Bethany Baptist Church

"A Church Where Jesus Christ is Lord and Friendship is More Than a Word"

Rev. Dr. John W. Marks, Interim Pastor

Church Covenant

By what common and gracious experience do we enter into spiritual fellowship and covenant relations with God and with one another?

Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

What is the great bond of our union with God and with one another?

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love.

What are our great privileges and duties in this our own church?

To strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality and to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines

What vows do we gladly make as stewards of that which God has entrusted us?

To contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us towards its expenses, for the support of a faithful and evangelical ministry among us, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through the world.

With issues that arises in the church, how do we resolve them to maintain good fellowship?

In case of difference of opinion in this church, we will strive to avoid a contentious spirit, and if we cannot unanimously agree, we will cheerfully recognize the rights of the majority to govern

For the sake of our homes and our loved ones, what gracious tasks do we humbly assume?

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to study diligently the word of God; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances.

For the sake of the unsaved for which our Savior died, to what manner of life and conversation are we solemn sincerely pledged?

To walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and just to those in our employ, and faithful in the service we promise others; endeavoring in the purity of the heart and good will towards all men to exemplify and commend our holy faith.

Since one is our master even Christ, and we are brethren; by what fraternal ministries are we to strengthen each other and adorn the teachings of our Lord and Savior?

We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to exhort and stir up each other unto every good word and work, to guards each other's reputation, not needlessly exposing the infirmities of others; to participate in each other's sorrow; to cultivate Christian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of our Savior in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew, to secure it without delay..

Humbly confessing our past sins, we pray for the grace and strength to keep these holy vows, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Finally, when we remove from this place, we engage as soon as possible to unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.

AMEN