Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
This is an exciting season in your lives so thank you for taking the time to consider this important step of preparing for the lifelong commitment of marriage! We consider it a privilege to support you in this process. At Souls Church, we believe a successful marriage between a man and a woman starts before the ceremony.
“Marriage should be honored by everyone. And every marriage should be kept pure between husband and wife.” Hebrews 13:4 (ERV)
“Marriage should be honored by everyone. And every marriage should be kept pure between husband and wife.” Hebrews 13:4 (ERV)
Our Four Core Values on Marriage
God designed marriage and His Word (the Bible) defines it. We believe these are four key issues that will affect the future success of your marriage. Don't let these four values scare you. Your first step is to review below several recommendations and values we hope you and your fiancé are open to discussing. Secondly, complete the intake form below and our pastors or a member of our leadership team will be in contact with you within a few days.
Value #1: Your relationship with God.
The first and most important issue is your relationship with God. The Bible teaches that God’s love has been expressed to us through the life and death of Jesus Christ. When couples make Jesus the center of their lives, He becomes the glue that bonds their marriage together. It is also vitally important that couples establish a relationship with a local church. Marriage can be challenging, and churches can provide teaching and resources that help build a strong marriage.
Value #2: God's view of marriage through the scriptures
A second area is how God views marriage through the scriptures. While we love and value all people, the Bible guides us on how we live and conduct our lives. Therefore, we believe marriage is defined in the Bible as a covenant, a sacred bond between one biological man and one biological woman instituted by and publicly entered into before God (“Biblical Definition of Marriage”).
Because of the longstanding importance of the Biblical Definition of Marriage to humans and their relationships and communities, and, most importantly, the fact the God has ordained that marriage be between one man and one woman, as clearly conveyed in God’s inerrant Scriptures, including for example in Matthew 19:4-6 where in speaking about marriage Jesus referred to the fact that “he which made them at the beginning, made them male and female,” Souls Church herby creates this policy, which shall be known as the “Marriage Policy.”
Because of the longstanding importance of the Biblical Definition of Marriage to humans and their relationships and communities, and, most importantly, the fact the God has ordained that marriage be between one man and one woman, as clearly conveyed in God’s inerrant Scriptures, including for example in Matthew 19:4-6 where in speaking about marriage Jesus referred to the fact that “he which made them at the beginning, made them male and female,” Souls Church herby creates this policy, which shall be known as the “Marriage Policy.”
Under our Marriage Policy, the Traditional Definition of Marriage is the only definition of marriage that will be recognized or accepted (according to scripture). No elder, officer, employee, servant, agent or any person, corporation, organization or entity under the direction or control of this Church shall commit any act or omission, or make any decision whatever, that would be inconsistent with, or that could be perceived by any person to be inconsistent with, full support of this Church’s Marriage Policy and strict adherence to the Traditional Definition of Marriage rather than any alternative to the Traditional Definition of Marriage. Our Marriage Policy is not be subject to change through popular vote; referendum; prevailing opinion of members of the general public; influence of or interpretation by any government authority, agency, or official action; or legal development on the local, state, or federal level.
Value #3: Soul's Church stance on divorce and remarriage.
The third area pertains to Souls Church standing on divorce and remarriage. We believe that God’s plan for marriage is that it will continue throughout the couple’s lives. Divorce was never God’s intent or desire (Mark 10:2-12; Malachi 2:16). However, as we urge people to pursue repentance and reconciliation if possible, we also realize that divorce occurs for a variety of reasons and every situation is unique. We believe that God cares deeply about the hurt and trauma of divorce and wants to provide comfort, healing, and instruction for everyone who is affected by it. We are committed to providing support in the healing process. We encourage couples to seek wise counsel and allow time for healing and restoration.
Note: Our church provides Divorce Care curriculum that can help you through this process and it says, “When you are finally able to be happy being alone, then you are ready for a relationship.” If you are interested in the Divorce Care books/curriculum – email us at hello@soulschurch.org
Note: Our church provides Divorce Care curriculum that can help you through this process and it says, “When you are finally able to be happy being alone, then you are ready for a relationship.” If you are interested in the Divorce Care books/curriculum – email us at hello@soulschurch.org
Value #4: Pre-marital sex and living together.
A fourth area is on pre-marital sex and living together. This is not an area we want to focus on for outward, behavioral modification, but address the "why" if this is taking place. In our experience, when couples are involved in the above activity outwardly, it can be point to past habits, current struggles, or just simply not being aware of what God's word says about this and why God has a better way.
We know that this is a generally accepted practice in society today, however Hebrews 13:5 talks about “keeping the marriage bed pure”. Sex is a gift from God to be enjoyed within the context of marriage. If this issue applies to you, we suggest and highly recommend abstaining from sex until after your wedding ceremony. Our purpose is not to judge you, we truly have the best interest of your marriage in mind and want this to be a special part of your relationship, as laid out in God’s word.
We know that this is a generally accepted practice in society today, however Hebrews 13:5 talks about “keeping the marriage bed pure”. Sex is a gift from God to be enjoyed within the context of marriage. If this issue applies to you, we suggest and highly recommend abstaining from sex until after your wedding ceremony. Our purpose is not to judge you, we truly have the best interest of your marriage in mind and want this to be a special part of your relationship, as laid out in God’s word.
Bonus: Pre-Marriage Counseling!
We have found great value in providing pre-marriage counseling to every couple. So many people spend more time and money preparing for their driver’s license than they do for marriage, or even their second marriage! We feel these sessions (either in person or by Zoom) offers a good starting point to build a solid foundation and foster growth! While there are rare exceptions, it is a highly recommended and required step in the preparation process.
Common Questions
Meeting the Pastor
Dennis & Dana Calhoun (or a staff ordained pastor) will plan to meet for either four, 3-hour sessions or six 2-hour sessions with you prior to your ceremony. If Pastor DC (or the staff pastor) is able to commit to officiating your wedding, he/they will contact you a couple of months prior to your wedding to schedule the pre-marriage counseling and the ceremony. Each session will last approximately 3 hours. The purpose of these meetings is to review ceremony details as well as to talk about your relationship and upcoming marriage. To prepare for these meetings, we ask couples to complete the Prepare & Enrich Relationship Assessment. You will be provided a registration link. The cost for this is $35 per couple – payable directly to Prepare & Enrich.
Pre-Marriage Counseling Sessions?
The suggested fee for our required pre-marital counseling is $500. This cost includes a total of 12 hours (typically four, 3-hour sessions) around a mix of 'Prepare & Enrich' and 'Before You Say I Do' content.
Note: 12 hours of pre-marriage counseling is what the state of MN requires for a marriage license discount.
A check is to be made out directly to the officiating pastor, payable on the first pre-marital session. If this fee is difficult to meet, we never want to turn a couple away and would be happy to talk about a few solutions to help you out!
If our team is not available for the pre-marriage counseling, we have partnered with Agape Pastoral Services as an alternative. Learn more: https://app.practice.do/me/agapepastoralservices/packages/premarital
Note: 12 hours of pre-marriage counseling is what the state of MN requires for a marriage license discount.
A check is to be made out directly to the officiating pastor, payable on the first pre-marital session. If this fee is difficult to meet, we never want to turn a couple away and would be happy to talk about a few solutions to help you out!
If our team is not available for the pre-marriage counseling, we have partnered with Agape Pastoral Services as an alternative. Learn more: https://app.practice.do/me/agapepastoralservices/packages/premarital
Officiant Honorarium
The minimum requested honorarium for an officiating pastor is $300 for members of Souls Church, $500 for non-members. This fee includes the rehearsal and the wedding ceremony. A check is to be made out directly to the officiating pastor on our team seven days before the event.
If our approach, beliefs, and philosophy toward marriage is one that aligns with your values, please complete the below request form to request our staff to officiate your wedding! We look forward to being a part of your special day!
If our approach, beliefs, and philosophy toward marriage is one that aligns with your values, please complete the below request form to request our staff to officiate your wedding! We look forward to being a part of your special day!
Does Pastor DC ever officiate weddings out of town?
Yes, Pastor DC' does attend and officiates out of town weddings (considered beyond 60 miles), if his schedule allows. Per wedding etiquette, we would ask you to to cover the cost for the hotel and travel expenses, along with the honorarium. You may discuss this type of situation with them directly upon inquiry.
May I rent the Heart & Soul Chapel?
Yes, you may rent the Heart & Soul Chapel, Wedding & Event Center, if it is available. Learn more here: https://heartandsoulchapel.org/
Our prayer is that if our property is the right one for you, that you would experience countless golden moments between loved ones that weave themselves into your special event – whether it’s for your entire wedding day, the reception, or a special, private or ministry event. We take every event to heart, and ‘soul’ wish to offer the atmosphere in which you’re celebrating be the loveliest and coziest it could ever be!
Our prayer is that if our property is the right one for you, that you would experience countless golden moments between loved ones that weave themselves into your special event – whether it’s for your entire wedding day, the reception, or a special, private or ministry event. We take every event to heart, and ‘soul’ wish to offer the atmosphere in which you’re celebrating be the loveliest and coziest it could ever be!