Emmanuel Baptist Church Marriage Policy
Statement on Marriage and Sexuality
We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary sexes together reflect the image and nature of God (Gen. 1:26-27). Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.
We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning and that is marriage sanctioned by God which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture.
We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.
We believe that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography or any attempt to change one’s sex, or disagreement with one’s biological sex, is sinful and offensive to God.
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, should abide by and agree to this Statement on Marriage and Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly.
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with scripture nor the doctrines of the church.
We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
Marriage Preparation
All parties involved wishing to be married at Emmanuel Baptist Church must seek approval, from the Pastor and leadership.
In order for our church to better prepare couples for a life-long marriage, all couples who desire to be married at Emmanuel Baptist Church will agree to premarital counseling.
The length of the counseling will be determined by the pastor. The factors that may extend this service is based on the curriculum that is used or if there are issues that arise that need to address prior to the marriage ceremony.
- Faith Commitment
The Pastor and Leadership will review the findings of the faith of the couple. If there is a question of a person who is not in a personal relationship with Christ, it will be at the discretion of the Pastor and Leadership if the ceremony is to proceed. It will be stressed and help will be provided to the couple in establishing a Christian home.
- Divorce
To help insure the time needed for healing and possible reconciliation, no remarriages after divorce of a spouse will be performed until at least one year has passed from the time the divorce is finalized.
This information will be reviewed by the Church Leadership and they will approve or disapprove the request for marriage based on information given and reviewed to ensure compliance with scripture.
- Premarital Pregnancy
In case of premarital pregnancy, the marriage may or may not be performed. This will be determined by Church Leadership after consideration and prayers.
- Ceremony
If pastor of another church is requesting to perform the ceremony, Church Leadership will conduct a review and interview of the pastor to ensure their Theology is in accordance with Scripture and the Doctrine of the Emmanuel Baptist Church.
- Reception
If the Fellowship Hall is being requested for the reception a request must be provided.
- After the Ceremony
The Pastor will conduct a follow up marriage counseling to assist with the transition of life of a married couple.
“What God has joined, let no man separate.” Matthew 19:6
Emmanuel Baptist Church Facility Use Policy
Facility Purpose Statement
The Church’s facilities were provided by God’s benevolence and the sacrificial generosity of its members. All Church property is consecrated and set apart to worship God (Col. 3:17), and therefore is to be used exclusively to glorify God and edify the Body of Christ. Although the facilities are not generally open to the public, the Church makes its facilities available to approved members and non-members on a case-by-case basis as a witness to its faith, in a spirit of Christian charity, and as a means of demonstrating the Gospel of Jesus Christ in practice.
The Church’s facilities may not be used for activities that contradict, or are inconsistent with, the Church’s beliefs, as summarized in the “Baptist Faith and Message 2000.” This restricted facility use policy is necessary for two reasons. First, the Church may not in good conscience materially cooperate in activities or promote beliefs that are contrary to its faith (2 Cor. 6:14; 1 Thess. 5:22). Second, the Church must present a consistent public witness to the community through its stewardship of its property. Allowing facilities to be used in a way that contradicts the Church’s beliefs as found in the “Baptist Faith and Message 2000” would have a severe, negative impact on the message that the Church strives to promote and could cause confusion and scandal to Church members and the community. Therefore, only events that are consistent with the Church’s religious beliefs, as determined by the Pastor, shall be permitted.
Approved Users
The pastor must approve all Church facility use requests. Priority shall be given to Church members and Church-sponsored groups or activities.
In the Church’s sole discretion, Church facilities may be made available to members and non-members or outside groups (the “User”) meeting the following qualifications:
- The User must affirm that the planned facility use does not violate the Church’s faith and practice.
- The User must submit a signed “Church Facility Reservation Request and Agreement” form.
- The User must agree to abide by the Church’s rules of conduct for facility use, as stated below and as described in any additional instructions by the Church’s Pastor.
- The User must take responsibility for the facilities and equipment used.
Facility Use Guidelines
- Users may only enter and use those areas of the facilities that have been reserved.
- Food and beverages are not allowed in the sanctuary.
- No alcohol may be served on church property.
- Smoking is prohibited in any indoor Church facility.
- Sex-specific changing areas and restrooms are to be used by members of the designated biological sex only.
- Church equipment must be returned to original placement, unless arranged otherwise prior to the event.
- All lights must be turned off and doors locked upon departure.
- Abusive or foul language, violent behavior, and drug or alcohol abuse are strictly prohibited on church premises. Any person exhibiting such behavior will be required to leave the premises.