1. PURPOSE OF THE POLICY

This policy provides biblical, pastoral, and procedural guidance for the conduct and solemnisation of marriages under the authority of Evangelical Faith Church. It seeks to ensure that all marriages conducted by the Church:

  • Honour God

  • Uphold biblical teaching on marriage

  • Promote godly family life

  • Protect the integrity, witness, and order of the Church

“Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure.”
— Hebrews 13:4

2. BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION

2.1 Marriage is instituted by God as a covenant between one man and one woman for life.

Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6

2.2 Christian marriage reflects:

  • God’s design for companionship (Genesis 2:18)

  • Faithfulness and mutual love (Ephesians 5:25–33)

  • Commitment and permanence (Malachi 2:14–16)

2.3 Marriage ceremonies conducted by the Church are acts of Christian worship and covenantal commitment, not merely social or cultural events.

3. DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE

For the purposes of this policy, marriage is defined as:

A lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, entered into freely, publicly, and lawfully, and blessed by God.

This definition governs all church-related marriage activities.

4. SCOPE OF THE POLICY

This policy applies to:

  • Marriage ceremonies conducted on church premises

  • Marriage ceremonies officiated by ministers of the Church elsewhere

  • Marriage blessings and vow renewals conducted under church authority

  • Pre-marital counselling administered by the Church

5. ELIGIBILITY FOR CHURCH-CONDUCTED MARRIAGES

5.1 Church Members

The Church shall normally conduct marriages for:

  • Members in good standing

  • Members under the pastoral care of the Church

5.2 Non-Members

The Church may conduct marriages for non-members where:

  • Both parties are practising Christians

  • The couple agrees to Christian marriage principles

  • Approval is granted by the Pastor or Elders Council

The Church reserves the right to decline requests inconsistent with Scripture or church doctrine.

6. AUTHORITY AND OVERSIGHT

6.1 All marriages conducted under the Church’s name are subject to the oversight of the Elders Council.

6.2 Marriage ceremonies shall be officiated by:

  • Ordained ministers of Evangelical Faith Church, or

  • Approved ministers acting with the consent of the Elders Council

“Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:40

7. PRE-MARITAL COUNSELLING

7.1 Pre-marital counselling is mandatory for all couples seeking marriage through the Church.

7.2 Counselling shall address, at minimum:

  • Biblical foundations of marriage

  • Communication and conflict resolution

  • Financial stewardship

  • Sexual ethics and faithfulness

  • Family roles and responsibilities

  • Parenting and extended family relationships

7.3 Completion of counselling does not guarantee approval for marriage.

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
— Proverbs 20:18

8. LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

8.1 Couples must comply with all applicable civil and legal requirements for marriage.

8.2 The Church shall not conduct or bless:

  • Unlawful marriages

  • Secret or coerced unions

  • Bigamous or polygamous marriages

8.3 All required documentation must be submitted within prescribed timelines.

Romans 13:1

9. CONDUCT OF THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY

9.1 Nature of the Service

Marriage services conducted by the Church shall:

  • Be distinctly Christian in content and tone

  • Include Scripture, prayer, vows, and blessing

  • Emphasise covenant, faithfulness, and lifelong commitment

9.2 Order of Service

A typical marriage service may include:

  • Opening prayer

  • Scripture readings

  • Exhortation or sermon

  • Exchange of vows and rings

  • Pronouncement of marriage

  • Benediction

The officiating minister has final authority over the order of service.

10. MUSIC, DECORUM, AND PRESENTATIONS

10.1 Music used during church marriage services must:

  • Be Christian or consistent with a worshipful setting

  • Uphold modesty, reverence, and dignity

10.2 Language, attire, and conduct shall reflect Christian values.

10.3 Cultural practices may be included only if they:

  • Do not contradict Scripture

  • Do not involve superstition, idolatry, or immorality

11. FEES AND FINANCIAL MATTERS

11.1 The Church does not sell marriage services.

11.2 Any fees charged shall relate only to:

  • Use of church facilities

  • Equipment

  • Administrative or logistical costs

11.3 Ministers shall not demand or negotiate personal fees.

Voluntary gifts or honoraria may be given at the discretion of the couple.

“Freely you have received; freely give.” — Matthew 10:8

12. PASTORAL CARE AFTER MARRIAGE

12.1 The Church commits to ongoing pastoral care for married couples, including:

  • Marriage enrichment

  • Counselling support

  • Family ministry programmes

12.2 Couples are encouraged to remain actively involved in church life.

13. EXCEPTIONS AND DISPUTES

13.1 Any exception to this policy must be approved by the Elders Council.

13.2 Disputes shall be handled:

  • Pastorally

  • Confidentially

  • In accordance with church governance and Scripture

14. AMENDMENT OF THIS POLICY

This policy may be amended by:

  • The Urgent Mission Council, and

  • Elders Council and Congregational approval where required

All amendments must remain consistent with Scripture.

15. CONCLUSION

Marriage is a sacred covenant ordained by God. The Church’s role is to teach, guide, bless, and uphold marriages in faithfulness to Christ and His Word.

“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
— Matthew 19:6