Yates Baptist Church Covenant

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YATES BAPTIST CHURCH

Covenant

October 17, 2007 Effective January 1, 2008

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We believe that we have been led by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. Upon our profession of faith, we have been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We do now, in the presence of God and this congregation, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12–31¹)

We agree, therefore, with the help of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love (1 John 4:7²); to strive for the further enrichment of this church in knowledge, holiness, faith, and unity; to promote its spirituality; and to sustain its worship, study, witness, and fellowship. We will strive to be faithful stewards of our time, abilities, influence, and resources and to use them wisely and fully. We will endeavor to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel to people throughout the world. We will seek to lead our children and encourage believers of all ages to join us in regular study of the Scriptures, worship, and witness. We will strive to provide programs and opportunities to meet the needs of all members of our church body, and we will reach out to others that they may join us in our Christian walk. (2 Timothy 3:14–17³)

We will seek to apply our faith in all aspects of our lives and to watch over each other in brotherly love. We will work to strengthen our unity through love, respect, honesty, forgiveness, and fellowship. We will endeavor to remember one another in prayer, to help one another in sickness and distress, and to demonstrate Christian sympathy. We will resolve to respect the opinions of others, exhibit Christian courtesy in speech, and be slow to anger but quick to forgive, always mindful of the teachings of our Savior. (Ephesians 4:29–5:2⁴; 1 Peter 4:7b–11⁵)

We moreover encourage one another, should we leave this place, to unite with another body of believers as soon as possible, that we may continue to live out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word. (Romans 12:9–18⁶)

Scripture Addendum

  1. 1 Corinthians 12:12–31 (NIV)

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. […] But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

  1. 1 John 4:7 (NIV)

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

  1. 2 Timothy 3:14–17 (NIV)

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

  1. Ephesians 4:29–5:2 (NIV)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. […] Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

  1. 1 Peter 4:7b–11 (NIV)

Be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. […] If anyone serves, they should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

  1. Romans 12:9–18 (NIV)

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. […] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

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