TRUE LOVE WAITS

1999

Pledge Service

Pre-Service Music                                            Praise Band

Welcome and Prayer                                   Jessie Simonian

Praise Music                         Congregation and Praise Band

Skit                                                                   Teen Players

Special Music                                Daniel and Terry Phillips

Words from the Student Ministry                      Brother Billy

Exchange of Vows                     Pastor, Students, Parents and Congregation

Pastor:              This is a moment of reverence and celebration.  You are about to commit to something that you will never regret.  We comment you for your choice.

Students:           Because I believe that God has a plan for my life, I choose to make this choice.

Parents:                        We commit our support and love to you as you take this stand.

Church:             We promise to stand with you as you seek to follow God’s formula for success.

Students:           Right no I commit to remaining sexually pure from this day until my wedding day.

Pastor:              The choice you have made isn’t an easy choice.  But it is the very best choice.  I will make a commitment to pray for you.

Parents:            When you are faced daily with new challenges, temptations, and responsibilities we will listen and do everything we can so that you can make this commitment a reality.

Students:           I commit my body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto Christ, which is an act of worship.

Parents:            We also commit our bodies to Christ.

Students:           Whatever things are true, whatever things are pure

Parents:            Whatever is noble

Students:           Whatever is lovely

All:                   Whatever is admirable

Students:           Whatever is worthy of praise

All:                   We commit ourselves to these things.

Students:           We, as students commit ourselves to watch out for each other, and turn away from anything that would intentionally or unintentionally lead each other away from our commitment to wait.

Guys:                In the plans we make

Girls:                 In the way we choose to dress

Guys:                In our conversation and thought lives

Girls:                 and in our time

Students:           We commit to this goal of purity and abstinence before marriage

Pastor:              Sex is an incredible gift within the marriage covenant but it destroys the lives of those outside God’s plan.

All:                   We as the body of Christ commit to God’s foolproof plan and the exciting future that we hold in our hands.

(Parents please take the symbol of your love for your student and place in your hand)

Pastor:              Adult, face your student and repeat after me.  (Pause as indicated) This is a symbol…of a vow to purity…there is not a day…that we will not pray…for God’s very best for your life…we love you!

Pastor:              Students, give your commitment cards to your parents as a symbol of your love and devotion.  Hold hands with your parents or sponsoring adult and repeat after me.  (Pause as indicated)  Believing that true love waits…I make a commitment to God…myself…my family…my friends…my future mate…my future children…to be sexually abstinent…from this day…until the day I enter…a biblical marriage relationship.

Prayer:             Zane Jernigan

Student Minister’s Closing Words

Recessional                                                       Mildred Mink and Bobbie Crawford

Pastor’s Invitation

Worship with Tithes and Offerings

Pastor:              A reception has been arranged for your enjoyment and to celebrate the choices of the students.  This will give you an opportunity to express your love and commitment to the students and their parents.  Please join us in the fellowship hall for refreshments.  (Dismiss)

Student Pastor:  For the past four weeks we have discussed True Love…how God’s motive for us to abstain from sex until marriage is His love, a love that does not want us to suffer the consequences of wrong choices.  Tonight you have made a good choice.  You have decided that from today forward you will allow Christ to be the Lord of your date and sex life.  You have decided that from today forward you will allow Christ to be the Lord of your date and sex life.  You will be tempted to compromise this choice.  However, as you grow in your love relationship with Jesus you will mature and be able to continue your good choices during your single lives.  Students, on your wedding night you are to give this symbol of love that your parents have given you tonight to your spouse as a symbol of your commitment to sexual purity.  I too, pledge my love and prayers for you.  We are proud of your choice and stand behind you with our lives and love.  Parents/Students you may show affection.