Our Covenant

We, the members of Bethel Baptist Church, recognize the sacred nature of the local church and therefore are committed to the essential purpose and objectives of a local church (Eph 3:10,17).

We do this, because the Spirit of God led us through the word of God to be certain that Jesus Christ alone is Lord and Savior (John 16:8, Acts 1:1-2), and are joined together as fellow members (1 Cor 12:13) having been baptized by immersion in the name of the Triune God (Matt 28:19) for the glory of God (Rom 15:6).

Our commitment is firm and sure, unchanged by the passing of time and unthreatened by human opinion.

We covenant together, to support the mission of this church and maintain its unity: by teaching believers the Word of God, by nurturing them into the likeness of Christ, by equipping them for service in order to make disciples for Jesus Christ and by refraining from divisions and dissensions that disrupt the unity of the church.

Therefore,

We will be devoted to one another in brotherly love through joy and sorrow. With humility and gentleness we will patiently bear with each other, forgiving, encouraging and building one another up, exercising watchfulness over each other and admonishing one another where necessary for the building up of the church (Luke 17:3, Col 3:13, 1 Thess 5:11, 1 Pet 1:22, Rom 12:15, Matt 18:15-17).

We will faithfully attend the regular services of the church for worship and corporate prayer (Col 4:2, Heb 10:25).

We will joyfully give ourselves to being equipped for service through the teaching ministry of our pastors and submit to their spiritual oversight of our lives (Eph 4:11-12, 1 Thess 5:12; 1 Pet 5:2, Heb 13:17).

We will contribute cheerfully, generously and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, assisting the needy, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations. (Matt 28:19; Luke 12:33; 2 Cor 9:7; Gal 6:9-10)

We will raise our children in the training and instruction of the Lord, and seek the salvation of our family and friends by proclaiming and living the Gospel (Eph 6:4; 1 Pet 2:9-10; 3:1).

We will maintain regular personal and family devotions and with God’s help seek to live carefully in this world, denying ungodliness and worldly passions (Psa 1:1-3). In order to be found faithful as stewards, we will purposefully manage our time, talents and treasures, as we wait for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:12; 1 Pet 1:14).

We pledge also that when we move from this church we will as soon as possible unite with another of similar faith and practice so that we can carry out the intent of this covenant.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give us a resolve for unity among ourselves as we follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth we may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5-6)

Amen.