Church Covenant

Church Covenant - Updated

Topic: Church Covenant

Type: Article

Author: A. Allison Lewis

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as members of this local congregation of Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this local church (in knowledge, holiness, and godly fellowship); to promote its prosperity and spiritual life; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; and to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of its work: including the proper care of the church staff, the expenses of its property and the upkeep thereof, the spread of the Gospel among all peoples (beginning at home and then as the Lord enables to the uttermost parts of the world), and the relief of the poor in our midst.

We also engage to religiously educate our children (especially keeping in mind the fathers responsibility according to the instructions of the Bible); to maintain regular earnest Bible reading, study and prayers; to seek the salvation of our relatives and neighbors; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior, being careful not to work together with unbelievers and disobedient believers in carrying out the Lord's work; to walk righteously in the world (being just in our dealings, faithful in our responsibilities, and above reproach in our conduct); to avoid all gossip, backbiting, and vengeful anger; to avoid the misuse or abuse of exercise, food, sleep, etc.; to abstain from the sale and use of harmful drugs (legal or illegal) including: intoxicating drink as a beverage, tobacco (in any form), "mind enhancing" drugs and chemicals, etc.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation (being mindful of our Savior's instruction to secure it without delay).

We moreover promise that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other faithful congregation where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word. Where there is no such congregation available, we promise to do whatever we are able to establish a Bible believing testimony in our new community.