Weddings

~ WEDDING INFORMATION ~

You can use just the church facility, or our pastor can also perform your ceremony.

PREREQUISITES

The pastor requires four meetings for marriage preparation. He views this as an investment in your life.

There are certain parameters the pastor feels Scripture places on a Christian marriage. These parameters apply to all who are married at Immanuel Baptist Church, even to those growing up in the church, whether the pastor performs the ceremony or someone else. These parameters are not intended to be judgmental in any way. They simply express the pastor's understanding of Scripture's teachings.

* Christians are not to marry non-Christians. (I Corinthians 7:39, II Corinthians 6:14) The Bible defines a Christian as one who has placed their personal trust in Jesus' death for the forgiveness of their sins. Just because a person believes in God, goes to church, or is a good person does not mean they are a Christian.

* Recognizing a past divorce may be painful, not all are free to remarry according to the Bible. A person's past marriage would have to be sensitively discussed with the pastor.

* Christians who are living together or are physically intimate will be asked to pledge themeselves to sexual purity. This question will be asked of each couple. This too is according to Scriptural guidelines. (Hebrews 13:4)

You can use a pastor of your choice.

Two non-believers can be married, but the pre-marriage counseling is still required.

The pastor reserves the right not to perform any ceremony which he deems unsatisfactory due to lack of proper marital preparation, biblical violations, immaturity, or other mitigating facts.

FEES

The pastor's honorarium will be a minimum of $50 for non-members.

Non-member couples married in the church will pay additional fees as follows:

* Janitorial - $50

* Auditorium - $100

* Sound - $30

* PowerPoint - $25

* Musicians - $30

Members are to pay a $15 janitorial fee for a wedding. Use of the building is without charge. Pastor's honorarium is optional.

PRACTICES

Please make appointments for weddings or counseling as far in advance as possible.

Christian standards will be applied to all ceremonies, music, and procedures.

Smoking, throwing rice, and use of alcoholic beverages not permitted on church premises.

Wedding fees must be paid prior to wedding or satisfactory arrangements made with the wedding coordinator.

We at Immanuel Baptist Church count it a privilege to be of service to you at this important time of your lives and hope that you will consider a long term relationship with us.