How We Commit To Live
Our Church Covenant is equal parts a summary of expectations and a set of promises that members of Heritage Grace make with and to one another. These commitments are made when joining the church in membership—both by the individual joining to the church and by the church to the individual joining. Our covenanting with one another follows the practice of believers throughout the centuries who have pledged to God and one another to live out the gospel in community.
Living out these biblical instructions and regularly reminding ourselves of these promises is a way that we can guard against the individualism that can be so tempting to embrace, but so counter to what God has clearly called us to as revealed in the Scriptures. These commitments are ones we joyfully make to spur one another on in light of a greater covenant—one initiated by God’s love and seen in the finished work of Christ. This gospel is not only what accomplishes the salvation of individuals, but the means by which God saves a people for himself—therefore it is the very ground of fellowship with one another.
Our Church Covenant
We have, by God’s grace, been brought to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and to love him with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. We have confessed our faith in Jesus by baptism, and we affirm our union with him and his people in our ongoing participation in the Lord’s supper. We do now, in dependence upon his Spirit, solemnly and joyfully make this covenant with each other (Luke 10:27; Acts 2:38; 16:31; 1 Corinthians 10:17; Ephesians 2:8-9).
We will submit to the authority of the Scriptures as the final word on all matters of life and doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and will use our words to build up one another and glorify God rather than speaking lies, deceit, slander, or gossip; managing conflicts or disputes by actively seeking reconciliation and restoration as taught and modelled in the Scriptures (Matthew 18:15-17; Ephesians 4:3, 29).
We will walk together in love as Christ commands with humility and gentleness, caring for and encouraging each other, and forgiving and admonishing one another as occasion requires (Luke 17:3; Colossians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; 1 Pet 1:22).
We will not neglect to gather together, and will faithfully pray for one another (Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 6:18).
We will endeavour to lead those in our care in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, as well as to seek the salvation of our family and friends (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21).
We will rejoice with those who rejoice and with tenderness and sympathy bear one another’s burdens and sorrows (Romans 12:15; Galatians 6:2).
We will seek, by God’s help, to live carefully in this world, denying ungodliness and worldly passions. We will strive to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:12; 1 Peter 1:14).
We will maintain and defend a Christ-exalting ministry in our worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines (Matthew 18:15-20; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:13, 11:26; 2 Cor 2:6-11; Galatians 6:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:11-14; 2 Timothy 4:2).
We will contribute cheerfully, generously and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, and the needs of our neighbours (Luke 12:33; 2 Corinthians 9:7).
We will proclaim the gospel in our homes, neighbourhoods and to the ends of the earth in whatever way the Lord enables us (Matthew 28:18-20).
We will, if we leave this congregation, join another gospel-preaching church as soon as possible where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen (2 Corinthians 13:14).