The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 1
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 2
CEREMONIES - AN INTRODUCTION
Definition – a particular type of formal performance in which the participants carry out a
series of relatively stereotyped actions and make a series of standardized statements
largely prescribed by custom and sanctioned by precedent.
a) Significance
Ceremonies are:
o Participatory events – have congregations who participate – who dance and
sing, kneel and bow, or join in prayer and other standardised utterances.
o Serious events – not merely communication, but also through the intervention
of the Spirit
o Powerful & Authoritive events – Coronations and other installation rituals
sanctify, define, and legitimize transfers of power and authority.
o Transitional events – Marriage and other life cycle rituals bless, mark out, and
sanction significant transitions in the lives of individuals.
o Calendar events – Calendrical rituals provide an established, ordered, and
meaningful pattern for the changing seasons, and the productive and other
activities associated with them.
b) Development & Endurance
o Current Generation – seems strange, loss of importance.
o Non-literate nomadic hunter gatherer societies to highly literate societies
with access to sophisticated technologies – have all participated in
meaningful and important ceremonies.
o Similarities – are evident in form and content. In essence no different.
o Initiation – transition to adulthood, equality and status are addressed. A new
sense of responsibility and sharing new knowledge.
o Symbols – complex meanings inherent in art, architecture, myth and poetry of
the society.
o Political effect – maintain the staus quo, to perpetuate social difference, invest
power.
o Enforces inequality – sects.
Some interesting reading
McRae-McMahon, D.
Paddington, Aus. 2003
Laufer J. & Lewis K.
Rituals For Life, Love & Loss
Jane Curry Publishing Pty Ltd,
Inspired Lives – Exploring the role of Faith & Spirituality In The Lives of
Extraordinary People
Skylight Paths Publishing, Vermont, USA, 2001
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 3
DEDICATION OF A CHILD
(Ceremonies Book: Chapter 3 pg 8-13. See also First Steps material)
INTRODUCTION
When a new baby has been welcomed into the family, Salvationists,
like other Christians, are encouraged to publicly present their
child/children to the Lord. There is, however, no obligation to do so, it
is a matter of free choice.
The dedication ceremony is simple. The parents promise to teach their
child the truths of the gospel, to seek Christ as Saviour and support
them in the commitment of their life to the service of God. They also
promise to set a Christian example for the child.
Due to its similarity and association with the Christian Church concept of ‘Christening’,
some people may tend to see The Salvation Army service of infant dedication as carrying
some special spiritual endowment upon the child. The spiritual nature of dedication is not
in question. This would be a good moment to discuss with the parents spiritual beliefs and
how blessings and grace are given by God.
1.
THE CEREMONY
There are two ceremonies described for dedications:.
1. The Dedication ceremony - is specifically for parents who agree to
accept the responsibility of the promises they are to make. (Chapter 3,
Section 2).
2. The Thanksgiving and Presentation ceremony - is for parents who
may be reluctant to make the promises required in the Dedication
Ceremony. (Chapter 3, Section 3).
Whether the parents are Salvationists or not, the child is usually dedicated in a
public meeting, however there is an increasing interest by parents for the ceremony
to be held on its own at another time. This may then be followed by a
morning/afternoon tea for those who attend.
2.
PARENTS
Children may be dedicated providing that at least one parent agrees to fulfil the
conditions of the promise. It is most important that careful instruction and counsel
be given prior to the ceremony.
It is vital to visit the home and to go through the dedication promise with both, or at
least one of the parents.
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 4
3.
THE VISIT
During your visit to the parents consider the following:
a.
The God-given privilege of family life.
b.
Go through the promises and explain their meaning. For non-Salvationist
parents emphasise that this it is not a christening or a baptism, and that we
do not use water in any form in the dedication. Stress the spiritual
significance of the ceremony.
c.
Stress that the ceremony involves:
*
giving the chid to God the child as an act of thanksgiving
*
making promises relating to the well-being and training of the child
*
a welcome into the corps family
We should not assume that our people know the nature or depth of the ceremony and take
care with our counsel and preparation.
4.
THE CEREMONY
The ceremony leaves room for an individual approach. It would normally include.
a.
a suitable song/chorus
b.
a relevant Scripture Reading. (See back of ceremonies book for
suggested passages)
c.
a suitable comment.
d.
the declaration
e.
the public presentation of the child by the parents
f.
the use of the flag
g.
a prayer of dedication
Involve the Cradle Roll Sergeant and Young People's Sergeant Major in the ceremony as
well as family members, friends, young people's sections etc. Keep in mind when planning
the rest of the meeting that many unchurched people may be in attendance.
Personalise the ceremony as far as possible and acknowledge the presence and interest
of family and friends.
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 5
5.
CERTIFICATE AND RECORDS
a.
Fill in the Official Dedication Certificate and the Dedication Promises card.
There are two different kinds - One for Salvationist Parents –
“Dedication Promises”. The other is called “Thanksgiving Promises”.
(Always have these on hand in the office file - order from Trade).
b.
Present the certificate to the parents at the conclusion of the meeting or
during the ceremony.
c. Following the Dedication ceremony record details of dedication in the Corps
‘Register of Dedications and Promotions to Glory’ (Black register).
6
GODPARENTS
At times parents will request Godparents be included in the ceremony. It is
important that you acknowledge their responsibility in the life of the child at some
stage in the ceremony.
SAMPLE INFORMATION FORM
WHEN VISITING PARENTS
THE SALVATION ARMY
(add Corps address/telephone)
DEDICATION OF CHILDREN
Declaration/Statement used in ceremony:
‘In the dedication of this child you desire to give him/her fully to God. You wish to
thank God for entrusting this precious life into your hands, and you want him/her to
be nurtured in all that is pure, lovely and honest. To this end you promise that you
will keep from him/her, so far as you are able, everything which is likely to harm
him/her in body, mind or spirit.
You also promise that, as he/she grows in wisdom and stature, you will teach
him/her the truths of the gospel, encourage him/her to seek Christ as Saviour, and
support him/her in the commitment of his/her life to the service of God. You must be
to him/her an example of a true Christian.’
OR
THANKSGIVING AND PRESENTATION CEREMONY
Declaration/Statement used in ceremony:
“In presenting this child to God, you wish to give thanks to Him for His precious gift. You
want him/her (or child’s name) to grow up to be healthy, wise and good and you therefore
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 6
promise that you will keep from him/her, as far as you are able, anything which is likely to
harm him/her in body, mind or soul. If this is your intention I will receive the child..”
DETAILS
Full names of child/children
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Date of Birth
__________________________________
Place of Birth
__________________________________
Father's Name
__________________________________
Mother's Name
__________________________________
(nee) __________________________________
Date of Dedication
__________________________________
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 7
JUNIOR SOLDIER Enrolments
(Orders and Regulations for Work among Young People )
STEPS INVOLVED
a.
Young people may be enrolled as junior soldiers one month after their initial
decision and following completion of Junior Soldier Preparation Classes. The
minimum age for a junior soldier is seven.
b.
The Junior Soldier Sergeant should inform the Corps Officer when a junior soldier is
ready to be enrolled.
c.
The Corps Officer or Junior Soldier Sergeant should visit the parents and explain
the meaning of junior soldiership in The Salvation Army and to obtain consent for
the child to take this step.
d.
Parents should be encouraged to be present on the day.
e.
If the parents are unfamiliar with the corps make sure the Junior Soldier Sergeant
(or some suitable person) is available to assist them in finding a seat.
f.
To undergird the importance of the step they are making part of the meeting should
be centred on the enrolment.
g.
Be sure Promise Card and pens are available for signing.
h.
Arrange for someone to be the new Junior Soldier’s Prayer Pal. Present the prayer
pal at the time of the enrolment and have them sign their promise card at the same
time.
SUGGESTED CEREMONY
a.
A suitable song (e.g. SASB 859, 860, 861, 865) or Praise and Worship chorus can
be sung as the prospective junior soldiers, Colour Sergeant, prayer pals, and Junior
Soldier Sergeant make their way to the platform.
b.
The Corps Officer or Junior Soldier Sergeant can then introduce each young person
to the congregation or an interview-style testimony with the new junior soldier could
be included (Prepare and practise prior to the day)
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 8
c.
The junior soldier should then be asked to read or recite the junior soldier promise.
Be sensitive here, as the junior soldier may be feeling a little nervous. If needed
encourage the rest of the junior soldiers in the congregation to say it with them.
d.
Prayer pals can be asked to go with the new junior soldier to the Mercy Seat where
they will sign their Pledge Cards.
e.
The junior soldier badge should now be pinned on and a prayer of dedication
offered
f.
The congregation are invited to welcome the newly enrolled junior soldier into the
corps and asked to encourage them in their tasks as a junior soldier.
g.
The final verse of the song can be sung as the participants return to their seats.
SUGGESTED INTRODUCTION TO CEREMONY
“We are privileged to witness today the enrolment of (name/s) as Junior soldiers. Young
people who take this important step have accepted Jesus as their friend and Saviour and
because of this have decided to follow Him as a Junior soldier in The Salvation Army.
(Speaking to the young people). Over recent weeks you have been learning the truths
about God, the Bible and The Salvation Army. Having understood what it means to be a
Junior soldier, I now would ask that you recite/read your Junior soldier’s promise
(together)...............”
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 9
ADHERENCY
INTRODUCTION
Every corps have people who are not soldiers, but who would consider The Salvation
Army to be their place of worship. Adherency in The Salvation Army enables such people
to have a sense of membership, belonging and an opportunity for active service in the
Army. For someone to be accepted as an adherent they are required to have made a
decision of faith.
The adherents roll is located in a section of the Soldiers' roll.
STEPS INVOLVED:
1.
The person makes a decision to accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
2.
Their name is brought before the Senior Pastoral Care Council, for approval to
make initial approach.
3.
The Corps Officer, Recruiting Sergeant or other suitable senior local officer
approach the person, explain what it means to be an adherent (see special
brochure) and issue an invitation to consider this step.
4.
If person accepts the invitation, they sign the application form in the brochure and
return it to Corps Officer.
5.
In a suitable public meeting, an official adherent's certificate and badge are
presented by the Corps Officer. The ceremony should include some comment about
the requirements and meaning of becoming an Adherent.
NB. A ceremony should only occur with the prior knowledge of the Adherent.
6.
The adherent’s name is then entered on the Adherents' Roll at the next Senior
Pastoral Care Council meeting.
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 10
SENIOR SOLDIERSHIP
See: (Orders and Regulations for Work among Young People, Orders and Regulations
for Officers, Orders and Regulations for Corps Officers)
1.
Preparation for Swearing-in of soldiers (See chapter two of The Ceremonies
Book)
The term "SWEARING-IN" signifies the making of a solemn pledge and acceptance of
persons upon their taking up a position and attendant duties; in The Salvation Army it is
applied to the public installation ceremony of a soldier. The word "enrolment" is reserved
for when the names of those to be sworn-in are entered upon the soldiers' roll.
Remember, it is not helpful to pressurise people into soldiership. People need time to
consider this significant step in their Christian journey. They need time to arrive at their
own decision.
a. Following acceptance of a person as a Recruit, they should be encouraged to
attend Senior Soldiership Preparation Classes.
b. Young people from 13 years and over may also be included in these courses;
instruction is based on either Battle Orders (Chick Yuill) or C.L.A.S.S. - Discovering
Membership (Australia Eastern Territory) or Chosen to be a Soldier(IHQ) and
should be carried out by the Corps Officer in co-operation with the Recruiting
Sergeant. Other local officers may be co-opted as required.
c. Encourage the prospective Soldier to read Chosen to be a Soldier (The Orders and
regulations for soldiers) and to raise any queries with the Corps Officer.
d. Following completion of the preparation course, the names of those proposed for
soldiership should be brought to the Senior Pastoral Care Council, by either the
Recruiting Sergeant or the Young Persons Sergeant Major. Encourage members of
the council to link up with recruits, invite for meal, talk with them etc.
e. Do not agree to the enrolment of any person until you are confident that they are
fully aware of implications of the ceremony.
2. When a Recruit has decided to be sworn in
a. Arrange a suitable date for the ceremony.
b. Publicise the event well within the corps and encourage those concerned to invite relatives
and friends.
c. The recruit should sign and return the plain copy of the Articles of War. These are retained
on file at the corps. In case of transfer they are sent onto the next corps. This could also
be signed at the final session of the preparation classes. If this is the case then a
significant devotional time should be held.
d. Prepare an Order of Service/book mark, etc. for the congregation.
e. At the next census meeting, enter the new soldier’s name on the Senior Soldiers' Roll.
Remember this ceremony is one of the most sacred acts of covenant a person can
enter into, therefore prepare for it and give it the dignity it deserves.
3.
The ceremony
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 11
a.
Arrange for the Colour Sergeant or Recruiting Sergeant to hold the flag.
b.
Call the Recruit to the platform during the singing of an appropriate song.
c.
Invite the Corps Sergeant Major and the Recruiting Sergeants (if not holding flag) to stand
on left of the Recruit with the Corps Officer on the right. If these people are not available then
choose appropriate soldiers to be part of the ceremony.
d.
Follow the procedures in the Ceremonies Book (Chapter 2 pages 2-5)
e.
Include: a prayer of dedication; a suitable scripture passage, e.g.
1 Timothy 6: 6-15 or Ephesians 6:10-18 (Phillips) and a challenge.
f.
Remind the congregation of their responsibility to encourage and nurture the new Solider.
g.
Ask the new Soldier to share their personal testimony.
4.
Consider the following prior to the ceremony
a.
Ask Recruit/s if they have:
 a favourite song or chorus they would like sung.
 a particular scripture reading they would like included
 any significant people would they like involved in the ceremony or meeting
b.
Basing the whole meeting around the theme of covenant, etc.
c.
How to make the signing of Covenant meaningful.
d.
The importance of the occasion. For example set aside an area of hall for family and
friends to sit, march recruits in and seat them on the platform for the whole meeting.
e.
Practicalities: Be sure to think through how you will work through the following
e.g.Photography / videoing; report for the On Fire
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 12
THE WEDDING CEREMONY
One of the real privileges of Ministry is the opportunity to be involved in the conducting of
Wedding Ceremonies. There are several important legal and procedural issues, which
need to be adhered to, however the key focus for you as an Officer is the engaged couple,
who are coming to you at this significant time in their lives.
‘People’ need to be our focus, rather than the institution of marriage. The reason to
promote and conduct marriage is that we believe spiritually and emotionally that it provides
the best focus and atmosphere for a loving relationship. The marriage has to work for the
couple, and for their benefit and happiness. By your involvement in the early stages of
wedding preparation you can help them think through some of these issues. For this
reason the Pre-Marriage Counselling is, in many respects, far more important than the
actual Wedding Ceremony. It is during these counselling sessions that serious issues of
relationships and many decisions for the future are made.
You can have a wide variety of people coming to you asking to conduct their wedding. It is
important to discuss their reasons and help them clarify exactly what the commitment is
that they are making and why they are requesting your assistance. With the growing
prevalence of Civil Celebrants it is important for you, as a Salvation Army Officer, to make
it clear that you offer a Christian Ceremony and that if that is not what they require they
may be better served by a Civil Celebrant.
In contemporary society, it is increasingly likely that wedding ceremonies will involve
people and customs from other cultures. You need to include culturally sensitive
responses and balance those with legal requirements and Salvation Army requirements.
Pre-Marriage Counselling:
Many couples will come seeking a celebrant to do a wedding. It is important to make it
clear that a marriage relationship is a step of such depth and significance that it requires
good prior preparation. It may be worth suggesting that you require all couples seeking
your help in conducting a wedding ceremony to undertake several sessions of premarriage counselling.
There are several approaches that can be taken:
Christian bookstores contain several pre-marriage preparation courses.
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 13
The Salvation Army has issued a booklet “To Love and To Cherish”, a five session
course available from Salvation Army Supplies.
Prepare is a Christian based resource which is based on thorough research and
offers a computer based questionnaire which then identifies relationship strengths
and work areas. It is necessary to be trained as an administrator. There is a
charge for processing; however this is a very good and personalised approach.
Legal Requirements:
The conducting of wedding ceremonies involves several significant and important legal
aspects that you must adhere to so as to ensure that the couple are actually legally
married.
Upon commissioning as an Officer, the first thing you need to do is to register as an
Authorised Celebrant by The Salvation Army.
There are legal documents as well as the ceremonial that need to be completed.
They are in order of requirement:
1. Notice of Intended Marriage / Form 13 (Government/Legal Document)
2. White Registration of Marriage (Government/Legal Document)
3. Certificate of Marriage / Form 15 (Government/Legal Document)
4. Corps Marriage Register (Government/Legal Document)
5. Corps Register of Dedications, Weddings and Funerals
For information regarding the marriage act and to obtain the Notice Of Intended Marriage
form (PDF) go to http//online.justice.vic.gov.au/servlet.bdm_home (for Victoria – otherwise
a similar website in your state). There is also a Marriage Celebrants Handbook and this
with the other marriage documents can be obtained through Canprint,
https://secure.canprint.com.au/publicationsales/marriage/index.php
Canprint Communications
PH (tollfree) 1300 656 863 FAX 02 6293 8333
Email marriage@infoservices.com.au
Web https://secure.canprint.com.au/publicationsales/productline.php/0003.html
Mail Canprint Communications
PO Box 7456 Canberra ACT 2601
Be aware that 18years is the required age.
However a person may marry at 16/17 years of age providing they obtain:
1. Parental consent
2. A magistrates or judges order allowing the marriage
3. The other person is at least 18 years old.
The Vows:
Many couples like to write their own vows; this needs to be done in addition to the vows
contained in the Ceremonies Book. They are, in fact, a legal requirement.
Please note the following:
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 14
T.H.Q. Memo dated 21/9/95
headed “Form of Ceremony used
by Marriage Celebrants”
which states:
a)
A minister of religion is only authorised to solemnise a marriage according to a
form of ceremony of marriage recognised by the religious body or religious
organization of which he or she is a minister for use by its minister. A marriage
celebrant who is a minister of religion must therefore use the marriage rite of the
denomination of which he or she is a minister, unless that minister is also
authorised to perform civil ceremonies.
b)
Where a minister of religion solemnised a marriage that is not in accordance
with the form of ceremony recognised by the religious body or organization of
which he or she is a minister, the validity of the marriage my be doubtful.
Five “C”s of ceremonies
1.
2.
3.
Corps
1.
2.
3.
Ceremony Book
Tradition
Flags
Creative
1.
2.
3.
Involvement of people
Usage of props and other visual aids
Readings, artists
Culture
1.
2.
4.
5.
Caring
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Participants and attendees could be from diverse ethnic and cultural
backgrounds. Make sure you understand the context that people are
coming from.
Be careful not to make it non Christian
Never read the ceremony
Be prepared
Know the family
Know the circumstances
Don’t try to be funny
Treat everything/everyone with dignity
Christ
1.
Preach Christ
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 15
2.
Allow the Holy Spirit to have freedom
Wedding Rehearsal:
This is helpful.

Practice the vows, where everyone has to stand etc.

Usually held the day / evening prior to the ceremony.

Helps you as the Officer get organised. Be in control of everything that takes place.

Helps to clarify what everyone needs to be doing.

Helps to settle the nerves for the couple, makes them a little more familiar with
what’s going to happen.

Make sure musical accompaniment is organised – live or pre-recorded. Make sure
musicians are familiar with equipment (for visitors) and have music ready.

Rehearsals help to deal with the unknown. They help to arrange / clarify last
minute details. It may be the first time that the entire wedding party has met
together.
On The Day:
Ensure that: The Hall is
open early (at least 30
minutes prior) and is
clean and tidy.

Attendants for ushering know what time to be in their positions
at the front door.

The musicians know what time to arrive.

The Orders of Service are given to all participants and ushers and are available for
the congregation.
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 16

You have all the forms filled out and ready for signing. (Double-check everything)
Remember to have a couple of ‘good’ pens on hand for the signing

You do not have the Groom and his Attendants in position too early; arrange for an
usher to convey the word to you, when the Bride arrives, then lead the men to their
place.

The best man should hold the Orders of Service for the Bridal Party.

Speak clearly, but not ponderously. Remember that a wedding is a joyful occasion.

Encourage a clear response. A quiet word of re-assurance will often help to combat
an attack of nerves that sometimes makes responses inaudible.

Have a few clean tissues on hand and ready if required.

A brief and challenging message addressed to the couple and the congregation is a
good opportunity to minister. Don’t go on too long. This ‘word’ can be said either
before or after the Vows have been made.

After the signing of the Registers, which usually takes place on the Platform (or
office), the Officer introduces the newly married couple to the congregation and they
are then greeted.
An Essential Resource:
Salvation Army Ceremonies Book (Maroon/Purple in colour)
(This outlines the essentials of the Wedding Ceremony itself)
Other Resources:
Wedding Readings and Vows for Church and Civil Ceremonies (from
Confetti.co.uk)
Preaching The Wedding Ceremony by Susan K. Hedahl.
Weddings, Funerals and Special Events by Eugene Peterson.
Readings for Weddings by Mark Oakley (Editor)
Baker’s Wedding Handbook – Resources for Pastors by Paul E. Engle
Christian Weddings – Resources To Make Your Ceremony Unique by Andy
Langford
The Complete Book of Christian Wedding Vows by H. Norman Wright
A Contemporary Handbook For Weddings and Funerals and Other Occasions by
Aubrey Malphurs (Editor)
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 17
Preaching For Special Services by Scott M. Gibson
Other Books Available:
Ceremonies For Today by Daly Messenger
The Hard Questions: 100 Questions to ask before you say ‘I Do’., by Susan
Diver
Web sites:
http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/wedding-planner.html
(Part of a pastors website, vows, ideas etc from pastors perspective)
http://www.ultimatewedding.com/
(Commercial type site aimed at engaged couples but has some helpful
segments)
The ceremony is usually worked out in consultation with the couple and can contain
various elements.
**Remember that many non-churched people are often uncomfortable with singing. .C.D.s
can be good.
Typical Wedding Ceremony Order of Service Outline:
Entry of Bridal Party
An Appropriate Song
Prayer
Scripture Reading (See Ceremonies book Appendix 1 Section C)
Word by Officer
Marriage Vows (including the giving away of the bride and a prayer of blessing)
The Signing of the Register etc……Soloist / Musicians / C.D.
Presentation of Newly Married Couple
Exit of Wedding Party.
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 18
Marriage Celebrant Paperwork
INITIAL PAPERWORK
1. Fill in the WHITE – Notice of Intention to Marry – taking note of the DATES
(not less than 30 days notice - not more than 18 months)
((check all birth/passport documents for proof of age etc, if previously married proof
of death or divorce))
JUST PRIOR TO WEDDING
Fill in details from the WHITE form onto the

MARRIAGE REGISTER – Corps Copy

Long, white, serialized Births Deaths & Marriages copy (the back of this sheet
MUST be filled in AND SIGNED PRIOR to ceremony – the declaration regarding no
legal reasons why they should not be married)

MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
ON THE DAY

Bride and Groom to sign all the appropriate spaces on the REGISTER,
GOVERNMENT COPY& CERTIFICATE – witnessed by appropriately aged people.

Signed by Celebrant (MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR CELEBRANT NUMBER
HANDY – or fill it in prior)

Double check all the signatures are in the right spots

WHITE Notice of Intention to Marry and BD&M serialized sheet in pre-addressed
envelope (usually a browny looking thing pre-printed)

POST on your way home from the Wedding
Some State authorities will send you a receipt acknowledging record of the marriage – in
other States, No News is Good News!
The Salvation Army Ceremonies – TSA Principles and Programs 26/11/13 Page 19
CONDUCTING A FUNERAL
(Ceremonies Book: Chapter 5)
INTRODUCTION
A funeral serves many purposes. It...





Helps confirm the reality and finality of death.
Provides a climate of mourning and the expression of grief.
Allows the sorrows of one to become the sorrows of all.
Is a vehicle for the community to pay its respects.
Is a declaration that a life has been lived, as well as a sociological statement that a
death has occurred.
It also allows people to remember and honor their loved one, provides a central gathering
place for family and friends to give emotional support to one another, encourages
mourners to face the pain of their loss and enables them to begin to move forward in their
lives.
The process
1. Ordinarily the funeral director will contact you with a request that you conduct the
funeral. While there should be some consultation around timing, try wherever
possible to work within their time frame. If the funeral is for a member of your
corps it should take priority over everything else.
2. Ask funeral director for the following information:
 Details of where and when the funeral is to be held.
 Details of the deceased including as much information about their family
as possible, i.e. name of spouse, children, etc.
3. As soon as practical arrange to visit the family. During your visit you should:
 Be mindful of the grief process and where family members may be
emotionally
 Try to get to know something of the deceased, particularly if you don’t
know them. Ask the family members to share their favourite memories of
the one who has died.
 Look around the house for photos or mementos that may give you a
greater understanding to the interests, etc. of the deceased.
 Ask what the family has in mind for the service and if they have any
favourite hymns or scripture passages they would like included.
 Find out if there will be someone who should be asked to give a personal
tribute, or if they would like anyone who wishes to have an opportunity to
speak.
 Take notes during this meeting and use them in your planning
 Be sure to include everyone in the planning of the service
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The service
“The service should seek to combine the formality required by the occasion with the
personal touch, spontaneity, freedom and warmth which are the hallmarks of a
Salvation Army meeting.” (Ceremonies Book, p.26)
The service may include:
a. congregational songs, or music
b. a relevant scripture reading. (See back of Ceremonies Book for suggested
passages)
c. a brief message
d. personal tributes or eulogy
e. musical items
f. the words of committal (See Ceremonies Book, p. 28)
g. anything else that the family may wish to be included, where possible
h. audio visual presentations
Look for opportunities to be creative
Practicalities
If the funeral is to be held at your hall:
i. Open hall at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the service
ii. Make sure hall is tidy and heating/cooling is on
iii. Liase with the funeral conductor, to clarify final details including when you
want the coffin to be removed
iv. Determine where you want the coffin to be placed, and have corps flag ready
if the deceased was a Salvationist
v. Place table in foyer of the hall for memorial books
vi. If possible reserve parking for the funeral cortege
vii. Organise musicians if needed
If funeral is to be held at crematorium or funeral parlour chapel
i.
Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the service
ii.
Liase with funeral conductor to clarify final details including when you
want the coffin to be removed, or lowered (in the case of cremation or
burial)
iii.
Be conscious of the timing of the service
Also:
 Funerals will involve people from vastly different backgrounds. Increasingly this will
also include people of diverse ethnicity and culture. The ceremony should be true to
its Christian and Salvation Army principles and the needs of the family in ways that
are inclusive of all.
 Be careful of the language/jargon you use
 Don’t call pallbearers forward allow funeral conductor to organise them
 Consider what you are going to do about special requests beforehand. For
example, requests are often made for special groups to participate. For some that
is easier than others to decide. Be sure you have worked out beforehand what your
response would be to requests from such groups. For example a request from
Freemason’s for involvement in funeral.
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Remember:
Being asked to conduct a funeral is privileged work as it allows us to minister to people at
a significant time in their life. Thus funerals deserve our best and should be made a
priority.
This ministry should be part of our on going pastoral care ministry to the family and should
extend way beyond the day of the funeral.
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