A church's statement of faith defines it's doctrine, while it's covenant reflects its relational obligations. It's statement of faith focuses on the doctrinal (beliefs about God, Scripture, salvation, etc.), while it's covenant focuses on the practical (a church's relationships and responsibilities). The Bible is clear that beliefs determine behavior. This is true individually and collectively: a church's conduct will be shaped by its creed (beliefs). Ideally, the purer a church's beliefs are, the purer it's behavior will be—or should be.
Our hope and heartfelt longing as a church is that we would live in a way that adorns the gospel and compliments the beautiful truths that bind us together. Mindful of our imperfections and inadequacies, and that apart from Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5), we fix our eyes on Him the enabling grace of our triune God to live together in a way that brings Him glory.
Our covenant is as follows:
Having, as we trust, been brought by Divine grace
to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ,
and to give up ourselves to Him,
and having been baptized upon our profession of faith,
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
we do now, relying on His gracious aid,
solemnly and joyfully renew our covenant with each other.
We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace.
We will walk together in brotherly love,
as becomes the members of a Christian Church;
exercise an affectionate care and watchfulness over each other
and faithfully admonish and entreat one another
as occasion may require.
We will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together,
nor neglect to pray for ourselves and others.
We will endeavor to bring up such as may at any time
be under our care, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,
and by a pure and loving example
to seek the salvation of our family and friends.
We will rejoice at each other’s happiness
and endeavor with tenderness and sympathy
to bear each other’s burdens and sorrows.
We will seek, by Divine aid, to live carefully in the world,
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,
and remembering that,
as we have been voluntarily buried by baptism
and raised again from the symbolic grave,
so there is on us a special obligation
now to lead a new and holy life.
We will work together for the continuance
of a faithful evangelical ministry in this church,
as we sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines.
We will 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 will, when we move from this place,
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.
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.
"Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD..." (Hosea 6:3)