guests and witnesses to participate together with you in worship.

God is present in your wedding ceremony. The event is witnessed by heaven and earth alike. Your invited guests are much more than just observers. Whether your wedding is large or small, the witnesses gather to offer their support, add their blessings, and join with you in this holy act of worship.

Here are samples of the Call to Worship. You may use them just as they are, or you may wish to modify them and create your own together with the minister performing your ceremony.

Sample Call to Worship #1

We are gathered here in the sight of God and these witnesses to unite ___ and ___ in holy matrimony. As followers of Jesus Christ, they believe that God created marriage. In Genesis, it says, "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

___ and ___, as you prepare to take these vows, give careful thought and prayer, for as you make them you are making an exclusive commitment one to the other for as long as you both shall live. Your love for each other should never be diminished by difficult circumstances, and it is to endure until death parts you.

As God's children, your marriage is strengthened by your obedience to your Heavenly Father and His Word. As you let God be in control of your marriage, He will cause your home to be a place of joy and a testimony to the world.

Sample Call to Worship #2

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the presence of these witnesses, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God. It is, therefore, not to be entered into unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate, these two persons come now to be joined.

Sample Call to Worship #3

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the presence of God, to join this man and this woman in holy marriage, which is instituted by God, blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ, and to be held in honor among all men. Let us therefore reverently remember that God has established and sanctified marriage, for the welfare and happiness of mankind.

Our Savior has instructed that a man shall forsake his father and mother and cleave to his wife. By his apostles, he has instructed those who enter into this relation to cherish a mutual esteem and love, to bear with each others' infirmities and weaknesses; to comfort each other in sickness, trouble, and sorrow; in honesty and industry to provide for each other and for their household in temporal things; to pray for and encourage each other in the things which pertain to God; and to live together as heirs of the grace of life.

Sample Call to Worship #4

Dear friends and family, with great affection for ___ and ___ we have gathered together to witness and bless their union in marriage. To this sacred moment, they bring the fullness of their hearts as a treasure and a gift from God to share with one another. They bring the dreams which bind them together in an eternal commitment. They bring their gifts and talents, their unique personalities and spirits, which God will unite together into one being as they build their life together. We rejoice with them in thankfulness to the Lord for creating this union of hearts, built on friendship, respect, and love.

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Fairchild, Mary. "4 Ways to Conduct the Call to Worship in a Christian Wedding." Learn Religions, Aug. 27, 2020, learnreligions.com/the-call-to-worship-700412. Fairchild, Mary. (2020, August 27). 4 Ways to Conduct the Call to Worship in a Christian Wedding. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/the-call-to-worship-700412 Fairchild, Mary. "4 Ways to Conduct the Call to Worship in a Christian Wedding." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/the-call-to-worship-700412 (accessed April 19, 2024).