The marriage policy of Timothy Lutheran Church, a member congregation of Florida-Georgia District of the
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, is and always has been consistent with the scriptural definition of marriage.
That is, as a Congregation which is deeply rooted in God’s Word, we believe that marriage is a sacred union of
one man and one woman (Gen. 2:24-25), and that God gave marriage as a picture of the relationship between
Christ and His bride, the Church (Eph. 5:32). We further support the official position of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod, as set forth in 1998 Res. 3-21 (“To Affirm the Sanctity of Marriage and to Reject Same-Sex
Unions”), in that homosexual unions come under categorical prohibition in the Old and New Testaments (Lev.
18:22, 24; 20:13; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 1 Tim. 1:9-10) as contrary to the Creator’s design (Rom. 1:26-27). Our Pastor will not officiate over any marriage inconsistent with these beliefs, and our church property may not be used for
any marriage ceremony, reception or other activity that would be inconsistent with our beliefs and this policy.
A man and woman desiring to be married on church property must willingly and obediently submit to marriage
counseling with our Pastor. The marriage counseling process is designed to equip and empower the couple for a
committed joyful life together. Marriage counseling will always focus on covenant with God and each other, love,
communication, marriage history, finances and other areas that are identified in conversation.
The number of visits and the duration of the pre-marital counseling differ with each couple. The minimum
number of visits will total at least four (approximately 1 ½ hours each), with more visits required depending
upon the needs of the couple or if faith counseling is required for persons who are not yet confessing Christians.
The pre-marital counseling process may begin as early as one year, but no later than four months, prior to a
proposed marriage date. If counselling was done elsewhere, the Pastor can make a judgement call as to its
validity.
This premarital counseling process consists of:
1. The couple meets with the Pastor.
2. Additional counseling may be necessary prior to or following the approval of the marriage.
3. Pastor has the discretion to decline conducting the ceremony at Timothy Lutheran Church if he so
chooses.
4. Once the counseling is successfully complete by the couple the wedding date is confirmed on the church calendar as well as the date and time for the wedding rehearsal.
The costs and fees associated with the wedding and the use of the facility will vary with each marriage ceremony.
We recommend discussing the details of your wedding, reception and other particulars with the Pastor or
Chairman of the board of Elders.