Wedding Policy of Macedonia Baptist Church

 

The Wedding Policy of Macedonia Baptist Church (MBC) under the pastoral leadership of Dr. Randy Setzer is as follows:

 

1.    At least one person of the couple who desire to be married at MBC must be an active member of the church who faithfully attends and supports the ministry of the church.

Matthew 22:37-40

Romans 10:9-10 and 13

Romans 12

2 Corinthians 6:14

Ephesians 2:8-10 and 4:4-13

Colossians 2:6-7

If the family of either the bride or groom is an active member of MBC and this is considered the family’s home church, then the couple may be married here as long as they meet requirements 3 and 4 below.

2.    The couple must contact pastoral staff of their intentions to be married, specifying the date and time of the wedding rehearsal and ceremony. The church calendar will be checked for any scheduling conflicts before the date and time are confirmed.

3.    One of the members of the MBC pastoral staff will officiate the wedding. This stipulation protects the integrity of the pulpit.

Romans 16:17-18

1 Timothy 3:1-7

1 Peter 5:2-4

If a couple would like a pastor not affiliated with MBC to conduct the service, reasonable notice must be given to the pastoral staff. Determination will be made based upon the minister’s doctrinal beliefs, his efforts of conducting pre-marital counseling with the couple, and his standing in the believing community. This determination will be made by the senior pastor with advisement from actively serving deacons.

4.    The couple must successfully and fully complete the pre-marital counseling course (4-6 weeks) as prescribed by MBC pastoral staff.

5.    The pastors will not marry non-believers nor a couple who is living together in an intimate relationship or who are involved in any other unrepentant sin. If a couple is living together out of wedlock, then they must agree with the pastor to be free from sexual immorality for a specified period of time prior to the wedding.

Romans 6:13-16

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 and 7:1-3

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 and 7

6.    If one or both persons have been divorced, they must consult with the pastor before remarriage in order to determine whether or not they have biblical grounds for remarriage.

Deuteronomy 24:1-4

Malachi 2:16

Matthew 5:31-32 and 19:3-9

Mark 10:2-12

Luke 16:18

Romans 7:2-3

1 Corinthians 7:10-16

7.    The Wedding Director and the pastor are to work together in order for the rehearsal and ceremony to go smoothly and bring honor to God.

8.    If the church’s fellowship hall is to be used for either the rehearsal or a reception following the wedding, procedures and guidelines associated with its use should be observed. At no time are alcoholic beverages to be served and/or consumed on the premises of the church in conjunction with the rehearsal, ceremony, or reception.

9.    The bride and groom will be responsible for any damages to MBC facilities during the wedding preparation, ceremony, or reception. Damages must be reported to the church staff.

10. Any questions or concerns relating to this policy should be directed to the pastoral staff of MBC.