United Baptist Church does not have a wedding policy, but there is a short definition of the marriage in the doctrinal statement that states marriage was established by God and is only between a man and a woman per Genesis 2:19-25 and Ephesians 5:22-33. This proposed wedding policy contains several sections with sub-sections that have a few short sentences that are clear and concise.^[1] The policy statements focus on the desire of the church but also the creativity, innovation, and application in the implementing procedures that are not included in the policy.[2] The policy, when part of the Church Operating Manual, will be approximately one to two pages in length.[3]

United Baptist Church Wedding Policy

At United Baptist Church, we believe that marriage is a sacred covenant founded by God and defined in Scripture as the union of one man and one woman that is life-long and exclusive (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6, Ephesians 5:31-33). Marriage is more than a contract between two people, it is a covenant to God and includes living a Christ-centered marriage. This policy is based on these biblical principles and the doctrinal beliefs of the Southern Baptist Convention. United Baptist Church may not be used for any ceremony that in any way approves of, honors, supports or allows a same-sex union or a polygamist or any union which, in the judgment of the pastor, is inconsistent with United Baptist Church’s doctrinal beliefs. United Baptist Church may decline to make its facilities or ministers available for any wedding if it is determined that one or both of the parties are not biblically and/or legally qualified to marry. Such determinations may be made by the pastor.

Eligibility for Marriage

Membership: At least one of the individuals must be a member of United Baptist Church or be a close family member of a member (e.g., daughter, son, father, mother). Non-member requests will be approved by the pastor on a case-by-case basis.

Gender (Genesis 1:27): The couple must be one man and one woman, as defined by their biological sex at birth.

Faith Commitment (2 Corinthians 6:14, 1 Corinthians 7:12-14): Both individuals must confess faith in Jesus Christ and be committed to living according to Christian principles. Interfaith marriages where one person is not a Christian will be approved by the pastor on a case-by-case basis.

Premarital Counseling (Proverbs 15:22, 19:20-21): The couple must complete premarital counseling (minimum of four sessions) with the pastor or someone he designates as his replacement.

Divorce and Remarriage (Matthew 19:8-9): The following criteria will be considered: 1) The former spouse is now deceased (Romans 7:2, 1 Corinthians 7:39), 2) Divorce occurred because of sexual unfaithfulness by the former spouse (Matthew 19:3-9), 3) Desertion by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15), and 4) The former spouse initiated the divorce and has remarried (Romans 7:3). Remarriages will be performed after one year has passed from the time the divorce has finalized. Exceptions will be approved by the pastor on a case-by-case basis.

Application Process

Initial Meeting: The couple must schedule an initial meeting with the pastor to discuss their desire and understand the marriage policy.

Application Form: The couple complete the wedding application form that includes details about their faith, relationships, and proposed wedding date. Pastor provides approval which is based on biblical principles and church policies.

Ceremony and Venue Guidelines

Officiant (1 Timothy 3:1-7): The pastor or a designated minister shall officiate the wedding. Outside ministers must be approved by the pastor and share United Baptist Church’s doctrinal beliefs. No minister shall officiate at any marriage ceremony unless such marriage is consistent with this policy.

Venue: The church sanctuary, chapel, and other facilities are available for weddings that align with United Baptist Church’s doctrinal beliefs. Alcohol, tobacco, and illegal substances are prohibited.

Music and Readings (Philippians 4:8): All music and readings must be appropriate for a Christian wedding and be approved by the officiant.

Decorations: Decorations must be respectful, not damage the property, and be approved by the officiant.

Rehearsal: Rehearsals are optional and must be scheduled with the officiant.

Conclusion

The three sections of Eligibility for Marriage, Application Process, and Ceremony and Venue Guidelines provide limits for operational procedures. They are not unnecessarily restrictive, overly burdensome, punitive in nature, and should not demotivate those that would like to be married at United Baptist Church. They complement the other areas of the Church Operational Manual and are within the parameters of any local, state, or federal statutes.[4]

Bibliography

Welch, Robert H. Church Administration: Creating Efficiency for Effective Ministry. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2011.

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^[1] Robert H. Welch, Church Administration: Creating Efficiency for Effective Ministry (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2011), Chapter 3.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Welch, Church Administration, Chapter 3.