What is a covenant? A covenant is a promise by which we obligate ourselves to one another in such a way that the obligation of one party is not dependent on the faithfulness of the other (Ezek. 20:44; 36:22; Ps. 76:11; Hos. 2:19–20; 3:1; 2 Tim. 2:13).
Though this covenant does define the relationship between the Pastor, leaders, and the church, it is first and foremost a promise made to God as a commitment to his glory and his bride, the church (Eph. 5:25).
We believe that serving in ministry is not about situational convenience but about God equipping people to invest in, edify, and serve the Church. This is not a job and it is not a task. It is a call. We do not take serving in ministry lightly and we are firm believers that Christians are to live up to a spiritual commitment, lifestyle standard, and serving mentality that honors Christ. We are a family, a body, and we are to support each other while keeping each other accountable. This covenant has been created for that very reason.
I covenant to meet the criteria assigned to me in the Scriptures (1 Tim. 3:1–13; 5:17–22; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4).
I covenant to seek God’s will for our church community to the best of my ability as I study the Scriptures and follow the Spirit (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1–5).
I covenant to care for you and seek your growth as a disciple of Christ, in part by equipping you for service (Eph. 4:11–13) and praying for you regularly, particularly when you are sick (James 5:14).
I covenant to provide teaching and counsel from the whole of Scripture (Acts 20:27–28; Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim. 5:17–18).
I covenant to be on guard against false teachers (Acts 20:28–31).
I covenant to exercise church discipline when necessary (Matt. 18:15–20; 1 Cor. 5; Gal. 6:1).
I covenant to set an example and join you in fulfilling the duties of church members (1 Cor. 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 1 Tim. 4:12).
I am in accord with the doctrinal statement of my church and the teachings of my Pastor (2 John 9-11, Jeremiah 3:15, Hebrews 13:7).
I covenant to a daily set aside time in devotion for prayer and scripture reading (John 8:31, John 15:7, I Thessalonians 5:17).
I covenant to pray for my church, Pastor and family, and for the spiritual health of the church (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
I will faithfully attend and promote the services of our church
recognizing I am a leader of members who attend different worship services and my visibility and participation are essential practices (Hebrew 10:25).
I will faithfully attend Bible Study and participate in small group ministry (2 Timothy 2: 15).
I will walk in obedience and submission to my Pastor or any person that is designated to be my leader. I will serve wherever my Pastor or Divisional Director assigns me while steadfastly supporting the vision God has given my Pastor (Hebrews 13:17).
I will not allow my lifestyle to become a stumbling block to others. I will not involve myself with any kind of drunkenness or illegal drugs nor will I be involved in any kind of activity that might injure me, any other person, or the reputation of the church.
I will not gossip, indulge in destructive talk, or utilize slander. I will commit to doing what is in my power to stop it if it occurs in my presence. (Ephesians 4:29, Prov 16:28, Prov 20:19, Prov 6:16-19, Titus 3:2, Leviticus 19:18)
I covenant to address offenses (or perceptions of offenses) in an authentic and loving way with the goal of keeping unity in the body. ( Proverbs 19:11, Ecclesiastes 7:21-22, Matthew 18:15-17, Luke 17:3-4)
I will live a lifestyle that is not contrary to the Word of God.
I covenant to never live with a person as married unless I am legally and biblically married to that person (Hebrews 13:4).
I will seek to walk in the spirit and not in the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21), recognizing that sins of outward manifestation (something that can be seen with the eyes or heard with the ears) are not acceptable practices for leaders.
I will faithfully give God’s tithes and offerings as God requires in his Word. As a leader, I must align myself with the vision of giving that my Pastor has set forth for the church (Malachi 3:10, Luke 6:38, Luke 12:34, Hebrews 7:6-10).
I will, to the best of my ability, arrange my schedule so as to attend regularly scheduled leadership and church meetings.
I will be on time for all services, classes, and meetings that require my presence unless hindered by reason of good conscience.
I understand that the stated preceding requirements will be used as criteria for my evaluation to serve the next year. I am not in this position for selfish reasons, but to give service to the Lord. All that I do, I do heartily unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24).