Commit Freely

Having, as we trust, been brought by divine grace (Eph 2:8) to repent from our sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (Mar 1:15, Rom 10:9), and to give up ourselves to him (Jam 4:7-8), and having been baptized upon our profession of faith (Act 2:41, 4:4, 8:12), in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit (Mat 28:18-20), we do now, relying on His gracious aid (2 Cor 9:8), freely, solemnly and joyfully covenant with one another (Heb 10:23-25) to form one local body in Christ (1 Cor 12:12).

Honor Jesus in All

We will seek, by divine aid, to live carefully in the world (1 Pet 1:15, Eph 5:3,18, Phil 2:14-16), denying ungodliness and worldly lusts (Tit 2:11-12), and living in the path of righteousness all the days of our life (Ps 23:3). We will remember that, as we have identified with Christ, in His death and resurrection, there is on us a special obligation now to lead a new and holy life (Rom 6:4).

Love our Neighbors

We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph 4:1-3). We will walk together in brotherly love (Rom 12:10, Jn 13:34-35), exercise an affectionate care and watchfulness over one another and faithfully admonish and entreat one another as occasion may require (Gal 6:1-2, Luk 17:3-4, Heb 10:24-25). We will remember one another in our prayers (Jam 5:16, Eph 6:18, 1 Tim 2:1), help one another in sickness and distress, and cultivate sympathy and courtesy towards one another. We will be slow to be offended, ready to seek reconciliation, and, following the Lord’s exhortation, we will seek peace with all (Mat 5:23-24, Rom 12:18). We will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Heb 10:25), nor neglect to pray for ourselves and others (Jam 5:16, Eph. 6:18, 1 Tim 2:1). We will rejoice at one another’s happiness (Rom 12:15) and endeavor with tenderness and sympathy to bear one another’s burdens (Gal 6:2). We will endeavor to maintain family and personal devotions (Deu 6:7-9), to bring up all who are under our care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4), and by a pure and loving example to seek the salvation of our family and friends (Rom.10:1; 1 Cor. 9:20-22). We will be just in dealing with one another, and faithful in our commitments to one another. We will avoid idle talk, gossip, calumny, and sinful anger, and will be zealous in our efforts to expand Christ’s Kingdom in the world.

Work Together

Having been called to be disciples of Jesus, who make disciples of Jesus, who in turn make disciples of Jesus (Mat 28:19-20), we will work together for the continuance of a faithful evangelical ministry in this church, as we sustain its worship to God, service (Ex 4:23), ordinances, discipline, and doctrines (Mat 18:15-18, 26:26-28, 2 Tim 1:13-14, Mat 28:18-20). We will responsibly steward our spiritual gifts to the service of this church and the community at large. We will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations (1 Cor 16:2, 2 Cor 9:6-7, Lev 25:35, Mar 13:10). We will gladly cooperate with and submit ourselves to the elders of this church for the care of our souls, which is for our good (Heb 13:17). We will agree to the Statement of Beliefs and the principle of restorative church discipline upheld by this church (Mat 18:15-20).

Continue to Follow Jesus

We will, when we move from this place, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word (Heb 10:23-25, Act 18:27, Rom 16:1-2, Phil 2:29). May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen. (2 Cor 13:14)