We are always pleased when a couple decides to unite in marriage at the Fellowship Bible Church. We have assembled some information that you will find helpful as you proceed toward that very important day. Some of this information is contained in this manual, and further instructions will be given to you later.
As soon as possible after announcing your engagement, contact the pastor to discuss your intentions for marriage. You will need to reserve the date on the church's calendar which also serves to prevent any other activities from being scheduled on that date. An appointment for the pastor to meet with the couple will be arranged where the he will review the biblical framework for marriage and will set up a schedule for premarital counseling. This counseling is mandatory and will consist of approximately 7-8 two-hour sessions. Depending upon the number of engaged couples in the church, a group setting may be used for some of the sessions.
During your marriage counseling you will receive instruction in areas of communication, husband's and wive's roles, finances, family worship and wedding planning. Various checklists will be presented that cover the events leading up to the wedding, the ceremony, and the reception. In addition, you will get a tour of the facility and become familiar with its layout and instructions for use. You will need to be thinking about who you wish to participate with you in the wedding, selections of music, and scripture readings. This will give you a head start!
This church promotes the "Covenant Marriage" concept. In so doing, we ask that each couple intending to marry in the church include as part of the ceremony a public signing of a marriage covenant. This document encompasses the spoken vows and presents them in the form of a contract. We believe this to be a powerful testimony of faithfulness and dedication, as well as a statement to those in attendance of the sanctity of marriage.
We suggest that you attempt to work with a wedding coordinator whenever possible. Often, this is the pastor's wife or someone designated to be your contact person. This person's help will be a great asset to you as you move closer to your wedding day. We will work with you to secure such a person.
Your wedding day should be one of the best days of your life, and we will all work diligently to make it as memorable and God-honoring as possible.