Membership Covenant Profession

Membership Covenant Profession

“In a day when commitment is a rare commodity, it should come as no surprise that church membership is such a low priority to so many believers. Sadly, it is not uncommon for Christians to move from church to church, never submitting themselves to the care of elders and never committing themselves to a group of fellow believers. To neglect—or to refuse—to join a church as a formal member, however, reflects a misunderstanding of the believer’s responsibility to the body of Christ. And it also cuts one off from the many blessings and opportunities that flow from this commitment” (John MacArthur)

 

Introduction

 

The idea of church membership is clearly stated in the Scriptures. The metaphors used for the church in the New Testament as a body (1 Cor. 12:12-14) and a family (1 Tim. 3:15), clearly imply the necessity of membership. As a body, we must be committed to each other in Christ, as He is committed to us.

 

Entering into a covenant with a church body is a very serious and weighty decision. Covenant making and covenant keeping is part of our triune God’s glorious character. To be in covenant with God is to be in covenant with God’s people.

 

Covenant membership is hard for our generation to understand because it is so foreign to our individualistic and autonomous culture. However we believe it is biblical and necessary for the wellbeing of the local church.

 

Qualifications of Covenant Membership

 

1. Possesses a saving faith in Jesus as Emanuel (God with us), Lord and King (Highest Authority), and personal Savior (Atoning sacrifice for my sins).

 

2. Has been baptized upon the confession of faith and repentance through immersion, follow Jesus’ example in ever-increasing measure, and obeying His commands as you learn and are discipled in them.

 

3. Living a life in which your relationships and stewardship of time, talents, treasure (finances), and participation within the body already show an evidence of love for the Lord and our local church.

 

4. Is in agreement with our church’s statement of faith, vision, and values.

 

5. Is accepted by the congregation’s vote.

 

Covenant Profession of Privileges and Duties as a Member

 

1. Having, as I trust, been brought by divine grace to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and to give up myself to Him, and having been baptized upon my profession of faith, in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, I do now, relying on His gracious aid, solemnly, and joyfully profess my commitment to this local body of Christ.

 

2. I will submit to the authority of the Scripture as the final authority on all issues (Ps. 119; 2 Tim. 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21).

 

3. I will pray and strive to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace in this church (Rom. 12:16; 1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:11; Eph. 4:1-6; Phil. 2:1-11; 4:2; 1 Peter 3:8).

 

4. I will walk together in brotherly love, exercise an affectionate care and watchfulness over each other and faithfully admonish and entreat one another as occasion may require. I will rejoice at each others’ happiness and endeavor with tenderness and sympathy to bear each other’s burdens and sorrows (Rom. 12:9-15; Gal. 6:2).

 

5. I promise to regularly and eagerly participate in the life of Salem Reformed Baptist by prioritizing attendance and service at weekly corporate worship gatherings and member meetings. I will consider how stir the members of this church to love and good works (Acts 2:42-47; Heb. 10:23-25; Tit. 3:14).

 

6. I will serve the members of this local church with my gifts for the glory of God. I will not neglect to pray for myself, my leaders, and my brothers and sisters. I will show hospitality to my fellow church members (Rom. 12:3-13; Eph. 6:18; 1 Thess. 5:16-18; 1 Peter 4:9).

 

7. I will honor, obey, and respect the leaders of this church as they serve within their biblical roles and qualifications (1 Tim. 5:17-20 Heb. 13:17).

 

8. I will seek, by Divine aid, to live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and remembering that, as I have been voluntarily buried by baptism and raised again from the symbolic grave, so there is on me a special obligation now to lead a new and holy life. I will seek and pray for the salvation of our family and friends (Titus 2:1-15).

 

9. I will use my vote wisely, based on sound biblical knowledge and not just personal opinion, to affirm appointed elders and deacons, as well as new members as part of the covenant family, and any financial decisions that are deemed necessary for a vote by the elders. For the sake of the glory of God and the good of my brothers and sisters, I will further use my vote wisely and humbly when the situation of removing a member from the covenant community unfortunately arises. At no time will I use my vote for any personal vengeance or for selfish purposes (Acts 6:1-7; 15:22).

 

10. I will contribute generously, sacrificially, cheerfully, and regularly to the support of the ministry of Salem Reformed Baptist, the expenses of our church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8-9; Phil. 4:14-20)

 

11. I will, if I move from this place in good standing, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where I 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.

 

Name: ____________________________________________________________

 

Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date signed: __________________

 

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________

 

Date of birth: ___________________________

 

E-mail address: _________________________________________ 

 

Phone Number:_________________________________________

 

 

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