Membership Covenant
As Christians, we are members of God’s household (Ephesians 2) called to function, participate, and minister in a particular place within the body of Christ. A healthy body requires that each member do its part well. A healthy church requires the same: members who are sacrificially committed and well-equipped to do the works of service that God has prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians. 2:10; 4:12). Valley Life Church holds its membership in high regard; we expect them to lead as witnesses of the gospel to the culture around us. God, in his sovereignty, placed us in this community, among these people, at this time for a reason (Acts 17:26-27).
A covenant is a promise by which we obligate ourselves to one another in such a way that the obligation of one part is not dependent on the faithfulness of the other (Ezekiel 20:44, 36:22, Ps. 76:11, Hosea 2:19-20; 3:1, 2 Tim. 2:13). The Valley Life Church covenant includes a section on basic doctrine, the obligations of Valley Life Church to its members, and the obligation of members to Valley Life Church. Though the covenant does define the relationship between members of the church, it is first and foremost a promise made to Jesus Christ as a commitment to His glory and His Bride, the church (Ephesians 5:25).
Obligation of Valley Life Church to Its Members
We covenant that your pastors and deacons will meet the criteria assigned to them in the Scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-13; 5:17-22; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
We covenant to seek God’s will for our church community to the best of our ability as we study the Scriptures and follow the Spirit (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-5).
We covenant to care for you, seek your growth as a follower of Christ, in part by equipping you for service (Ephesians 4:11-13) and praying for you regularly.
We covenant to come alongside in aiding the family in ministering to children and students (Deuteronomy 6).
We covenant to provide teaching and counsel from the whole Scripture (Acts 20:27-28; Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18).
We covenant to be on guard against false teachers (Acts 20:28-31).
We covenant to exercise church discipline when necessary (Matthew 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 5; Galatians 6:1).
We covenant to set an example and join you in fulfilling the expectations of church members (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 1 Timothy 4:12).
My Obligation to Valley Life Church as a Member
I covenant to submit to the authority of the Scriptures as the final authority on all issues (Psalm 119:2; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21).
I covenant to regularly participate in the life of Valley Life Church by attending weekly worship gatherings, small groups and serving those within and outside of this church (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:23-25; Titus 3:14).
I covenant to steward the resources God has given me, including time, talents, spiritual gifts and finances. This includes regular cheerful and voluntary financial giving, serving and participating in a community that is sacrificial (Matthew 25:14-30; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 1 Peter 4:10-11).
I covenant to pursue the Lord Jesus Christ through regular Bible reading, prayer, fellowship and the practices of spiritual disciplines (Luke 18:1; Acts 17:11; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Ephesians 5:1-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22).
I covenant to join in the mission of God at work in the church through making disciples: first in my now home, second in my community, and third around the world (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8).
I covenant to refrain from illegal drug use, abuse of legal drugs, drunkenness, gossip and other sinful behavior as the Bible dictates (Romans 1:28-32, 13:13; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:18, James 3:31-8).
I hereby understand and submit unto the membership responsibilities and beliefs of Valley Life Church by covenant agreement.
Printed Name: ________________________________________
Signature:_______________________________________ Date: _________________________
Download Printable Valley Life Membership Covenant
