MinistriesPre Marriage
Overview
Congratulations on your engagement! While this must be a very exciting and exhilarating moment in your relationship, it is also a crucial time that will undoubtedly influence the life you plan to build together. At Irving Bible Church we are committed to helping you ensure that your wedding is a holy, personal, and unforgettable experience for you and your families. Below are some commonly asked questions and links to resources that will help you in your planning process.
Marriage/Premarriage FAQ’s
Must I take part in premarital counseling to be married by an IBC pastor?
Yes, you must complete a premarital counseling process to which you and the officiating IBC pastor agree. IBC offers an excellent premarital counseling process. See below for more information.
Who does the premarital counseling and what does it cost?
Premarital counseling is conducted by specially trained lay leader couples in our church who exemplify maturity in their relationship with God and in their marriage. Typically the mentoring lasts for 8 sessions in a casual format but one that challenges each couple in their own relationship. The cost for this process is $125 and includes all materials (workbook and online profile). We ask that engaged couples contact us at least 5 months prior to the wedding date to register.
Must my fiancee be a Christian for an IBC pastor to marry us?
Yes, IBC believes that Christians are called to marry only Christians. However, we will be glad to move forward with premarital counseling. It is our hope that, as you walk through your journey of faith, both the future bride and groom may deepen their relationship with God and thereby honor his Word.
"Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?”2 Cor 6:14-15 NLT
Must IBC be my church home to use the facilities for my wedding?
Yes. Due to the demand for our rooms, we have limited the use of the IBC facilities to our IBC family.
What if we are living together now?
Couples who are physically intimate or are living together are asked to covenant with IBC to abstain from their sexual relationship until their wedding day. We would like the opportunity to encourage you to make this commitment with us, and understand that we believe this is God’s best for your marriage relationship. This policy will be discussed with you in premarital counseling and/or with the officiating pastor.
"God wants you to live a pure life. Keep yourselves from sexual promiscuity. Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body, not abusing it, as is so common among those who know nothing of God.” 1 Thess 4:3-8
"There must not be even a hint of sexual immorality…or impurity” Eph 5:3 NIV
"Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 1 Tim 4:12
What is an appropriate honorarium for the officiating pastor?
There is no set fee for IBC family, but a minimum honorarium of $200 is suggested.
When will I know if IBC facilities and/or pastors will be available to me?
We will not be able to confirm the availability of either IBC’s facilities and/or pastoral staff until you have filled out our online marriage questionnaire and have had an initial meeting with our Marriage Advocate. After receiving the online form, our Marriage Advocate will contact you within 2 business days to schedule a time to meet and discuss IBC’s marriage guidelines with you.
What are IBC’s Marriage Guidelines?
To learn more about IBC’s marriage guidelines, download our Marriage Guidelines PDF.
Who do I contact with other questions?
For more information, please contact Kym at (972) 560-4632 or e-mail
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How do I start the process?
To learn more and register for premarital counseling, complete our online registration form.
