Wedding Policy
FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH
Wedding Policy
INTRODUCTION
The joining of a man and woman in marriage is the foundation of God’s plan for His people and His world. Christians should marry in the Lord. It is fitting that the local church be involved in the whole process. To assist you in planning your wedding the church leadership has developed and adopted the policies and guidelines that follow.
1. POLICY FOUNDATIONS
The purpose of this wedding policy is to answer questions, eliminate confusion and give clear direction to those who seek to be married under the guidance and authority of Faith Baptist Church pastoral staff. The following directives will form a foundation for this policy and will guide the pastoral staff and prospective marriage participants.
a. Marriage is ordained by God and all ceremonies will be God-centered in word and deed [Genesis 2:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31].
b. Marriage is the covenant act of one man and one woman uniting together as husband and wife [Genesis 1:27; 2:22-25]. By “man” and “woman” we refer to that gender manifested by God at conception and formed by God in the womb and revealed by God at birth. Marriage between a man and woman is declared in Scripture to create a “one-flesh” union [Genesis 2:23-24; Matthew 19:5], which in turn signifies the union between Christ and His Church [Ephesians 5:22-33].
c. Based on the revealed truths of the Bible, God’s Word and as stated above in “section b” – Faith Baptist Church accepts the Biblical definition of marriage and excludes all others. Faith Baptist Church will not allow, recognize, participate in or support any other concept or definition of marriage. Any relationship between two entities other than one man and one woman in a claimed marriage is contrary to God’s Word and our articles of faith.
d. The pastoral staff and facilities of Faith Baptist Church will be used for the wedding ceremonies of those who have placed their faith for salvation in Jesus Christ alone. The pastoral staff will officiate at marriages of believers to believers [1 Corinthians 7:39; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18].
No pastor or member of the church staff shall officiate at any ceremony designed to solemnize, promote, create, or approve a same sex-union or a polygamist union or any union which is inconsistent with our beliefs.
e. Any pastor involved in a wedding ceremony must be in agreement with the Articles of Faith of Faith Baptist Church with permission by Faith Baptist pastoral staff. Required counseling outside of Faith Baptist Church must be approved by pastoral staff.
f. The pastoral staff will humbly and compassionately work through with prospective marriage participants any issue that may impact a prospective marriage. To eliminate confusion the pastoral staff will not participate nor the facilities be used for marriages involving divorced participants.
2. PRE-COUNSELING PERSPECTIVES
All couples desiring marriage will arrange a time with a Faith Baptist Church pastor who will share pre-counseling perspectives for marriage. This pre- counseling meeting will determine if pastors at Faith Baptist Church will be involved in the marriage process. This pre-session will also describe the pre- marital counseling requirements. If requirements are met and agreed upon – the couple will submit an application to be married at the church.
3. APPLICATION TO BE MARRIED AT THE CHURCH
At least four (4) months and preferably six (6) months prior to the wedding date - an “Application to be Married at the Church” form is to be secured at the church. It is important to make application as early as possible to reserve your chosen date on the church calendar and allow adequate time for counseling. Under special circumstances and needs this time requirement may be waived with permission by a pastor.
4. FACILITIES
The facilities of Faith Baptist Church can be used for weddings by couples who are members, children of members and those approved by Pastors/Deacons. These couples must complete a pre-marital preparation program provided or approved by our pastoral staff.
Couples not connected with Faith Baptist Church who receive permission to use the facility must be sponsored by an active member. This member will be the liaison between church staff and the couple for any facility needs, questions, concerns and responsibilities.
The church facility or property shall not be used by any person or group that advance, advocate, or engage in practices that contradict the purpose of Faith Baptist Church.
a. Auditorium
1) The auditorium of Faith Baptist Church will seat approximately 240 people.
2) The auditorium of the church may be decorated for the wedding.
No decorations that will leave marks, holes or coloring on walls or furniture will be used.
All decorations are to be removed from the auditorium following the wedding ceremony.
The auditorium will be restored to use before the next scheduled church service.
The wedding couple is responsible for making arrangements for set up, decorations, clean-up and restoration for use of the church facility. The sponsor member for non-members should assist in these matters.
The church custodian will be contacted to assist and supervise clean-up.
The custodian will be paid a reasonable fee for this service.
3) Only drip-less candles are permitted for wedding ceremonies.
4) Unattached pews and furniture may be moved. The pulpit, communion table and other furniture/equipment will be stored in the classroom beside the Pastor’s office.
5) Decorating of facility may take place after the Wednesday evening service.
Church staff should be notified in advance of decoration times, rehearsal times and wedding party arrival times to insure that the building is unlocked.
b. Fellowship Room
1) The fellowship room seats approximately 150 people.
2) Tables, chairs, serving items can be used by the wedding party.
The wedding party will provide any food, cups, plates, paper-ware, etc.
3) Guidelines for decorations for the fellowship room are the same as auditorium.
5. MUSIC
Every aspect of the marriage ceremony should glorify God. This is true in music that will be used. All music, tapes, CD’s, etc. must be submitted to the Pastor responsible for approval no later than ninety days prior to the ceremony. Any musicians, vocal or instrumental other than someone from the church must also be approved. This also applies to receptions held at the church.
6. APPAREL
The minimum for men is slacks, shirt and tie. Ladies must wear dresses at least to the knee in length. No off shoulder, strapless or low cut dresses will be acceptable. This applies to the whole wedding party, musicians and reception personnel if the reception is held in the church facility. The attire of female participants must be modest and in no way diminish worship or focus on God during this special time. Counsel, questions or concerns in regard to the apparel of ladies will be referred to a pastor’s or deacon’s wife.
7. RECEPTION
When the reception is held at the church – the Ladies Fellowship Ministry will be contacted for counsel or assistance.
It is the position of Faith Baptist Church that wedding receptions for believers should honor God in purpose and action. For this reason no receptions held on church property will include the use of intoxicating beverages, dancing, or any form of activity which dishonors our Lord Jesus Christ.
8. GENERAL GUIDELINES
a. Rice, birdseed, confetti, etc. may not be thrown inside the church.
b. Smoking is not permitted in the church building
c. Alcoholic beverages in any form are not to be served, consumed or allowed at any time on church property.
d. Any damages to church property should be reported to officiating pastor.
e. Dressing rooms will be provided as needed. These rooms will be restored to their functional use after the wedding.
All personal items will be removed after the wedding ceremony.
f. The wedding couple will make arrangements for any sound equipment needs. Only approved sound technicians from Faith Baptist Church will operate the equipment.
g. The entire parking area of Faith Baptist Church can be used for weddings. No parking on the grass if grounds are wet.
h. The sponsor member of couples not connected with Faith is responsible for securing/locking building after use.
Contacts: Pastor Tim Waldron 338-6762 (church)
338-9142 (home)
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