PRE-MARITAL COUNSELING
In order to help prospective couples to prepare for marriage and avoid potential pitfalls, Gospel Ramah Church has a Pre-marital Counseling Program that has to be completed before the marriage can be officiated. Preparation for marriage involves more than throwing a party. Pre-marital counseling is designed to help the couple to build a solid foundation for their relationship.
Values
The prospective couple is required to lead a God-honoring lifestyle, displayed in the following:
1. Pursuit of holiness (seeking to be set apart for use by God)
2. Purity (including no sexual relations before marriage)
3. Avoidance of temptation (Not spending time alone in a private place).
(Eph. 5:3; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Heb.13:4)
These are of high value in the body of Christ, therefore in our Ministry.
The Process
The couple will be taken through the following process:
- Both must be born-again, baptized according to the scriptures (preferably members of G.R.C.)
- The couple must always express the desire to abide by God’s Word and also fellowship with other believers.
- The couple must inform and keep open communication with their respective Social Group Leader for accountability purposes, i.e. Youth Pastor, Leader of Men’s Ministry, Leader of Women’s Ministry. In addition to the above, a Section Leader must be made aware if an Active Member is in a relationship.
- The Social Group Leader will put the dating couple in contact with the pre-marital counselors for further guidance regarding the premarital process.
- The premarital counselors will liaise with the Executive Pastor’s Office and facilitate the administrative process. The process includes: Confirmation of parental approval, and wedding date approval (The prospects may not fix the wedding date before consulting with the Church).
- In the event of any complication that may arise, e.g. disagreements between families, etc. the case will be referred to the Eldership of Gospel Ramah Church.
- Only upon completion of the pre-marital counseling program can the wedding ceremony be conducted.
- The Church will do follow up sessions with the couple after wedding to see how they are settling into marriage, etc.
- After the wedding, the couple shall render services in the Children Ministry for a period of four (4) weeks for the purpose of exposing them to some aspects of parenting.
Everyone Has a Next Step. What's Yours?
1. Accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour
So you’ve been hearing about this Jesus for a little while now. What does it mean to follow him?
2. Get Baptized
Baptism shows the world the new life that you’ve found in Jesus. If you think you’re ready to get baptized, click below.
3. Join a Connect Group
Cell groups exist to be a place where people are challenged to apply the Gospel of Jesus to all areas of life, wherever they are in their faith journey.
4. Grow your Faith
Explore your faith at your own pace. We have resources to help you grow and answer your questions
5. Take Membership
Membership means being a member of a group and in this context of a local church and the word member means, the one who officially joins a group.
6. Know your Spiritual Gifts
A spiritual gift is an expression of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers which empowers them to serve the body of Christ, the church…
7. Serve with a Team
We’re better together. Everybody can play a part to help us be a church that’s FOR our community and FOR the life Jesus offers. We have lots of opportunities to get involved!
8. Give
People like you give generously to help Gospel Ramah Church live out its mission and vision. Your generosity makes a difference. Explore what that means, and give easily online or in person.
9. Register for Sunday School
Parents Need Spiritual Backup – Sunday School Can Make a Difference. Please register you child here.
10. Get Married
Any Couple that would like to be married by a pastor from our church, OR would like premarital counselling from our church, must FIRST take this step and have a preliminary meeting with the designated pastor.