The Landover Baptist Church Forum - Pastor's Marriage Policy

MARRIAGE POLICY

I am thankful that you are considering me as the Pastor to perform your wedding. I also rejoice in both your decision to be married and your future together as Husband and wife.

The institution of marriage is beautiful and sacred, therefore very serious. As a True Christian™ Pastor, I take my part in the ceremony with gravity and soberness. We all must give an account to our Lord for the things we do in this life. (1Cor. 3:12-15; 2Cor. 5:9,10; Rev. 20:11-15) As a True Christian™ Pastor I am privileged to be able to marry couples in the sight of God Himself. But it is neither a necessity that I personally marry people, nor is it my occupation. Many people ask a Pastor to marry them for the same reason they want to be married in a church, tradition and God's blessings. Traditions are fine if it is according to God's will. And of course we all want the Blessings of God, but they come with the stipulations of obedience to His word. In our society there are options for a legal marriage, such as false Christian ministers, a Justice of the Peace or a secular (probably joo) judge. Unless you are deeply committed to a Biblical marriage, one of these alternatives might be better suited to your desires. Again, being responsible to God for what I say and do, this includes who and how I marry people. I must uphold the standard given in the Scripture. I realize there are those who will interpret the Bible differently (i.e., incorrectly) and therefore might marry when I would not. But I am comfortable with the knowledge of the Judgment I will face. I do God's will, and if you are lucky enough to have me perform your wedding ceremony, I will do it on you.

In this day and age marriages are difficult to hold together. The Scriptures have the answers to all of life's greatest questions. The standard that God has given to us on the home and marriage in the Holy Bible is for the best. God wants the best for you, me and all of America. So based upon God's word, I have set up some basic requirements that are prerequisites to my performing a marriage ceremony. Please do not take it personal if I cannot perform your wedding. I turn down 75% of the wedding applications that come across my desk. I have even had to refuse to marry close family members whom I love dearly. I hope I can both perform your ceremony and ensure that your marriage is Blessed by God and Jesus. Please do not ask me to compromise my convictions, I neither want to embarrass you, nor send you to everlasting hellfire.

Scriptural References:

Gen. 2:24; Mt. 5:31,32; Mk. 10:2-12; Lk. 16:18; Rom. 7:1-3; 1Cor. 7:1-40; 2Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:21-33; Col. 3:17-21; 1 Pet. 3:1-7

1. I will only marry couples of opposite genders. If you're a queer, don't even ask.

2. I can NOT marry when one or both have gone through a divorce. God especially doesn't trust widows.

3. I can NOT marry a couple when one is a True Christian™ and the other is not. But with the right Tithing, that is easily remedied.

4. I can NOT marry a couple that are of false Christian denominations.

5. I require at least 3 counseling sessions, of at least 30 minutes in length, with the couple before the wedding. In addition, I will need several one-hour private counseling sessions with the bride-to-be. Some of these sessions may need to be scheduled late at night, as my availability is subject to God's will.

6. The vows are traditional marriage vows that I administer. The vows emphasize the True Christian™ roles of Husband (responsibilities, leadership, all decision-making) and wife (submission and subserviance). Additional or more personal vows (Bible-based only) will be considered, at the request of the Husband-to-be and/or the father-of-the-bride.

7. No joos.

The following are suggestions:

1. Before the first counseling session please write down the following (separately): Why each wants to get married. Why you want a True Christian™ wedding at Landover Baptist Church. What you each expect out of a Godly marriage. Girls, what you think your Husband (and Jesus) expects from this marriage?

2. You should have known and been dating each other for at least six years, or the bride-to-be should have been recently raped by the Husband-to-be (subject to Biblical verification).

3. Both have attended church services and Tithed at Landover Baptist for 10 years at least.

4. Please consider planning the ceremony for Friday evening, this is so as it will be easier for me to get up on Sunday and do my Sermon.

In addition, there is the The Engagement Covenant.

Quote:

Believing that marriage is a Holy and Sacred gift from God, it is our desire that couples approach marriage according to a way that is pleasing to God. Therefore, Pastors reserve the right to decline officiating a wedding if couples do not agree with the "engagement covenant" which includes the following:

A Covenant of Belief
In believing that the Bible teaches that Christians are to marry only Christians, we require that both bride and groom individually come to an understanding and acceptance of Christ's sacrificial death. (2 Corinthians 6:14-16; Romans 10:9-10)

A Covenant of Purity
Believing that the sexual relationship has been designed and intended for marriage, we ask that you agree to abstain from any sexual relationship until after the wedding. PROOF OF VIRGINITY WILL BE REQUIRED. Furthermore, believing that living arrangements that include cohabitation prior to the wedding is a compromise of your True Christian™ witness, we ask that you agree to separate living arrangements until the wedding. (1 Tim 4:12)

A Covenant of Faithfulness
Believing that Landover Baptist Church is God's favorite and the only way to grow strong marriages, we ask that you find a place of involvement in Fellowship Church, a part of the Body of Christ, and pursue a lifestyle of faithfulness. (Hebrews 10:19-25)

The bride and Groom must complete the Nearly Wed/Newly Wed class and have a copy of the completion certificate to the Wedding Coordinator at least 14 days prior to the wedding date.

It is the responsibility and requirement of the bride and Groom to inform all participants of the wedding ceremony that only reverent behavior will be tolerated. Any breech of these rules will result in the immediate cancellation of the ceremony and removal of guests:

No loud or inappropriate language will be tolerated.
No coloreds allowed.
No joos.
Inappropriate and blasphemous dress will not be permitted. Bride and Bridesmaids dresses are to be modest and tasteful. No plunging necklines and nothing shorter than mid-calf length dresses.

Fees

The $30,000 non-refundable deposit, along with the signed Wedding Requirements and Application are required to reserve the chapel for your wedding. This must be completed at least 60 days prior to the wedding date.

After paying the $30,000 non-refundable deposit, the balance due of $70,000 must be paid in full at least 30 days prior to the wedding date. These fees include the pastor’s honorarium and a sound technician.

A $20,000.00 non-refundable deposit is required for outdoor weddings or weddings at other on campus approved locations. The completed wedding application is required and the time of the reservation and deposit. The balance of $30,000.00 is due two weeks prior to the date of the ceremony (and this does not include the pastor’s honorarium, which you are expected to Pray over and provide in USD or gold bullion prior to the ceremony). The Prayer Garden© and other locations may be used for brief ceremonies, for an additional fee. Additional chairs and sound system are not provided for these weddings.

Miscellaneous

All music for the ceremony must be turned in for approval at least 30 days prior to the wedding date. Only music approved by the Church secretary will be approved.

All flowers and decorations must be removed immediately following the wedding ceremony and pictures. The church does not store any wedding decorations.

No one is to alter the church facility or move any furniture or plants.

The Chapel Coordinator will contact you to confirm your date and time as soon as the date is verified to be compatible with other events on the church calendar, and the minister you have chosen has agreed to officiate your ceremony.

You will have approximately three meetings with the FC Chapel Coordinator:

The first meeting will be to gather basic contact information and to view the site of the wedding ceremony.

At the second meeting, these Wedding Requirements will be discussed in detail, and you will be asked to sign these requirements at that time. Also at this meeting, additional forms are completed by the Chapel Coordinator that discuss the specific details of your wedding and bridal party, and your family information. These forms are necessary in order to properly conduct the Wedding Rehearsal. The non-refundable Deposit and signed Wedding Requirements are taken at this second meeting.

The third meeting is your Wedding Rehearsal.

After your wedding, your biographical information found on the wedding application will be passed on to our HomeTeam ministry by the Chapel Coordinator to assist you in finding a new Married HomeTeam.
Facilities

Each FC Campus has an area where weddings can be conducted. The Chapel Coordinator will have an exact seat count for the facility you are interested in. Each facility will have one area for the Bride and one area for Groom to prepare for the wedding.

Rice may not be thrown or dropped at the wedding and may not be used in any way. No slant special effects of any kind.

Rehearsal

The Chapel Coordinator will conduct your wedding rehearsal and the ceremony on your wedding day. I do not conduct or attend rehearsals. The rehearsal is for the bridal Party only to run through the Processional and Recessional. There will be no provisions made for music run-throughs, musicians or vocalists at this time. Rehearsals are to start on time and end on time and should be limited to one hour.

It is very important that all members of your wedding party attend the rehearsal and that they arrive on time. If you have ushers in addition to groomsmen, please ask them to be present at the rehearsal. Parents of the bride and Groom are also encouraged to attend. Groomsmen will be required to attend an all-night Prayer Circle with me on the night prior to the wedding. BYOB.

Ceremony

Only True Christian™ Pastors are allowed to perform the wedding ceremony. Each Pastor uses a script approved by me for the wedding ceremony. Changes to the script are not permitted.

There is a specific selection of ceremony times offered here at Landover Baptist Church. Due to seasonal demands on the facilities, weddings are not scheduled on the major holiday weekends of Easter, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.

All musicians and vocalists are required to be at the sound check 1 ½ hours prior to the ceremony. They will have one hour to complete the sound check before the doors are opened to start seating guests.

There will be no video or slide shows allowed during the ceremony. These are most appropriate at the rehearsal dinner or reception.

Babysitters are not provided or recommended by Fellowship Church.

Music

Your Chapel Coordinator will help you plan the order of service for your wedding ceremony. An True Christian™ Technician will be provided to operate sound and lights for your wedding. No outside secular technicians are permitted.

As you are selecting the music for your wedding, please remember that this is a worship service. The music chosen must be suitable for a worship service. Only sacred, contemporary Christian, hymns and classical instrumental music are permitted. No secular music. All music including song lyrics used in the wedding must be submitted to the Chapel Coordinator and approved at least one month prior to your wedding.

The Grapevine Chapel is equipped with a Grand Piano. The Wedding Coordinator must approve any pianist and what they will be playing at least one month prior to your wedding. No homersexurals.

The Landover Baptist Church choir is available for an additional fee. Please check with the Chapel Coordinator for details.

Flowers and Decorations

Your florist will have access to the Chapel two hours prior to the scheduled time of your wedding. As previously stated, all flowers and decorations must be removed immediately following the wedding ceremony and pictures. The church does not store any wedding decorations. The Chapel is best accessed for unloading flowers and decorations from the North side of the Children's building (closest to the volleyball courts). Please do not unload materials in the front circular drive.

LBC does not provide candelabra, unity candles or candle lighters. Candles must be spring-loaded or Paradise brand. Votive or drip-less candles may be used in hurricane lamps. Aisle candles are permitted in hurricane lamps only. Check with your Chapel Coordinator for information on rentals.

In order to protect the carpet and furniture, plastic material must be placed under all floral arrangements and candles. Please be careful to use nothing that will mar the woodwork or furniture. Nails, staples, adhesives, etc. are not permitted. Any type of isle or row markers must be secured with padded or plastic hooks.

Photography & Video

As you make plans with your True Christian™ photographer, remember that your wedding is a worship service and nothing should distract you or your guests from worshipping the Lord. The photographer does not have free reign at the wedding ceremony and it is up to the bride and Groom to make sure that the vendor they choose will also adhere to the requirements of Landover Baptist Church.

During the wedding ceremony, videotaping is only allowed from the back of the Chapel. All photos taken after the wedding ceremony must be completed within 30 minutes following the conclusion of the ceremony.

The rooms for your wedding and surrounding church grounds are only available for photographs on the day of your wedding, immediately before and after the ceremony. The church facilities are not available for bridal portraits or engagement photographs. It is your responsibility to inform your vendors of the rules in this policy that apply to them.

Those persons involved in videotaping and photographing your wedding should be dressed appropriately for the wedding and must contact the Chapel Coordinator prior to your Wedding Day for further instruction and details.

More than anything, please know this: I will only marry those couples who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and can give adequate testimony of their experience with Him.