Relationship ministry is being set firmly within the Church calendar, not just for helping married couples but also to a wider group. As a Church we want to encourage relationships that are inclusive and loving.

For further information about getting married at Millmead, please click here.

Matthew 12:46-50 - pointing to His disciples Jesus said "here are my mother and brothers". The church family should be precious to us and we are called to be a family together in the community called the church. We have a blood-tie that joins us, Jesus' shed blood on the Cross, and we share a desire to discover and do the will of God. Of course families have tensions, misunderstandings, good times and bad times; they know joy and despair and they are far from perfect, but as it says in 1 John 4v7: "Dear friends, let us love one another..."

	Starting out God's Way covered by the Children's and Youth work. A key area where we can put in place teaching of God's principles in the area of forming relationships.
	Marriage Preparation offered to all those who are wishing to be married at Guildford Baptist Church. Including ongoing friendship and support in the early years.
	Individuals covering a wide cross-section of the church family: widow, widowers, single people, lone parents, separated, divorced, those who are the only Christian in their home. 'Top Ten Needs' course from Intimate Life Ministries is being piloted in early 2008.
	Keeping Marriages Healthy A marriage course from Intimate Life Ministries is being piloted in early 2008. It is hoped that one day and half-day retreats will be put on once or twice a year.
	Parenting A new course is currently being investigated entitled 'Babyshock'. Mentoring parents of young children, and those with older children, is all part of this relationship ministry.
	Extended Families This is a vital part of our role as God's people. There are some wonderful examples of this already within the fellowship of including/welcoming/adopting someone into your family as a Granny, Auntie, Uncle etc. enabling them to share with you all that 'family' means in your home.

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Christian marriage is a distinct and unique relationship in the body of Christ. The apostle Paul likens marriage between a husband and wife as unto the mystical relationship between Christ and the church; therefore it should be entered into with due seriousness and reverence.

We believe it is important to give the utmost care and attention to the preparation of those considering marriage, and there are procedures for arranging weddings which are being re-established, reflecting good pastoral practice and an important measure of integrity within the fellowship:

	The Church is a family and it would be expected that those wishing to be married at GBC would have a relationship with or would be known to the Pastor marrying them.
	Couples who are planning to get married need to make an appointment through the Church office to discuss their plans in the first instance with one of the Elders/Pastors.
	It would be expected that both partners would be Christian believers.
	It is expected that those wishing to get married at GBC would receive marriage preparation in the months prior to the wedding day. It is expected that this would be provided by GBC.
	We would strongly encourage relatively short engagements - i.e. no longer than a year to 18 months, and preferably between six months and a year.
	The confirmation to conduct a wedding is not normally made until after one or more interviews with the Pastor or Elder.

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