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.