Whereas creeds and confessions define our orthodoxy (right belief), the church covenant is concerned with orthopraxy (right action). It is a statement of the commitments and responsibilities of church membership.
Coram Deo Covenant.
Having, as we trust, been brought by divine grace to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and to give up ourselves to him, and having been baptized upon our profession of faith, in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, we do now, relying on His gracious aid, solemnly and joyfully renew our covenant with each other.
Gospel – Knowing and Proclaiming
As those who have received the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we will seek the salvation of our families, neighbors, communities, and the nations, by sharing with them the Gospel, as we have opportunity.
Gather – Prayer and Presence
We will not forsake the regular assembling of ourselves together, nor neglect to pray for ourselves and others.
Godliness – Priests and Pilgrims
We will seek, by Divine aid, to live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and remembering that, as we have been voluntarily buried by baptism and raised again from the symbolic grave, so there is on us a special obligation now to lead a new and holy life.
Grace – Humility and Forgiveness
We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, from a posture of humility, thankfulness, and forgiveness.
Grow – Disciples and Disciplers
We will endeavor to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and to make disciples as we go by bringing up those who may be under our care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord: with the scriptures as our standard, and by a pure and loving example, teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded.
Gifts – Serving and Spiritual Gifts
We will work together for the continuance of a faithful evangelical ministry in this church, with our skills, talents, and spiritual gifts.
Guard – Edification and Discipline
We will walk together in brotherly love, as becomes the members of a Christian Church; exercising affectionate care and watchfulness over each other, faithfully admonishing and entreating one another as occasion may require, and submitting to the authority of the elders and the gathered members of our congregation.
Greet – Hospitality and Fellowship
We will rejoice at each others’ happiness and endeavor with tenderness and sympathy to bear each other’s burdens and sorrows as we walk alongside each other in fellowship and hospitality.
Give – Treasure and Sacrifice
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.
If any member of this congregation must by circumstance leave our fellowship and move from this place, they will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where they can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
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.