This ministry is led by brothers in Christ who have a deep burden for strengthening families – including those who practice Biblical marriage with more than one wife. We are Bible-believing, Christ-centered, Spirit-filled believers who are serious about serving God and His people. We want to Glorify God, and to tear down the stereotypes and traditions of men that have caused Christians to not take an honest look at what the Word says about plural marriage.
Our mission is to support and encourage all families, to teach what the Bible has to say about marriage and family and the God-given roles of men, women and children, without bowing to tradition, and to support local groups - both existing fellowships that may come to accept this truth and those who are starting from the scratch, perhaps with just their own family. We recognize that through the centuries, and continuing today, there have been Christians who understood this truth, and were ostracized from the Body for it. We say that's wrong , and we want to help those believers connect with others again - thus our emphasis on local groups, retreats, and building relationships.
We are not "one-issue" Christians - plural marriage is not a salvation matter, is not our priority in serving the Lord, and not how we wish to be identified. However, we recognize that others will seek to label us as such. We disclaim labels, and challenge those that may not yet accept plural marriage to see Biblical Families members for the God-fearing, brothers in Christ that we are, and not reject His servants by labeling and disfellowshipping them.
We are a diverse group of Bible-believing Christians. We do not consider ourselves special, any more than any other of God's children. We do tend to share a "Berean" trait, taking at face value God's Word, and not depending so much on the traditions, and additions, of man. Which of course is how we came to recognize the Biblical soundness of plural marriage. Among our staff and board members are those not currently married, those with one wife, and those with more than one wife. None of these states is better than another - what is 'best' is finding God's plan for you.
We want to make clear that we do not condone or accept forced or coerced marriages of any kind, at any age. We believe that marriage is a covenant before God, not the state, between a mature, consenting adult man and a mature, consenting adult woman who believe that God has brought them together to be one. We also do not believe in "celestial" (eternal) marriage. We are not Mormons of any type, and make clear our fundamental disagreement with Mormon doctrines. (Our position on Mormonism can be found here.)
This work is not about us or any man, and we happily work with other like-minded individuals.
Some have asked for our doctrinal statement, and since our public ministry is inclusive of Christians from all backgrounds (evangelical, Pentecostal, fundamental, Messianic, and more) we simply state that we are in agreement with the Apostles' Creed of the early church, and are happy to fellowship as brothers and sisters with those who acknowledge the one true God, accept the deity of Christ, His death and resurrection, and His redemptive work for us on the Cross - and who make an effort to walk in their lives like they are redeemed by Him. We accept the Bible as God's inspired Word, and His only written revelation.
While we may allow others from a different world view to participate in a limited way in our forums and retreats, just as our Lord fellowshipped with others to bring the truth of who He is and not in fear of them – an example we are glad to follow - we want to make clear that our ministry focus is to His people, and for His glory.
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Feel free to contact us at: staff@BiblicalFamilies.org
