Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the premarital interview?
The bride and groom will meet with a member of the ministerial staff to discuss wedding plans and details of the questionnaires. An overview of the premarital counselling program is discussed. Specific requirements are also discussed. (See question #2)
This process is designed to alert the premarital counsellors to areas that need specific attention. It also helps to identify areas of strength in the relationship. The premarital counselling experience is uniquely designed to meet the needs of each couple.
What are the specific requirements to be married at NewHope Church or by a NewHope pastor?
All premarital couples must complete our counselling program. In addition, the pastors of NewHope Church have determined the following qualifications, based on Biblical truths:
1) Bride and groom must individually confess a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. NewHope Church will not marry unbelievers, or join an unbeliever to a believer in marriage (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). God's Word is clear about spiritual compatibility between marriage partners.
2) Bride and groom must abstain from physical intimacy or living together. Sex is a gift from God. He is the one who created it! Therefore, we must follow God's directions alone regarding our sexuality. The Bible gives us clear instructions for sex within the parameters of the marriage relationship (2 Corinthians 6:3) God's Word also gives us clear warnings and consequences when sex is used outside of the marriage. Please read "What the Bible Says About "Sex Outside Of Marriage
While many of those who come to NewHope Church are honouring God through abstaining from sexual intimacy, there are some that do not fall into this category. Couples who are physically intimate or are living together are asked to move apart and covenant with NewHope Church to abstain from their sexual relationship until their wedding day. We would like the opportunity to encourage you to make this commitment with us, understanding that this is God's best for your marriage relationship. To read a copy of this covenant, click here.
Who does the premarital counselling?
Your premarital counselling will be done with a married couple who has received special premarital training. These couples have been married for at least ten years and exemplify Christ-centred marriages. They are open and honest about sharing their experiences in their own marriage.
You will work with the same counsellors for the full duration of your premarital counselling. Although these counsellors are specifically trained in the area of premarital counselling, they are not professional, licensed counsellors. They have chosen premarital counselling as their ministry at NewHope Church. One of the goals of the ministry is to provide all premarital couples an opportunity to establish a mentoring relationship with their counselling couple, thus encouraging their present and future connection to their NewHope Church family.
What do we talk about at the counselling sessions? You will discuss many subjects throughout your time together. These subjects include marital roles and responsibilities; skills for communicating and resolving conflicts; realistic management of finances; your sexual relationship; your family of origin; and much more! Your relationship strengths will be discussed, as well as areas that need growth.
Although the program is designed to cover certain topics, your counsellors will design your time together to fit your individual needs. Details of the six sessions are discussed during your premarital interview. Homework assignments are given prior to each session to enhance your understanding (and promote discussion) of the material.
Are there any additional activities involved in premarital counselling?
Individual financial counselling is available upon request.
It is also strongly recommended that those involved in remarriages attend a divorce recovery program prior to entering into a new marriage.
What should I expect from the premarital counselling experience?
You should expect to be challenged, strengthened, educated, and better prepared for your upcoming marriage. You will probably experience some laughs, some tears, and some pleasant surprises!
You should leave your premarital counselling with some problem areas identified, some new marital skills learned, and most importantly - a more realistic expectation of what marriage will be like!
May God richly bless you individually, and as a couple, as you embark on this exciting journey together!
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no man separate." Mark 10:7-9 (NIV)
