Church Covenant
Each Member, by commencing or retaining membership, assents to the following agreement of pursuit to spiritual maturity among the Members. This agreement shall be known as the Covenant.
(Personal salvation, public acknowledgement and quest for unity of mind in the Lord)
We believe the Holy Spirit led each of us personally1 to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior;2 and we have declared our faith by word3 and baptism.4 Because of this, we willingly enter into a covenant of spiritual unity5 with all the members of Berean Baptist Church, as one body in Christ.6
1John 15:26, 1 Corinthians 12:3; 2John 1:12, 3:16, Galatians 1:4; 3Matthew 10:32, Romans 10:9; 4Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:41, 16:31-34; 5Ephesians 4:3, Philippians 1:27; 6Romans 12:4-5, 1 Corinthians 12:13-27
(Love for fellow believers, assembling together and submitting with open hearts to God’s ways of instructing and leading)
We choose to love one another7 without regard to national origin, income, or social standing;8 working together to serve our church with the power of the Holy Spirit.9 We support one another through regular attendance and we support the pastor(s) who lead(s) our church, increasing their joy as they work on our behalf.10
7John 13:34, Romans 13:8, 1 Peter 1:22; 81 Corinthians 4:7, 1 Timothy 5:21, Galatians 3:28; 91 Corinthians 12:4-7, Ephesians 4:16, Philippians 2:17; 101 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Hebrews 10:24-25, 13:7, 17
(Know God and live a continual pursuit of selflessness and stewardship)
We nurture an increase in spiritual knowledge, wisdom, discernment and holy living.11 We worship God sincerely while sustaining the Biblical ordinances, discipline and doctrines.12 We cheerfully contribute regular offerings to support the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and communication of the gospel to Pella and to all the world.13
11Philippians 1:9-10, Colossians 1:9-11, 2 Peter 1:5-8; 12Acts 2:42, 1 Timothy 4:6-16, Hebrews 10:19-39; 131 Corinthians 16:1-3, 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 9:6-8, I Timothy 5:17-18
(Personal responsibility to family, friends and neighbors)
We promote personal and family times of Bible study and prayer.14 We who are parents responsibly teach our children to revere Christ and His commands in all of life.15 We pray for the salvation of our families and friends while testifying of Christ in word and action.16 We live out our salvation in the community with hearts of gratefulness and sincere submission to Christ’s wisdom and commands.17
14Matthew 6:6, Acts 17:11; 15Deuteronomy 6:7-12, Psalm 78:1-8, Ephesians 6:4; 16Matthew 5:16, Acts 17:2-3, Philippians 1:27; 17Ephesians 6:5-10, Philippians 2:12-15, Titus 2:7-10
(Victory over the old nature through Christ, walking in holiness and mutual benefit)
We abstain from behaviors identified in the Scriptures as corrupt and harmful to our bodies, minds, or spirits,18 as well as those we are not personally confident are correct,19 or are a hindrance to our fellowship with the Lord.20 We will avoid everything that encourages believers to sin,21 or promotes non-doctrinal divisiveness rather than peace in the church.22
18Romans 13:13-14, Titus 2:12-14; 19Romans 14:5, 22-23; 201Corinthians 6:12-20, James 4:3-5; 21Romans 14:1-15:7, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; 22Romans 14:19-21, Romans 16:17
(Commitment to deeds of affection and peace)
We will love and care for each person in the family of God, praying for and helping those who are sick or in need.23 We will show this love by using courteous speech24 and by giving and receiving correction with meekness and affection.25 We will be slow to take offense,26 always ready to secure reconciliation as soon as possible.27
23Galatians 6:2, Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:16-17, 1 John 3: 17-18; 24Colossians 4:6; 25Romans 14:1, Galatians 6:1, James 3:13; 26Proverbs 14:29, 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, James 1:19; 27Matthew 18:15, Romans 12:18, 14:19
(Perseverance to the goal)
We will seek to pursue spiritual maturity measured by Christ-likeness, till we all come to the unity of the faith in true righteousness and holiness by God’s help and for His glory.28
28Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Ephesians 4:13, 15, 24