My Personal Covenant With the People of New Journey ChurchBy the power of the Holy Spirit, I have been born again, received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and followed him in baptism as a believer. I am in agreement with this church's statements, strategy, and structure. I believe the Holy Spirit has led me to unite with the others in the family at New Journey Church. And, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and in submission to the Holy Spirit, as a member I commit myself before God, and the other members, to the following covenant:
1. I will protect the unity of my church...by acting in love toward other members
...by refusing to gossip
...by following the Christ-like example of its leaders
- So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of our fellowship together. Romans 14:19
- Have a sincere love for other believers, love one another earnestly with all your heart. 1 Peter 1:22
- Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but what is helpful for building others up according to their needs. Ephesians 4:29
- Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17
2. I will share the responsibility of my church...by praying for its growth
...by inviting the un-churched to attend
...by warmly welcoming those who visit
- To the church...We always thank God for you and pray for you constantly. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2
- The Master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes, and urge the people there to come so my house will be full.' Luke 14:23
- So, warmly welcome each other into church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified. Romans 15:17
3. I will serve the ministry of my church...by discovering my gifts and talents
...by being equipped to serve by my pastors
... by developing a servant's heart
- Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given you. 1 Peter 4:10
- God gave...some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up. Ephesians 4:11-12
- Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: who...took on the very nature of a servant. Philippians 2:3-4,7
4. I will support the testimony of my church...by attending faithfully
...by living a Godly life before my family and in my community
...by giving regularly
- Let us not give up meeting together...but let us encourage one another. Hebrews 10:25
- Whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27
- These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts, Impress them on your children... Deuteronomy 6:6-9
- You are the light of the world... Matthew 5:14
- The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery... hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like... But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:19-23
- Each one of you, on the first day of each week should set aside a specific sum of money in proportion to what is earned and use it for the offering. 1 Corinthians 16:2
- A tenth of [all your] produce...is the Lord's, and is holy. Leviticus 27:30
And, as a member of this body, I invite my brothers and sisters who walk in the Holy Spirit, to encourage me and help me keep these commitments, which I am seeking to live out before God and this church family.
Finally, I promise that, if I move from this community, I will unite as soon as possible with some other church where I can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.
