Time will tell...
We had our annual church business meeting today; a long meeting, as usual. But it was a good meeting. I'm not saying that our church is without problems and struggles; we actually are at a "crossroads" of sorts.
2005 was a tough year, with assaults from the enemy on various fronts. But it seems there is a new resolve toward unity and commitment to God's calling. Time will tell if we remain faithful. I'm going to print our church covenant here, as a reminder to myself of my own responsibility to this local body of Christ.
2005 was a tough year, with assaults from the enemy on various fronts. But it seems there is a new resolve toward unity and commitment to God's calling. Time will tell if we remain faithful. I'm going to print our church covenant here, as a reminder to myself of my own responsibility to this local body of Christ.
CHURCH COVENANT
"And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul." 2 Chronicles 15:12
Having been led by the Spirit of God to receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and having given public confession of our faith through baptism in the name of the triune God, we do now in the presence of God joyfully and sincerely enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
We determine as a body of believers that our primary purpose is to bring glory to God through worship, edification, and outreach. We determine to walk together in Christian love, striving for the advancement of God's kingdom in justice, righteousness, and mercy. We determine to promote the spirituality and prosperity of Christ's church by upholding His ordinances, practicing discipline, and following biblical teachings. Through the resources entrusted to us (spiritual gifts, time, and finances, etc), we will contribute to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor and oppressed, and to missions; home and abroad.
We also determine to foster spirituality in our families and in our own individual lives, to educate our children in the faith, and to seek to be the presence of Christ to our families and acquaintances. We resolve to walk carefully and responsibly in the world, to be the salt and light in society, to be just in all our relationships and exemplary in lifestyle.
We further determine to care for one another in Christian love and concern, to uphold each other in all areas of life, and to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the teaching and example of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
We moreover determine that when we move to a different location, we will unite with another congregation of like faith and practice in order to continue to carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.
Having been led by the Spirit of God to receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and having given public confession of our faith through baptism in the name of the triune God, we do now in the presence of God joyfully and sincerely enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
We determine as a body of believers that our primary purpose is to bring glory to God through worship, edification, and outreach. We determine to walk together in Christian love, striving for the advancement of God's kingdom in justice, righteousness, and mercy. We determine to promote the spirituality and prosperity of Christ's church by upholding His ordinances, practicing discipline, and following biblical teachings. Through the resources entrusted to us (spiritual gifts, time, and finances, etc), we will contribute to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor and oppressed, and to missions; home and abroad.
We also determine to foster spirituality in our families and in our own individual lives, to educate our children in the faith, and to seek to be the presence of Christ to our families and acquaintances. We resolve to walk carefully and responsibly in the world, to be the salt and light in society, to be just in all our relationships and exemplary in lifestyle.
We further determine to care for one another in Christian love and concern, to uphold each other in all areas of life, and to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the teaching and example of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
We moreover determine that when we move to a different location, we will unite with another congregation of like faith and practice in order to continue to carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.
posted by Seeker @ 8:59 PM
5 Comments:
At 1/29/2006 9:43 PM,
Whistle Britches said…
Ouch, that stepped on my toes a bit.
Our church just purchased 6 acres next door to our current site. A building commitee was formed and we are seeking God's guidance in the matter. Our pastor has said there is no hurry. We seem to have some patient folks on this commitee who I believe will make the right decisions before presenting us with their proposal.
This is an exciting time for our church but at the same time I miss the fellowship of smaller congregations. Enough about us.
I hope all goes well for your fellowship this year.
At 1/30/2006 11:50 AM,
Kc said…
I think the enemy is hard at work for sure but I also see God's grace becoming more evident in the lives of His children. I pray God will continue to bless your church and I trust the adversity will draw you all closer together in Him.
I really appreciate your covenant and it seems the perfect agreement of love that should exist between all believers.
At 1/30/2006 2:28 PM,
keesh said…
I agree with what KC said and especially the part about children. my son keeps me grounded in my faith, by reminding me of the simple things, such as to give thanks before we eat and to say bedtime prayers. he doesn't forget like I often do. We had a church meeting a month or so ago and it was not the best meeting in the world, but things seem to be moving forward in the right direction. God bless you on your walk with him!
At 1/30/2006 7:59 PM,
Anonymous said…
he who farts in church must sit in his own pew.
i know that's not on topic, but i'm trying to cheer you up, because you sound kind of bummed out about whatever's going on at church. don't you worry now, God will work it out. you just stay calm, and follow that there thing you just posted. that covenent.
At 1/31/2006 12:43 AM,
Jim said…
It's been a long time since I've seen a church covenent.
Yours is a nice positive one. I remember one with a lot of 'do nots.'
Someone told me our church has one but neither of us has seen it.
It serves as a mission statement does in a business.
And a lot more. Mainly to show visitors what the church is all about and to remind the members of their mission. At least that is what I think?
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