Premarital Ministry

Parkside Church is committed to the design of God Himself for marriage as set forth in Scripture. In light of this, we take seriously our responsibilities as a church and as pastors in the wedding process, both before and after the wedding itself. Over many years, we have developed a process and a philosophy of ministry in working with couples seeking to be married at Parkside Church and/or by a Parkside pastor.

Our process includes:

• An application/profile to complete.
• A pastoral interview and approval of application by the pastoral team.
• A prescribed series of 6-8 sessions with one of our trained lay-couples, using materials which are purchased from us for this purpose.

WHY DO WE HAVE A PREMARITAL PROCESS?

Most frequently asked questions:

Q. How long does Parkside's process take to complete?
A. Excluding the application, interview and approval we require a LEAD TIME OF 6 MONTHS MINIMUM. This is to deal with the volume of requests, and to coordinate with the church calendar of facility uses.

Q. We only want a wedding - can be skip the process?
A. No, for several reasons: 1. The Bible requires us to take our entire approach to marriage as a very serious responsibility; 2. We view the premarital process as a link in an ongoing mutual commitment between the couple and Parkside in the nurture of their spiritual lives and family; 3. Time in premarital preparation allows us to address and deal with the issues together before they become marriage-breakers.

Q. When can a wedding date be set and the Parkside facilities reserved?
A. Wedding dates will not be reserved on the church calendar until the couple has been interviewed and approved into the process; Upon approval a date may be set on the church calendar, and a package of information is sent out, which includes specific details of our policies, procedures and fees for planning a wedding at Parkside Church.

Flow and Schedule of the Process

Initial inquiry made to Parkside office - Information mailed.

Pastoral Interview Scheduled - Profile information returned to office Pastoral Interview conducted.

Application reviewed by Pastoral Team and direction given.

6-MONTH LEAD-TIME BEGINS HERE.

When approved: Wedding date may be scheduled with office and wedding package is sent.

Premarital Counseling Coordinators receive written information.

Engaged Couple is assigned to one of our Premarital Ministry Couples.

6-8 Sessions begin: Mutually acceptable schedule set.

Materials paid for and received.