What is a Covenant?
A covenant is generally defined as “a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action.”
There are many examples of covenants in the Bible. A covenant is an acknowledgement to one’s responsibilities through a vow/promise.
Why a Covenant?
A covenant evidences the formal relationship that is taking place between the church member and the Church.
Covenant Commitment and Statement of Agreement:
1. I WILL PROTECT THE UNITY and REPUTATION OF OLFC BY….
a. acting in love toward other members at OneLife Fellowship Church.
b. guarding my speech; refrain from the use of profanity, refusing to gossip and instead be encouraging, agreeing to build up not tear down
c. living a life that reflects my profession of faith
d. following the leadership of OLFC (Pastors, elders, councilmembers)
“So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.” (Romans 14:19 NLT)
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29 NLT)
“Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow.
That would certainly not be for your benefit.” (Hebrews 13:17 NLT)
2. I WILL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MY CHURCH BY….
a. praying for its growth
b. intentionally engaging the unchurched to attend OneLife Fellowship Church.
c. warmly welcoming and encouraging those who visit OneLife Fellowship Church.
“We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2 NLT)
“So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.’” (Luke 14:23-24 NLT)
“Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.” (Romans 15:7 NLT)
3. I WILL SERVE THE MINISTRY OF MY CHURCH BY…
a. using my gifts to serve the members of OneLife Fellowship Church.
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10 NLT)
b. being equipped to serve by my Pastors and Shepherds.
“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12 NLT)
c. developing a servant’s heart
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being....” (Philippians 2:3-4, 7 NLT)
4. I WILL SUPPORT THE TESTIMONY OF MY CHURCH BY….
a. attending faithfully to OneLife Fellowship Church.
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25 NLT)
b. living a godly life and living a life of godly conduct before others.
“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing side by side, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.” (Philippians 1:27 NLT)
c. giving regularly of my tithes and offerings to OneLife Fellowship Church.
“On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.” (1 Corinthians 16:2 NLT)
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. Malachi 3:10 ESV
MEMBER'S COVENANT:
Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior, having been baptized, or soon to be baptized, and being in agreement with OLFC’s beliefs, vision/mission statements, and expectations as a member, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with OLFC as a church member.
In doing so, I commit myself to God, the Lordship of Jesus Christ, to the mission of OLFC/ other members and the OLFC membership covenant.
