So we have begun a study of Scripture, looking at the path to marriage, and attempting to find Godly principles and patterns. For the purposes of this document we have focused specifically on the path to marriage for unmarried virgins under no obligation (ie we do not deal with levirate marriage, 'kingly' marriage, or the marriage of widows etc.). Unmarried virgins who, hopefully, are still living under the authority of Godly fathers. We do not wish to ignore the other problems the church faces; widows, children in rebellion, abdicating parents, etc. But we have to start somewhere.

We are proposing that we form a covenanting community that agrees to proceed toward the marriage of their sons and daughters in a Biblical fashion. And we propose this document, particularly the part entitled 'The Covenant of Betrothal', to represent that agreement..

In summary we are proposing that what the Scriptures teach as far as the road to marriage is this:

1. It is God who creates and sustains all things; who guides and directs our lives. We cannot, through our own efforts, work out anything concerning our own or anyone else's marriage. However we are responsible before God to follow the pattern and precept He has laid down for us in this, as in any other area.
2. That the responsibility for finding a wife for our sons belongs principally to the father of the son [1]; along with such representatives as he may choose [2], or such replacements as may be necessary; and does not belong to the son himself. This finding should happen at a young age.
3. That the responsibility for saying "yes", "yes with conditions", or "no" to any proposal belongs to the father of the prospective bride, or such replacements as may be necessary; and does not belong to the daughter herself.
4. That this process involves meeting a need of our young men and women, and serves the overall goal of generational faithfulness in the church: and is not an issue of finding ‘the perfect mate’, their ‘soul mate’ or any such modern invention.
5. That marriage should involve an initial period, called in Scripture, ‘betrothal’, in which the young man prepares himself for marriage, establishes his authority over his newly betrothed wife, and where the wife prepares herself for marriage.
6. That marriages of the faithful must be ‘in the Lord’.
7. And that forming a community of believers that hold to the same faith regarding betrothal and marriage will provide a ‘family’ in which such marriages can more successfully happen.

When this document has reached an acceptable level of ‘finality’ it is proposed that it be printed, distributed, and the part called 'The Covenant'signed.

[1]Gen 2:18-21,

[2] Gen 24