When I meet couples for the first time and they ask me to tell them a little about myself I usually say what part of my life do you want to know about? Most of the time two area’s come up. The first most common question is what is your background that led to officiating weddings? And second is officiating weddings your full time job?

When I discuss my background I consider myself to be a recovering Southern Baptist. I received all my education from California Baptist University or CBU for short, in Riverside CA, and my Master’s Degree in Divinity at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City MO. Upon completing my degrees in 1993, I pastored a small church in California, MO., for six years. Yes, California MO. kind of ironic being how I was born and raised in Southern California. While pastoring in Missouri, I performed many weddings and funerals for church members. After about five years I began to realize that my belief system was shifting in a direction that was not conducive with the Southern Baptist belief system. I became more inclusive and accepting of people who belonged to different cultures, economic and religious affiliations. I understand that not all Southern Baptist churches may not be exclusive and reject people with differences, but in my experience I no longer fit within the Southern Baptist doctrines.

Since belief system came to be more inclusive I began searching for other ministry options. This brought me to GA. In April of 2000, prior to my education I was a sound engineer in Southern CA. And while in College at CBU, I served as the Audio Visual Director. When searching for other ministry opportunities I accepted a position as a Technical Director at a Methodist Church here in GA. Due to budget issues the position only lasted two years. After leaving this position I accepted a job with Gwinnett Rockdale Newton Community Service Board – GRN CSB. This is basically the department of mental health, alcohol and drug recovery /resource center for all three counties. I started and continue to work in the residential department. I assist people with mental illnesses, who are stable on medication, with daily living skills and help to integrate them back into the community and to assist them to become fully independent.

While working with GRN a member of the Methodist church asked me if I would officiate his son’s wedding. He shared that that his girlfriend was pregnant and the current minister would not officiate. I agreed. This led to the idea that there are probably many couples who might be in this situation and who also may want a spiritual component to their ceremony who may not be affiliated with any particular religion or denomination. So I began putting my name out in the community and I discovered that there are many couples, like yourselves, who are reading this and saying “yes, this is exactly what I need, someone who respects my belief system and will work with me in putting together my ceremony, not a ceremony of their own agenda will they judge me of the situation I am in.” I have been in officiating business since.

Currently as I indicated above, officiating is not my full time job, but I would love for it to be. Along with working at GRN I am attending Argosy University to obtain my Masters in Professional Counseling Degree with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy. I then plan to become a Licensed Professional Counselor or LPC. I am hoping that my wedding officiating will grow and coupled with my LPC, I will be able to serve couples in the ongoing process of marriage and family.

Thanks for considering me to be your officiant. I look forward to hearing from you. May you find all the joy a marriage has to offer.

Sincerely
Rev. Keith Chesterman