A covenant is an outflow of defining the relationships that have come to us because we belong to God and are members of each other. It attempts to make the invisible relationship we have with God and each other visible. Specific promises made to specific people. Covenants serve as a reminder of the gift of the church family, but also as a reminder of the commands of Scripture to be a part of each other’s lives.  Through a covenant, we make promises and then mutually hold each other accountable to those very promises. This is for the safety and security of our souls. Repeatedly, we are reminded in Scripture to “remember” or “don’t forget.” One way we can make these commands a reality is to be reminded of our covenant and to affirm it. We have based the language of the proposed new covenant on scripture and its teachings. We ask our members to agree in covenant together for the sake of the gospel and one another. We will read this regularly publicly to be reminded of our common call to serve God and each other. 

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 of the Holy Spirit, we do now, relying on His gracious aid, solemnly and joyfully renew our covenant with each other, as one body in Christ. (Matt 28:19; Mark 1:15; John 1:11–12; Acts 2:38,41; 16:31; 20:21; Rom 6:1-4, 10:9-10; Phil 2:2; Eph 4:4)

We will hold true to the biblical foundations of this church, endeavoring to raise up mature believers in wisdom and instruction of the Lord for equipping ourselves and others for ministry. (Psalm 16:11, 19:7-11, 37:4; 63:1-11, 119:105-112; 1 Cor 10:31; Phil 3:10; Col 1:9-12; 2 Peter 3:17-18; 2 Tim 3:15-17, 4:2-4)

We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph 2:13-16, 4:3-6; Phil 2:1-11; Col 3:13)

We will walk together in brotherly love, exercising an affectionate care and watchfulness over each other, and faithfully admonish and entreat one another as occasion may require, faithfully putting aside our differences and seeking reconciliation. (Matt 18:15-20; John 13:34-35;1 Cor 5:1-13, 11:17-22; Gal 6.2; Eph 2:16, 4:30-32; James 2:14-17, 5:16;1 Peter 12:22,3:8)

We will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, nor neglect to pray for ourselves and others.  (Eph 6:18; Heb 10:25; 1 Tim 2:1; James 5:16)

We will rejoice at Christ's work in each other’s lives and with sympathy bear each other’s burdens and sorrows. (1 Cor 12:26; 2 Cor 2:3; Gal 6:1-5)

We will support the ministry and mission of the church to proclaim the gospel and evangelize those around us and pray for God to move in the hearts of the lost. (Psalms 126:5-6; Prov 11:30; Matt 4:19, 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:6-8; Rom 10:8-15)

We will seek, by Divine aid, to live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, remembering that, as we have been buried by baptism and raised again from the symbolic grave, we have a special obligation to lead a new and holy life.  We will also engage to maintain family and private devotions, to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our character. (Deut 6:4-7; Rom 6:1-11; Eph 5:15; Phil 2:14-15; 1 Peter 2:11-12, 4:2;1 Thess 5:17-18; Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 3:15; Titus 2:12; 1 John 2:16)

We will work together for the continuance of a faithful evangelical ministry in this church, as we sustain its viability through worship, ordinances of the Lord's Supper and Baptism, discipline, and doctrines.  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. (Phil 1:27; 2 Tim 2:15; 2 Cor 7:1; 2 Peter 3:11; Heb 10:25; Matt 28:19; I Cor 11:23-26; Jude 3; 1Cor 16:2; 2 Cor 8-9; Tit 2:14; Rev 7:9)

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. (Acts 11:19-21; 18:24-28)

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 Peter 1:2)