Beliefs About Marriage
Marriage
is the union of a man and a woman into a "oneness" which no other human
relationship can provide. Made before divine and human witness, the
marriage covenant unites a couple so fully that they "become one flesh"
(Genesis 2:24).
Even more importantly,
marriage involves mental, emotional and spiritual union. As Friends, we
believe that two people should enter into marriage under the full
persuasion that it is a lifelong commitment and union. A union so
solemn is to be entered into only after much forethought, planning and
prayer. Our goal is to build strong marriages and families.
Before You Plan the Reception...
Plan
to build a strong marriage and family! We at First Friends Church want
to help prepare you for one of the most important and challenging tasks
of your life. Our understanding of scripture is that marriage is a
covenant among you, your spouse and God. In order to support you as the
"body of Christ" and help you build a Christian marriage, we require the following from couples planning on being married by an FFC pastor:
- A personal commitment to Jesus Christ as their Savior (John 3:16, Romans 10:9, II Corinthians 6:14)
- Regular attendance in our worship services
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
- Attendance of our "Preparing for Marriage" class
(Proverbs 15:22)
- Six sessions with a mentor couple, and a meeting with one of our Pastors
- Completion of our Divorce Recovery Program, if either one has been divorced
Preparing for Marriage Program
God intends married couples to be "one" physically, emotionally,
intellectually and, most of all, spiritually. In order to experience
all the blessings of "oneness" in Christian marriage, thoughtful and
prayerful study of scripture is essential.
In
the "Preparing for Marriage" program you will discover not only God's
specific design for a husband and wife but also how to implement God's
design in your future marriage. This class is offered in the Fall,
Winter and Spring quarters, as announced. Call 330.966.2800 or email family@firstfriends.org for more details.
