Definition:

Rituals are the ceremonies used by the Body of Christ to show how people connect to God and the Body of Christ during the significant events and decisions in a person’s life. Key rituals in the church accompany rites of passage, including birth, death, marriage, baby dedication and or baptism. Rituals also confirm decisions: salvation, baptism, membership, graduation, call to ministry, ordination, election or appointment to an office or responsibility. Rituals are important teaching opportunities and help people grow in grace and retell the gospel story. Key to this is the regular practice of the Lord’s Supper. The use of the Bible during rituals anchors them in the history of God’s people.

Characteristics:

Be:

  • Worship

Know:

  • Biblical basis for rituals
  • Rituals in Nazarene Manual
  • Various rituals and when to use them

Do:

  • Creativity
  • Counseling
  • Public relations
  • Reading publicly
  • Worship leading
  • Event organization
  • Working knowledge about Cultural and governmental laws (marriage, funeral)

Outcomes:

  1. Use various rituals to point to the person and work of Christ and explain how these impact the student and the church. RIT-1
  2. Explain and demonstrate several techniques for administrating various rituals (weddings, funerals, baptisms, and communion must be included) including theological, cultural issues and legal implications. Demonstrate public reading or memorized scripture quotation during a ritual. RIT-2
  3. Analyze various historical forms of Christian worship and devotion and consider how to apply relevant forms within today’s cultural context. RIT-3
  4. Use various rituals to point to the person and work of Christ and explain how this impacts students and the church. RIT-4