The Church Covenant
A church covenant states the promises members make to God and to one another. Many Baptist churches read it when new members join and before the Lord’s Supper. Below is the covenant as Bogard Press prints it on its wall chart and covenant cards.
Church Covenant
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; 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 through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.
We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
Covenant and doctrine
A covenant is different from a statement of faith. The covenant describes how members promise to live together; a doctrinal statement describes what the church believes. The doctrinal statement followed by Bogard Press describes the church as a local, visible assembly of scripturally baptized believers in covenant relationship.
Display and teach the covenant
- Sanctuary
Church Covenant Wall Chart
A 35 by 55 inch chart for the auditorium or fellowship hall. Ships directly from the supplier; allow 10 business days.
- Classes
Church Covenant Cards, 5 by 8
An easy-to-read size for class or congregational learning, in packages of 50.
- New members
Church Covenant Cards, pocket size
Pocket-sized cards for a pocket or purse, in packages of 50.
Study the covenant
- 13 lessons
The Church Covenant: My Sacred Vows
Albert Garner’s systematic study for small groups, with questions for each lesson.
- 26 outlines
Church Covenant: We Engage
I. K. Cross’s outlines for preaching, Bible classes and study courses.
For a class study of Israel’s history, see Kings and Prophets of Israel and Judah.
Common questions
When do churches read the covenant?
Practice varies by church. Many read it when receiving new members, at a business meeting or before observing the Lord’s Supper.
Can our church print this covenant?
For framed or bulk copies, the wall chart and cards above are ready to use. For other uses, contact us and we will be glad to help.
Need covenant materials for your church?
Call 903-793-5111 or send us a note, and we will help you choose the right size and quantity.