Return to Archive Topical Index

---

THE CHURCH'S ROLE IN
MARRIAGE, DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE

Below are some discussion questions about the role of the church as a congregation, it's ministers and it's eldership. How involved should the church be in the marriage of members in the congregation?

1. Pre-marriage

1. Teaching in Classes
   
2. Pre-marriage counseling
   
3. Establish any rules about:
   
   1. Who can marry whom (Only marry a Christian.)
      
   2. Wedding announcements (Not put in bulletin.)
   
   

2. The Wedding Itself

1. Type of music used
   
   1. Organ
      
      1. At the church building
         
      2. If wedding is elsewhere
      
      
   2. Tapes of secular songs
   
   
2. Use of denominational preacher in wedding
   
3. Building use and decorations
   
   1. Candles (Looks Catholic)
      
   2. Prayer altar (Too Denominational)
   
   

3. Marital Problems

1. Money and Finances
   
2. Values
   
3. Sexual Problems
   
4. Religious Faith
   
5. Roles
   
6. Freedom and Power
   
   
   1. Should the church be involved?
      
   2. If so, to what extent?
      
   3. Should the church provide counseling?
      
      1. Handle it internally?
         
      2. Set up a counseling center?
         
      3. Who should do the counseling?
         

4. When One Files For Divorce

1. What should the church do?
   
2. Is the act of filing for a divorce a sin?
   

5. After The Divorce Is Granted

1. Guilty party
   
2. Innocent party
   
3. When no fornication is involved
   
4. Is the obtaining a divorce a sin?
   
5. Should church disfellowshipping take place?
   

6. After Re-marriage

1. Guilty party remarries
   
2. Innocent party remarries
   
3. When no fornication is involved
   
4. A widow remarries
   

---

Return to Archive Topical Index