We believe that marriage and the family are instituted by God. The church blesses both marriage and singleness and encourages families to grow in love. Marriage Marriage is a covenant relationship intended to unite a man and a woman for life. At creation God designed marriage for companionship, sexual union and the birth and nurture of children. Sexual intimacy rightfully takes place only within marriage.
Marriage is to be characterized by mutual love, faithfulness and submission.
A believer should not marry an unbeliever. The community of faith blesses and nurtures marriage relationships, and makes every effort to bring reconciliation to troubled marriages. Human sinfulness, however, may sometimes lead to divorce, a violation of God's intention for marriage. With truth and compassion the family of God offers hope and healing while continually upholding the biblical ideal of marital faithfulness. Singleness Singleness is honored equally with marriage, sometimes even preferred.