Calvary Baptist Church is delighted to take part in the service of joining two people together in the sight of the Lord. We will do everything we can to assist you in the preparation for your future life together.

       Marriage is an institute decreed by God. In the ideal state, it is a living type of our relationship as believers with Christ. Therefore, the couple and the ceremony should be a powerful testimony to those outside of the faith and a reminder to those in the faith of man’s relationship to God through Jesus Christ.

       As a Pastor and a servant of the Lord, responsible for the oversight and testimony of the church body, I am bound to the Scriptures in all matters of faith and practice. This includes even the marriage ceremony in which the Scriptures set forth general principles for us to live by. In this event, there are some conditions to be met before a Biblical wedding can take place. Without such compliance to these Biblical principles, no wedding ceremony will be performed.

Joining of Believers (II Corinthians 6:14)

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?”

       Scripture commands one not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. This includes marriage, business and ecclesiastical relationships. For this reason, both parties must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and must be able to clearly testify to this fact. (A testimony sheet is attached).

       We will not marry any couple where one or both parties are unsaved. However, we will counsel the couple with the aim of bringing the unbeliever(s) to the Lord. If satisfactory results are not achieved, the marriage ceremony will not be performed.

Maturity in the Couple (Eph. 5:22-33; I Peter 3:1-7)

       The responsibility in marriage is great. Immaturity, incompatibility and the lack of willingness to conformed to the Word of God in matters of faith and practice can result in serious problems for a couple later on in the marriage. Because marriage demands personal responsibility and the instructions we are given in the Word of God can only be carried out by a mature couple in Christ we, therefore, expect to see maturity, compatibility and a Christ-like walk in the consenting parties.

First Marriage (I Corinthians 7:10-12)

       The first responsibility of a divorced person is that they remain single or reconcile the relationship. We realize that for various reasons many people in a divorced situation do remarry. Even within our church membership, there are divorced and remarried individuals. We recognize that God forgives, cleanses and uses those who have had such a misfortune in their life. However, because of the complexity of each situation and the above admonition and others found in Scripture, we have chosen as a church body only to marry couples who are being married for the first time.

Church Attendance (Hebrews 10:24-25)

“And let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; . . .Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as we see the day approaching.”

       The faithful attendance to a church is expected of the couple. We expect this for several reasons:

1. Scripture exhorts the believer to faithfully attend a local church.
2. Attendance is a visible way we can express our devotion to our Lord.
3. Better than 50% of all marriages fail. One out of 40 marriages fail in those who attend church once a week. One out of 400 marriages fail in those who attend church weekly and practice a daily family devotion. Therefore, there is a direct link between regular church attendance and solid marriages.

       Because of the above, we will expect attendance in the regular services of the church. If one or both parties are out of town, they are to attend another church of like faith in that area.

Showers, Stags & Receptions (Gal. 5:19, 21; I Thess. 5:22)

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, . . .envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. . . Abstain form all appearance of evil.”

       As the plans for the wedding progresses, showers, stags and receptions will be arranged. We ask that the couple carefully give their attention to these events because they will be a direct reflection on your walk and stand for the Lord. These functions should be a place in which our Lord Himself would be comfortable attending. We ask that the couple make it known that they desire not to have alcoholic beverages served at any of these events. If a stag is to take place, gambling along with lewd and immoral behavior should be avoided.

       Scripture speaks strongly against drunkenness and immoral behavior. Though our Lord attended a wedding in Cana and made wine for the wedding guests, history tells us the traditional wine of that day was deluded three parts water to one part wine. It was hardly a drink one could get drunk on. Therefore, we request that the couple plan their entire wedding ceremony and reception to give honor unto our Lord. (Also see the Spiritual Service Standard for specific guidelines. If they are not attached to this sheet please make sure you ask for them and read through them.)

Counseling

       In view of the responsibility of marriage, counseling sessions will be required before the individuals marry. Certain books may be required by the Pastor to be read during the couple’s engagement periods.

Testimony & Spiritual Walk

       The final step before the marriage takes place if for the Pastor to report the personal testimonies and spiritual walk of the couples before the Deacon Board. (Please see the attached testimony sheet. The Bride and Groom should fill this form out and hand it in at least two months before the wedding date.)

Signing

       The Biblical principles listed above are the church’s requirements concerning a church-related marriage. It is the church’s desire to uphold these standards to the best of its knowledge and ability in every marriage ceremony that is performed at Calvary Baptist Church.

       We have read the “Marriage Ceremony” and the “Spiritual Service Standards” and agree to uphold these standards whether all or just part of the marriage ceremonies are held in the church.

Brides Signature:                                                

Grooms Signature: