AboutMartin W. Eldred Expertise I have been a Lutheran Christian for 47 years and a Lutheran pastor for almost 19. I can answer most general questions about Luther, Lutheran History, Lutheran Theology, and a Lutheran approach to Biblical Interpretation. I am ELCA, for those who know what that means, and I tend to be moderate theologically. I hope that I can converse with those that are either more conservative or liberal than I, and especially with those who are really just seeking.
Experience Pastors are "generalists" and generally have a working knowledge on many subjects. We are also used to working with a variety of answers from a variety of people. I teach a great deal, especially in the area ofthe New Testament. I particulalry enjoy the Pauline literature.
Organizations I have been a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, an international gathering of biblical scholars and teachers, since the late 1980s.
Publications I have written a few book reviews for the journal, "Lutheran Quarterly."
Education/Credentials I have a B.A. from Pacific Lutheran University in Religion (Biblical Studies)and a Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary.
Question My daughter is getting married for the second time and would like a very small family affair, She would like a "friend" to perform the ceremony and wondered what is required for someone to officiate at a Lutheran Wedding. Her home church is too far away geographically.
Answer Karen:
Thank you for your question and congratulations in your daughter's upcoming wedding.
First, marriage is primarily a state affair, so you will need to check what constitutes an Officiant for your state. I say that because I don't know if your friend is a pastor or not. In my state of Alaska, a layperson can perform a certain number of weddings (I think one per year) but each state is very different.
Second, layperson or clergy, anyone can perform a "Lutheran" wedding by simply following the Marriage Liturgy in one of our hymnals. Actually, if you really want to get theological about it, we Lutherans would hesitate to claim any one service as a "Lutheran" wedding. I have done a variety of types of services over 21 years--from formal to very informal. Some have followed what is in the hymnal to the letter, others have been quite different. What made them "Lutheran" is first, I guess a Lutheran pastor was there, but second that the core of what we believe was there: Jesus was invited and honored; and the couple were free to profess their vows publicly and pledged to honor one another in a faithful, life-long relationship with one another.
That being said, my third point would be that, if your daughter is nearer to another denomination's church, that is okay also. A "Lutheran" wedding can happen if the above mentioned Lutheran/Christian spirit even if a Methodist, or Baptist, or whatever Officiates. Besides, if she is Lutheran it is a Lutheran wedding.
I guess what I am trying to say is that we don't own a specific copyright of a specific type of wedding. She is free to marry the person she loves and can rightly claim it as a Lutheran wedding no matter where it is held or who officiates. She is also free to take of written liturgy for the service and use it where ever she wants, although it is not too different that that used by many other denominations. In other words, ENJOY the wedding, celebrate the GRACE that we have and the LOVE (both God's and the couple's) that is being celebrated! That is a Lutheran wedding.
