Four Corners Church Membership Covenant
I. Introduction
The Four Corners Church Membership Covenant describes the relationship and obligations that exist among the members of Four Corners Church. It serves as a promise made to God and to one another, as one commits himself/herself to Christ’s bride, the Church. To be a member of Four Corners Church is to be part of a family. All members are disciples of Jesus Christ and are united to one another by our identity in him. This unity is expressed in the way we love God and one another. Those who enter into this covenant with Four Corners Church are brought into a relationship of accountability and service.
II. Obligations of Officers of Four Corners Church
The officers of Four Corners Church, which include Elders and Deacons, are covenanted to serve this local body of believers in a manner worthy of the offices to which they have been called. Elders take seriously the call to “shepherd the flock of God that is among you” (1 Peter 5:2) and the warning that “they will give an account” for the souls entrusted to their care (Hebrews 13:17). Church Officers covenant to:
· Meet the criteria assigned to them in the Scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4)
· Seek God’s will for our church community to the best of their ability as they study the Scriptures and follow the Spirit (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 4:16; 1 Peter 5:1-4)
· Care for the members and seek their growth as disciples of Christ, especially by teaching them the truth (2 Timothy 2:2; 4:2), equipping them for service (Ephesians 4:11-13) and praying for them regularly (Ephesians 6:18)
· Provide teaching and counsel from the whole of Scripture (Acts 20:27-28)
· Guard against false teachers (Acts 20:28-31; Titus 1:10-16)
· Exercise church discipline when necessary (Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; Galatians 6:1)
. Set an example in carrying out the obligations of church membership (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 1 Timothy 4:12)
III. Obligations of Members of Four Corners Church
#1 – Members are followers of Jesus
Membership in the local church is something for Christians, those who have been saved by grace through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ, sealed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:8; 2 Corinthians 1:22).
#2 – Members participate in the Ordinances
In accordance with the example and command of our Lord Jesus Christ and the witness of the New Testament, we desire for all members to have undergone believer's baptism. As a follower of Jesus and member of the church, you are encouraged to observe the Lord's Supper each Sunday during corporate worship. (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-26).
#3 – Members hear and heed the Word of God
As a member you commit to regularly attending the gatherings of Four Corners to hear and heed the Word of God. You have read and acknowledge our Doctrinal Statement and agree to be taught in accordance with it. You accept your responsibility to hold to the trustworthy Word and not to entertain false gospels (Hebrews 10:25; Titus 1:9; Galatians 1:6-9).
#4 – Members raise their families in the Gospel
As members of Four Corners we acknowledge that the primary place for spiritual formation and discipleship of children is in our families. As a community we desire to help one another in this process by bearing one another’s burdens, sharing counsel and wisdom in parenting, and serving and helping ministries which assist raising our children in the gospel (Deuteronomy 6:1-25; Proverbs 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:5).
#5 – Members engage in and submit to gracious accountability
As a family we want to engage in gracious accountability to one another and submit to the leaders whom God has placed over us. The Elders are charged with caring for your soul and recognize that they will give an account to God for their oversight of the church. As members we want to make their difficult calling more joyful and less burdensome. We commit to resolving conflict with one another in a biblical fashion and refraining from gossip, slander, false testimony and divisive speech. If we stray from the truth or continue in unrepentant sin, we will accept gracious accountability from one another and be willing to submit to discipline from church leadership should the need arise (the goal of such being love, reconciliation and repentance so that the gospel is seen and God is honored) (Galatians 6:1; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15).
#6 – Members are good stewards and give financially to the local church
We delight in being good stewards of what God has so graciously given us. Because Jesus gave us everything, we want to give, not out of compulsion or for meritorious reward, but because we have an overwhelming desire to do so, which flows from the gospel. Our members take seriously the responsibility of funding the mission of God through our church (2 Corinthians 8-9).
#7 – Members serve others on mission
God has given talents, resources and spiritual gifts to each one of his people for building up the body and doing the work of ministry. We expect all of our members to be actively engaged in carrying out the Lord’s work in and through this local church. Engaging in genuine community automatically sets you up for service in our church. Being involved in each other’s lives provides many opportunities to recognize needs and serve fellow members. Four Corners has various ministry teams always in need of dedicated people willing to serve. We also expect all of our members to build relationships with those outside of the faith. We aim to fulfill the Great Commission by sharing life with people who do not know Jesus, so that the Gospel may take root and produce fruit in their lives. Because we have been entrusted with the message of reconciliation, we now take up the mission of reconciliation as ambassadors for Christ, as God makes his appeal through us (John 13:12-17; Romans 12:11; Galatians 6:2, 9; 1 John 3:17; Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
#8 – Members participate in the community life of the local church
In order to develop and maintain a thriving community of believers we strongly encourage members of Four Corners Church to join and participate in a Gospel Community Group. Other ways of connecting with this local body include Men’s and Women’s Ministry events, retreats, and Bible studies as well as various volunteer opportunities and teams. Authentic Christian relationships require intentionality, especially in our highly individualized culture. It is our conviction that Christ-centered intimacy in close community with one another fosters deep spiritual growth and sanctification.
#9 – Members part with the local church in a healthy manner
I understand that our commitment to this church is not to be taken lightly. I will be an integral part of the Body of Christ. If at some point, I am compelled to serve in another missionary field or with another local church, I commit to making this decision in the midst of community by seeking counsel and discussing with church leadership. It will always be my goal to preserve unity in this community and not seek to selfishly harm God’s work for my own agendas.
IV. Signature and Personal Information
I have read through and accept this Membership Covenant as well as the Vision Statement, Doctrinal Statement and Constitution and By-Laws of Four Corners Church. I have completed the Membership Class and Membership Interview. I now want to make a commitment to this community of believers in accordance with what has been stated in this Membership Covenant.
I have sought the Lord in my decision to enter into a covenant membership with Four Corners Church. I am sure to the best of my knowledge and ability that this is a scripturally grounded, morally sound decision and is being made carefully with an intentionally employed wisdom. I therefore am confident that I am following God to further his kingdom by committing myself to this local body of believers.
I understand that this covenant obligates me to the members of Four Corners Church and is an acknowledgment of my submission to its Elders. I accept the responsibility to notify the Elders if at any time I can no longer commit to this covenant, or if I have any questions, comments or concerns regarding Four Corners Church.
This commitment is indicated by my signature below.
Signature __________________________________________________Date____________
Print Name ________________________________________________________________
Signature (spouse)______________________________________________Date___________
Print Name (spouse) ___________________________________________________________