Methodist Church Premarital Counseling?

Question

Does the Methodist Church require premarital counseling? My fiance and I have lived together two years, will the pastor care? Also, do they ask you a lot about your faith? I was raised Methodist but my fiance and I don't go to church except on Easter and Christmas. Neither of us are deeply religious, but we feel like we need to be married in the church. Will the pastor be happy that we are at least trying to do the right thing my getting married in the church or will he refuse to marry us because we live together and don't attend church regularly?

Answer 1

It depends on the pastor.  most require 3 visits with him and it's more to see that you are similar on your faith than that you share the same intensity that the pastor has.  After all, you aren't marrying him.

He'll ask a bunch of questions about kids, where you want to live, how important faith is.  I told the one that married us that I was not sure I even considered myself Christian but that both our families have a strong background and we wanted to honor them by being married in the church.

He didn't mind--he just wants to make sure you two have discussed things like this and that you aren't making a rash decision.

Answer 2

I'm also in the same situation. You don't have to go to church for God to accept you.  I have been living with my fiance since June and we are getting married next August.  I want to get married in my church, and I plan on it.  I think it would be kind of ironic if a preacher didn't want to marry you two just because you lived together.  God chose your path, and that is what you are living. Just be open and honest and things should be okay!

Answer 3

I'm not trying to be rude; this is a serious question for you to ponder (if you haven't already):

If you don't go to church, you aren't religious, and you don't follow God's will, then why does it matter to you which building you are standing in when you commit your life to your future husband?  And what is it about that location that will make it "the right thing"?

Edit:

BTW... I'm not trying to dissuade you from getting married in a church.  I am just pointing out that a building is just a building and you don't seem to really care whether or not God is a part of your life.  So, why bother with all the fuss?

Answer 4

It really depends on the minister.  I am United Methodist, work in the church as well.  My husband and I also lived together before we got married.  In our counseling (which some churches require, some do not) my minister was more concerned that we had openly talked about all things you encounter during a marriage.  Some of it was about our basic faith beliefs, but mostly it was about our hopes and dreams for our future together.  We got a lot our of the sessions and I would reccommend it to any couple tying the knot.

Answer 5

Hi.  Sorry, but I agree with Bobby.

I have no idea about the Methodist Faith.  I am Catholic and I also work as a church secretary at a Lutheran Church.  I would not worry so much about living together.  The ministers are used to that.  Yes, he may (possibly) ask you about your faith....so think about this question before you go.....WHY do you want to be married in the church?  Don't say...."because is feels right."  That is not the answer.  You have already said that you don't attend, and are not particularly religious, so ponder that question, because I am sure he will want to speak with you about it.