INTRODUCTION

The joining of a man and woman in marriage is the foundation of God’s plan for His people and His world. Christians should marry in the Lord. It is fitting that the local church be involved in the whole process. To assist you in planning your wedding the church leadership has developed and adopted the policies and guidelines that follow.

1. POLICY FOUNDATIONS

The purpose of this wedding policy is to answer questions, eliminate confusion and give clear direction to those who seek to be married under the guidance and authority of Lighthouse Gospel Church pastoral staff. The following directives will form a foundation for this policy and will guide the pastoral staff and prospective marriage participants.

  • Marriage is ordained by God and all ceremonies will be God-centered in word and deed [Genesis 2:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31].
  • Marriage is the covenant act of one man and one woman uniting together as husband and wife [Genesis 1:27; 2:22-25]. By “man” and “woman” we refer to that gender manifested by God at conception and formed by God in the womb and revealed by God at birth. Marriage between a man and woman is declared in Scripture to create a “one-flesh” union [Genesis 2:23-24; Matthew 19:5], which in turn signifies the union between Christ and His Church [Ephesians 5:22-33].
  • Based on the revealed truths of the Bible, God’s Word and as stated above in “section b” – Lighthouse Gospel Church accepts the Biblical definition of marriage and excludes all others. Lighthouse Gospel Church will not allow, recognize, participate in, or support any other concept or definition of marriage. Any relationship between two entities other than one man and one woman in a claimed marriage is contrary to God’s Word and our statement of faith.
  • The pastoral staff and facilities of Lighthouse Gospel Church will be used for the wedding ceremonies of those who have placed their faith for salvation in Jesus Christ alone. The pastoral staff will officiate at marriages of believers to believers [1 Corinthians 7:39; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18]. No pastor or member of the church staff shall officiate at any ceremony designed to solemnize, promote, create, or approve a same sex-union or a polygamist union or any union which is inconsistent with our beliefs.
  • Any pastor involved in a wedding ceremony must be in agreement with the Statement of Faith of Lighthouse Gospel Church with permission by Lighthouse Gospel Church pastoral staff. Required counseling outside of Lighthouse Gospel Church must be approved by pastoral staff.
  • The pastoral staff will humbly and compassionately work through with prospective marriage participants any issue that may impact a prospective marriage. To eliminate confusion the pastoral staff will not participate, nor the facilities be used for marriages involving divorced participants.

2. INITIAL REQUEST FOR MARRIAGE CONSIDERATION

All couples desiring marriage will have a discussion with a Lighthouse Gospel Church pastor who will share this wedding policy for church marriages. This discussion will help determine if pastors at Lighthouse Gospel Church will be involved in the marriage process. This discussion will also describe the pre-marital counseling requirements. If requirements are met and agreed upon – next steps will be discussed with the couple.

3. REQUIREMENTS TO BE MARRIED AT THE CHURCH

At least six (6) months of in-person attendance will be required prior to the wedding date. Attendance will be monitored at the discretion of the pastoral staff. It is important to book the church facilities within six months of your wedding date, in order to reserve your chosen date on the church calendar, and to allow adequate time for pre-marital counselling. All couples requesting marriage will be required to attend a pre-marriage counseling course.

4. REQUIREMENTS FOR MUSIC AT OUR WEDDINGS

Every aspect of the marriage ceremony should glorify God. This is true in music that will be used. We strongly recommend that a live pianist be used for all wedding ceremony songs. In the event that this is not possible, all music, USB’s, songs, etc. must be submitted to the Pastor responsible for approval no later than thirty days prior to the ceremony. Any musicians, vocal or instrumental other than someone from the church must also be approved. This applies to receptions held at the church building and any other venue. It is strongly urged that all music used in the service be Christian. If any secular music is to be used in the ceremony, it must be appropriate and in accord with biblical values. This will be determined by the pastor. There are musical styles that are inappropriate for a Christian wedding, and there are many songs with lyrics that run counter to God’s standards. They will not be used in the wedding ceremony.

5. FACILITIES

The facilities of Lighthouse Gospel Church can be used for weddings by couples who are members, children of members and those approved by Pastors/Elders. These couples must complete a pre-marital preparation program provided or approved by our pastoral staff.
Couples not connected with Lighthouse Gospel Church who receive permission to use the facility must be sponsored by an active member. This member will be the liaison between church staff and the couple for any facility needs, questions, concerns, and responsibilities.
The church facility or property shall not be used by any person or group that advance, advocate, or engage in practices that contradict the purpose of Lighthouse Gospel Church.

  • Sanctuary: The sanctuary of Lighthouse Gospel Church will seat approximately 440 people. The sanctuary of the church may be decorated for the wedding. No decorations that will leave marks, holes or colouring on walls or furniture will be used. All decorations are to be removed from the sanctuary following the wedding ceremony. The sanctuary will be restored to use before the next scheduled church service. The wedding couple is responsible for making arrangements for set up, decorations, clean-up and restoration for use of the church facility. The sponsor member for non-members should assist in these matters. The church custodian will be contacted to assist and supervise clean-up. The custodian will be paid a reasonable fee for this service. Only drip-less candles are permitted for wedding ceremonies. Unattached pews and furniture may be moved. The pulpit and other furniture/equipment will be stored in the storage area off of the stage. Decorating of facility may take place after the Wednesday prayer service. Church staff should be notified in advance of decoration times, rehearsal times and wedding party arrival times to ensure that the building is unlocked.
  • Dining Hall: The dining hall seats approximately 375 people. Tables, chairs, serving items can be used by the wedding party. The wedding party will provide any food, cups, plates, paper-ware, etc. Guidelines for decorations for the dining room are the same as the sanctuary.

6. REQUIREMENTS FOR WEDDING APPAREL

Men and women must wear modest apparel at Lighthouse Gospel Church wedding ceremonies. This applies to the whole wedding party, musicians, and servers both at the ceremony, and at the reception. The attire of female participants must be modest and in no way diminish worship or focus on God during this special time, and their attire must be approved for by a pastor’s wife.

7. RECEPTIONS AT LIGHTHOUSE GOSPEL CHURCH

When the reception is held at the church – the Church Secretary will be contacted for assistance with the rental agreement. It is the position of Lighthouse Gospel Church that wedding receptions for believers should honour God in purpose and action. For this reason, no receptions held on church property or any other rented wedding venue, will include the use of intoxicating beverages, dancing, or any form of activity which dishonours our Lord Jesus Christ.