Joining a congregation of Christians means confessing that we belong to Christ and to one another; it means believing that these relationships are sacred, Ephesians 2:11-22. But these hallowed relationships between brothers and sisters in Christ cannot be taken for granted or neglected; Christians must treasure one another, cultivate closeness through loving and honest conversation, and protect these relationships from damage and division by gentleness, humility, confession and forgiveness, Ephesians 4:1-3.
Through the gospel, Christ creates a community that is loving, devoted, accountable, sacrificial, and persevering. Such relationships send a clear message to those on the outside: Here are those who love God supremely, desire His glory, and are willing to lay it all on the line for the gospel and each other.
Anniston Bible Church Membership Covenant
Since we have by God’s sovereign grace repented of our sins and believed the gospel, confessed Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and pledged to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow him, and having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we solemnly and joyfully commit to fulfill our covenant responsibilities as the body of Christ. 1
As Christian brothers and sisters in this congregation, we will, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, “obey our leaders and submit to them knowing they are keeping watch over our souls as those who will give an account,” 2 recognizing that the only authority the elders possess is the authority of the Word of God.
We commit to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,” to work and pray for “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” and to walk together in brotherly love, exercising affectionate care and watchfulness over each other to faithfully admonish and entreat one another, as the occasion may require.3
We will not neglect meeting together for worship on the Lord’s Day, nor cease praying for one another.4 We commit ourselves to lovingly serve according to the gifts and abilities that God bestows on us 5 We will rejoice in each other’s happiness and endeavor with tenderness and sympathy to bear one another’s burdens and sorrows.5
1 Romans 10:9; Luke 9:23-26; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-42
2 Hebrews 13:17
3 Hebrews 3:13; 10:24; Ephesians 4:1-6
4 Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:42; 20:7; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6 Romans 12:3-8
5 Romans 12:15; 1 Corinthians 12:26; 2 Corinthians 13:11
As we have been taught by Christ, to “live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Thus we will “renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.” 6 We will seek opportunities to share the good news with all people and to work together for the mission of the gospel in our community and our world. 7,8
We delight to give regularly and proportionately to support the ministry of our church and the spread of the gospel to every nation “for God loves a cheerful giver.” 9
We pledge that if we move from this community, as soon as possible, we will unite with another gospel church to carry out the principles of life together under 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.
6 Ephesians 4:17-20; Philippians 1:27; Titus 2:12-13
7,8 Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 5:42, 20:21
9 2 Corinthians 9:5-9