They receive benefits and bear responsibilities from both relationships. The Free Methodist Church recognizes marriage and family as institutions ordained by God. As such, guidelines for conduct are presented to assist in maintaining the health and sanctity of marriage, family, and church family. Nature of Marriage. In this union the two retain their individual identities, but subordinate them to the larger relationship of marriage.
Marriage is the only proper setting for sexual intimacy.
Scripture requires purity before and faithfulness within marriage. Marriage, therefore, should be safeguarded and supported by both church and society. This calls for public vows. Nurturing Healthy Marriages and Families. The Free Methodist Church urges its people to enter the covenant of marriage prayerfully.