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CBCGB Marriage and Solemnization Policy
Pastor Chuck Lowe
Please print document, sign to signify agreement, and
submit to the pastor.
A wedding is a joyous - albeit frenetic - occasion for the
couple and their families. Yet Christian marriage signifies
more than the joining of two individuals in matrimony: it
is a sacred covenant, undertaken in the presence of God and
in the context of Christian community (Malachi 1:14). This
understanding forms the foundation of the CBCGB marriage and
solemnization policy.
The world that God created was good in all aspects but one:
man was alone (Genesis 2:18). So God created woman that the
two might enjoy, comfort and strengthen each other (Genesis
2:20). In marriage, the two become one (Genesis 2:23-24).
They share the divine blessing, as well as the divine mandates
of procreation and stewardship over creation (Genesis 1:26-28).
By definition, then, Christian marriage is restricted to two
believers each in living relationship with the Lord (1 Corinthians
7:39; see also 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Malachi 2:11-12).
By God's intention, design and decree, marriage is a lifelong
union: the two become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). What God joins,
no one may separate (Matthew 19:6). The participants themselves
affirm a life-long commitment in their vows before God and
witnesses: 'for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in
sickness and in health, till death us do part.' God is not
reticent about expressing his expectations: 'I hate divorce!'
(Malachi 2:16). If we violate this ordinance, he threatens
to reject us (Malachi 2:13-15). Consequently, no Christian
dare view divorce as a useful expedient or even as a last
resort.
In a culture which readily permits divorce, Christian marriages
require the support of fellowship, teaching and nurture, in
the context of accountability relationships. For these reasons,
all couples seeking marriage are to be active, committed participants
in an ongoing small group within CBCGB. They are also to follow
a program of premarital and postmarital counseling.
In keeping with these biblical truths, the following qualifications
are to be met by those seeking marriage:
- Both parties must be committed Christians, in living
relationship with God;
- Both parties are typically to be members in good standing
of this church, and regular participants in a congregational
small group;
- Both parties must be single; if either is divorced, please
consult pastoral staff;
- The couple must agree not to cohabit (either domestically
or sexually) prior to marriage (1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 6:9-10;
Galatians 5:19-21);
- Both parties must satisfactorily complete a program of
premarital counseling, and postmarital follow-up under the
auspices of the church. By the end of the premarital counseling
sessions (at least four months prior to the wedding), if major
issues remain which could seriously jeopardize the prospective
marriage, the pastor reserves the right to recommend that
the wedding be postponed. If the couple rejects this counsel,
the pastor reserves the right to withdraw as officiating minister.
We acknowledge that we have read and understood these
stipulations, and sign to signify our acceptance.
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