As individuals who, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit and by the witness of others, have received Jesus Christ as Savior, confessed Him as Lord, and been baptized, we now corporately covenant (promise) to be a church that honors God in our ministry to each other and those without Christ. Instructed by God's Word and led by the Holy Spirit, we commit to the following:
Personal Purity: Our connection with the Lord is the source of everything we have to give to others, and Jesus made it clear: "Apart from Me, you can do nothing" (John 15:5). A yielded heart is a powerful tool in God's hands. We are convinced that our own personal purity and spiritual maturity are the greatest gifts we can bring to each other; therefore, we will diligently seek God and submit to His Spirit daily.
Authentic Relationships: It does no good to keep one part of our body healthy if we continually mistreat another. The unhealthy part can jeopardize the well being (and even the very life) of the strong parts. Our relational world is a lot like our physical body - we cannot afford to neglect any part of it and think it will have no adverse effect on other parts of our lives. We take seriously Paul's admonition: "So far as it is up to you, be at peace with all men" (Rom.12:18). We will pursue honorable and loving relationships with each other and all people. We will seek reconciliation in strained relationships.
Loyalty to Our Mission : We commit to obey the Great Commandment and the Great Commission:
• Great Commandment - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40)
• Great Commission - "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)
As members of this body we will contribute our time, talents, and treasures, in response to God's leadership, so that His plans and purposes for this church can go forward.
Serving Others: When Jesus washed His disciples' feet, He not only wanted to show His love toward them - He pointed out a profound implication of His actions. He asked, "Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you" (John 13:12-15). We will seek to serve more than to be served.
If or when we move from this body, we will as soon as possible unite with another local church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.
