Members only Private Religious Wedding policies
Our facilities are not open to the public for the practice of religious and non-religious rituals or events
that are not compatible with our doctrinal statement. Christ Church has supporting policies associated with our private Christian wedding ceremony-worship rituals and only practices the Biblical model of Christian marriage between one man and one woman until separated by death (Genesis 1-2; Matthew 5; 19; Ephesians 5;
Colossians 3; Hebrews 13:4).
See more policy info below
marriage
“Draw me after you and let us run together!"
Song of Solomon 1:4
One of the most sacred and life-changing relationships we can have is found in marriage. All of us have heard stories of marriages that sound like fairy tales with happy-ever-after endings. And yet, all too often we have heard stories of marriages that failed and caused great pain in the lives of the families and especially the young children involved. Christ Church is committed to preparing believers for Biblical Christian marriage between one man and one woman.
Christ Church is committed to helping married couples experience the healing wisdom of wives honoring their husbands and husbands loving their wives as Christ has loved the church. Marriage is God's idea and marriage by His design works! When we follow His purposes for marriage and allow His Spirit to help us incarnate His Gospel in relationship to our spouse, marriage becomes wonderful and fulfilling beyond words.
POLICY STATEMENT
Our facilities are not open to the public for the practice of religious and non-religious rituals or events
that are not compatible with our doctrinal statement. Christ Church has supporting policies associated with our private Christian wedding ceremony-worship rituals and only practices the Biblical model of Christian marriage between one man and one woman until separated by death (Genesis 1-2; Matthew 5; 19; Ephesians 5; Colossians 3; Hebrews 13:4).
Do you have a question about marriage? Email our pastor at chrisperry@discoverchristchurch.com
preparing for
christian MARRIAGE
There is nothing quite like being in love and preparing for Christian marriage! Christ Church of Central Arkansas is committed to helping couples prepare for God’s wonderful purpose and design in marriage and the family. The Unpack Your Bags: Preparing for the Life-Changing Relationship of Marriage in Christ wedding application and pre-marriage counseling series is an important part of starting well in preparing for marriage! Why? Because we are dealing with your marriage! We are not dealing with a decision to buy a goldfish or where to buy your next cup of coffee. This is your marriage. The decision to marry will redefine you and change you. It will set up a series of life changes that will last for generations. We are profoundly obligated to take your marriage seriously and do our best to prepare you for the privileges and responsibilities of being husband and wife. Submitting this wedding application does not imply acceptance or approval into the counseling program. Pastor Chris will review the application, marital history, and consult with parents, pastors, Best Man, and Maid of Honor before accepting the ministry of preparing the couple for the life-changing relationship of marriage in Christ. It is best for applications to be submitted at least one year to eight months prior to the date of the ceremony.
Wedding policies & Application
PRE AND POST-CEREMONY POLICIES
1. Couples applying for a wedding ceremony at Christ Church must be willing to comply with all pre-marital counseling sessions. Sessions will include other couples who will assist in teaching and mentoring you.
2. If the couple wants someone other than the staff of Christ Church to perform the ceremony, this minister must be in full agreement with all doctrinal statements and wedding policies of Christ Church. In addition, this minister will be interviewed prior to approval.
3. Pre-marital sessions will be scheduled and coordinated by the Pastor performing the ceremony and/or the assigned counseling team and mentors.
4. It is the responsibility of the couple to obtain the Marriage License as available by the State in a timely manner. Christ Church facilities and pastoral staff are available for Biblical marriage ceremonies for Members of Christ Church only. Our facilities are not open to the public for the practice of religious and non-religious rituals or events that are not compatible with our doctrinal statement. Christ Church believes in, has supporting policies for, and only practices the Biblical model of Christian marriage between one man and one woman until separated by death (Genesis 1-2; Matthew 5; 19; Ephesians 5).
5. Christ Church facilities are available only for private religious ritual and ceremony use for Christ Church.
6. If a wedding ceremony is scheduled at Christ Church, decorations and preparation for the ceremony is not allowed to disrupt Sunday and Wednesday worship services. A wedding ceremony on Saturday should begin no later than 4:00 PM.
7. Rehearsal may or may not be attended by the Pastor assigned to the wedding ceremony. This will be determined based on distance, understanding with the Wedding Coordinator, and time constraints at the discretion of the assigned Pastor. The Pastor attending a rehearsal will meet briefly with the Wedding Coordinator in advance. The Wedding Coordinator is expected to lead the rehearsal in a timely manner. Once necessary cues are determined to direct the actual portion of the ceremony led by the Pastor, the Pastor may be dismissed.
8. The assigned Pastor should arrive approximately thirty minutes before the ceremony. A photo of the Pastor may be taken after the ceremony.
9. Music that honors the Biblical purpose and design of marriage should be used during the ceremony and reception at Christ Church. Music must be pre-approved by Pastor Steven Vuong.
10. The assigned Pastor will not be responsible for any technical audio or video aspects during the ceremony. The person in charge of sound and recording is responsible to make sure all microphones have new batteries and are on and ready for recording before the ceremony begins. Sound checks and setting mics in the on/off position or mute/unmute position are the responsibilities of the sound and recording team. A fee of $100.00 should be given to the Audio/Video rep.
11. The couple or their designee is responsible to mail or drop off the Marriage License.
SUMMARY OF PRE-MARRIAGE SESSIONS
1. Introduction and review.
2. Agreement to Sexual Purity.
3. Defining Christian Marriage.
4. Uniqueness and Acceptance in Marriage.
5. Blended Family and Marriage.
6. Love as the Basis of Marriage.
7. Managing Expectations.
8. Defining the Purpose and Vision of Your Marriage.
9. Fulfilling Needs in Marriage.
10. Roles, Responsibilities and Decision-Making.
11. In-Laws and Extended Family.
12. Communication.
13. Conflict Resolution.
14. Finances.
15. Sexual Intimacy.
16. Your Spiritual Lives as Husband and Wife and as Individual Followers of Jesus.
17. Marriage and Your Commitment to the Body of Christ.
18. Special Issues in Marriage.
19. Marriage and Individual Mentoring.
20. The Rehearsal and Ceremony
marriage resources and counseling
