Our “Partners in Mission” Covenant
With the Bible as our only guide for all that we are called to do as partners in this mission, we encourage each individual to commit themselves to the responsibilities and characteristics of Christ’s Church, outlined and explained in our membership covenant.OUR COVENANT: “Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior having been baptized, and being in agreement with Oakdale Community CRC’s statements, ministries, and structure, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the Oakdale Community Christian Reformed church family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other partners to do the following:”
I commit to build and protect the unity of my church
By acting in love toward other members
“So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of our fellowship together.” Rom. 15:19(Ph)
By refusing to gossip
“Live in complete harmony with each other – each with the attitude of Christ toward each other.” Rom. 15:5(LB)”Have a sincere love for your fellow believers, love one another earnestly with all your hearts.” 1 Peter 1:22(GN)
By following the leaders
“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be no advantage to you.” Heb. 13:17
By reconciling conflict
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs … ” Eph.4:29
commit to sharing the responsibility of my church
By praying for it’s growth
“To the church … we always thank God for you and pray for you constantly.” 1 Thess. 1:2
By inviting the unchurched to attend
“Go out into the country … and urge anyone you find to come in, so that My House will be full.” Luke 14:23 (LB)
By warmly welcoming those who are alone and/or visit
“So, warmly welcome each other into the church, just as has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified.” Rom. 15:7 (LB)
By committing to financially support our church in its mission and ministries
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
I commit to serving the ministry of my church
By discovering my gifts and talents
“God gave … some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of ministry, so that the Body of Christ may be built up …” Eph.4:11-12
By being equipped to serve
“Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you …”1 Peter 4:10 (Ph)
By developing a servant’s heart
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ … who took on the very nature of a servant … ” Phil 2:3-4, 7
I commit to support the life of my church
By attending faithfully
“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together … but let us encourage one another.” Heb. 10:25
By living a godly life
“But whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Phil. 1:27 (Ph)