our covenant

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior; and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, his angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ. 

We agree, therefore, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; and to contribute cheerfully, regularly, and sacrificially to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the spread of the gospel, and the planting of holy and doctrinally sound Baptist churches both locally and on the foreign field. 

We also agree to strive to maintain family and individual devotions; to educate our children in the Christian faith; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our behavior; to avoid all gossip, backbiting, and sinful anger; to abstain from all drugs, food, alcoholic drink, and practices which invariably impair, intoxicate, or harm the body or mind without warrant; and to be zealous in our efforts to make disciples. 

We further agree to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, always striving for immediate reconciliation according to the teachings of our Savior. 

We moreover agree, that when we remove from this place, we will, 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.