COMMUNITY AND COVENANT
WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US...
...IN COMMUNITY
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already experiencing being in community with Valley in some ways. We realize that all of us have our own story. Each of us has a unique background and path that has brought us to Valley. Belonging happens in different ways and speeds for all of us. We want you to grow in your sense of belonging at Valley, and we recognize that you’ll need to move at your own pace and in your own way.
We want you to have a sense of belonging, and we encourage you to:
• Participate in our weekly worship services and ministry activities.
• Make friends. Get to know us and help us get to know you.
• Ask us to help you find answers and resources for your spiritual growth.
• Call on us for pastoral care and life support needs you may have.
• Provide us with contact information so we can keep you updated.
• Let us include your picture and contact info in our church directory.
...IN CHRIST
Knowing Christ is obviously central to the life and mission of our church. Without Jesus there wouldn’t be a Valley Christian Church. The Valley community includes people who are at many different places in their relationship to Jesus. Maybe you are just discovering who Jesus is and thinking about what it would mean to follow him. Maybe you’re a believer in search of a church family.
At Valley, we consider it our first and highest priority to help you know Jesus and to respond to him in faith. Because we come from a wide variety of denominational backgrounds, we encourage everyone to follow the pattern of response given to us in the Bible.
A biblical faith response to Jesus includes:
Belief – John 1:12; 3:16
Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, our Savior and Redeemer.
Repentance – Acts 2:38; 3:19
Acknowledge your sin and your need for forgiveness, and turn away from sin.
Confess Jesus as Lord – Romans 10:9-11
Accept the authority of Jesus over your life, and follow his example and teachings.
Water Baptism (Immersion) – Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:26-28
This is the way Christians have expressed their belief, repentance, and submission to Christ’s authority since the earliest days of the church.
...IN COVENANT
Covenant Membership is the term we use to describe those who commit to Valley’s ministry and mission.
When you become a Covenant Member:
• You will have more opportunities to serve and lead.
• You will help us know that you want pastoral care and guidance.
• You will participate in congregational meetings and vote in matters of church business.
• You will be committing to faithful participation through worship, service, and giving.
To become a Covenant Member, we ask that you:
• Make a biblical faith-response to Christ.
• Affirm the Valley Christian Church Statements of Faith, Practice, and Mission.
• Attend a Covenant Member information session (class or personal appointment).
• Sign our Covenant Member pledge and allow us to introduce you at a Sunday worship service.
• Participate in Covenant Member meetings and renew your Covenant each year.
...IN COMMUNITY
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already experiencing being in community with Valley in some ways. We realize that all of us have our own story. Each of us has a unique background and path that has brought us to Valley. Belonging happens in different ways and speeds for all of us. We want you to grow in your sense of belonging at Valley, and we recognize that you’ll need to move at your own pace and in your own way.
We want you to have a sense of belonging, and we encourage you to:
• Participate in our weekly worship services and ministry activities.
• Make friends. Get to know us and help us get to know you.
• Ask us to help you find answers and resources for your spiritual growth.
• Call on us for pastoral care and life support needs you may have.
• Provide us with contact information so we can keep you updated.
• Let us include your picture and contact info in our church directory.
...IN CHRIST
Knowing Christ is obviously central to the life and mission of our church. Without Jesus there wouldn’t be a Valley Christian Church. The Valley community includes people who are at many different places in their relationship to Jesus. Maybe you are just discovering who Jesus is and thinking about what it would mean to follow him. Maybe you’re a believer in search of a church family.
At Valley, we consider it our first and highest priority to help you know Jesus and to respond to him in faith. Because we come from a wide variety of denominational backgrounds, we encourage everyone to follow the pattern of response given to us in the Bible.
A biblical faith response to Jesus includes:
Belief – John 1:12; 3:16
Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, our Savior and Redeemer.
Repentance – Acts 2:38; 3:19
Acknowledge your sin and your need for forgiveness, and turn away from sin.
Confess Jesus as Lord – Romans 10:9-11
Accept the authority of Jesus over your life, and follow his example and teachings.
Water Baptism (Immersion) – Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:26-28
This is the way Christians have expressed their belief, repentance, and submission to Christ’s authority since the earliest days of the church.
...IN COVENANT
Covenant Membership is the term we use to describe those who commit to Valley’s ministry and mission.
When you become a Covenant Member:
• You will have more opportunities to serve and lead.
• You will help us know that you want pastoral care and guidance.
• You will participate in congregational meetings and vote in matters of church business.
• You will be committing to faithful participation through worship, service, and giving.
To become a Covenant Member, we ask that you:
• Make a biblical faith-response to Christ.
• Affirm the Valley Christian Church Statements of Faith, Practice, and Mission.
• Attend a Covenant Member information session (class or personal appointment).
• Sign our Covenant Member pledge and allow us to introduce you at a Sunday worship service.
• Participate in Covenant Member meetings and renew your Covenant each year.
OUR MEMBER COVENANT
TO STRENGTHEN THE UNITY OF OUR CHURCH...
By faithful friendship and love toward others in our community.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Col. 3:12-14).
By refusing to speak in divisive or hurtful ways.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Eph. 4:29).
By supporting the leaders – Elders, Pastors, and Deacons.
“Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other” (1 Thes. 5:12-13).
TO SEEK JESUS AND LIVE FOR HIM...
By being a fully committed follower.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matt. 16:24)
By being a person of the Word.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that all God's people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
By being transformed and renewed.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is true worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)
TO SHARE IN THE LIFE OF OUR CHURCH...
By praying for its growth and effectiveness.
“We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Th. 1:2-3).
By sharing Jesus with others.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
By warmly welcoming new people into our church community.
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Rom. 15:7).
TO SERVE IN THE MINISTRY OF OUR CHURCH...
By developing and using my spiritual gifts and talents.
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Pet. 4:10).
By serving in the ways God has equipped me to serve.
“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Eph. 4:11-12).
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 Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:4-5).
TO SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF OUR CHURCH...
Through faithful attendance and participation.
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25).
By living a godly life and pursuing spiritual maturity.
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:2-3).
By giving regularly and cheerfully.
“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.” (2 Cor. 9:7).
TO STRENGTHEN THE UNITY OF OUR CHURCH...
By faithful friendship and love toward others in our community.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Col. 3:12-14).
By refusing to speak in divisive or hurtful ways.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Eph. 4:29).
By supporting the leaders – Elders, Pastors, and Deacons.
“Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other” (1 Thes. 5:12-13).
TO SEEK JESUS AND LIVE FOR HIM...
By being a fully committed follower.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matt. 16:24)
By being a person of the Word.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that all God's people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
By being transformed and renewed.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is true worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)
TO SHARE IN THE LIFE OF OUR CHURCH...
By praying for its growth and effectiveness.
“We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Th. 1:2-3).
By sharing Jesus with others.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
By warmly welcoming new people into our church community.
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Rom. 15:7).
TO SERVE IN THE MINISTRY OF OUR CHURCH...
By developing and using my spiritual gifts and talents.
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Pet. 4:10).
By serving in the ways God has equipped me to serve.
“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Eph. 4:11-12).
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 Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:4-5).
TO SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF OUR CHURCH...
Through faithful attendance and participation.
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25).
By living a godly life and pursuing spiritual maturity.
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:2-3).
By giving regularly and cheerfully.
“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.” (2 Cor. 9:7).
QUESTIONS ABOUT BECOMING A COVENANT MEMBER
Why a Member Covenant?
Covenant Membership is the term we use to describe those who commit to Valley’s ministry and mission. It is fitting for a church family to have a Member Covenant. The Lord has often made covenants with his people (Gen. 9:19-17), and God’s people have entered into covenants with God and one another (Neh. 9:38). A covenant is a promise - a promise made to God, to our church, and to one’s self.
Formally participating in covenant is a way of declaring that your commitment to Christ and His Church is a serious reality in your life. Your Member Covenant is an affirmation of your beliefs, a pledge of your commitment, and an expression of your expectations. It establishes your relationship with our church and communicates that you are counting on us to be faithful in our ministry to you. It also communicates your intent to be faithful to our church in your involvement, attitude, service, and support.
When you become a Covenant Member you will have more opportunities to serve and lead. You will experience a higher level of pastoral care and discipleship training. You will be eligible to participate in matters of church business. You will also be expected to be faithful in participation, worship, service, stewardship, and spiritual growth.
What should Covenant Members expect?
We covenant that your elders, pastors, and deacons will meet the criteria assigned to them in the Scriptures (1 Tim. 3:1-13; 5:17-22; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
We covenant to set an example and join you in fulfilling the duties of church members (1 Cor. 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 1 Tim. 4:12).
We covenant to seek God’s will for our church community to the best of our ability as we study the Scriptures and follow the Spirit (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-5).
We covenant to care for you and seek your growth as a disciple of Christ, in part by equipping you for service (Eph. 4:11-13) and praying for you regularly, and in ministering to you when you are sick (James 5:14).
We covenant to exercise church discipline when necessary (Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor. 5; Gal. 6:1).
We covenant to provide teaching and counsel from the whole of Scripture (Acts 20:27-28; Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim. 5:17-18).
We covenant to be on guard against false teachers (Acts 20:28-31).
Who Can Sign the Member Covenant?
The invitation to Covenant Membership is extended to all those who:
1) Have responded to Christ in faith, and declare Him to be their Lord and Savior.
2) Affirm their agreement with our church Statements of Faith, Practice, and Mission.
3) Have attended a Covenant Member teaching session (class or personal appointment).
You may become a Covenant Member at any time during the year.
We ask all new Covenant Members to allow us to introduce you at a Sunday worship service.
Covenant Members are asked to renew their covenant each year at our Annual Covenant Member Meetings.
Covenant Membership is the term we use to describe those who commit to Valley’s ministry and mission. It is fitting for a church family to have a Member Covenant. The Lord has often made covenants with his people (Gen. 9:19-17), and God’s people have entered into covenants with God and one another (Neh. 9:38). A covenant is a promise - a promise made to God, to our church, and to one’s self.
Formally participating in covenant is a way of declaring that your commitment to Christ and His Church is a serious reality in your life. Your Member Covenant is an affirmation of your beliefs, a pledge of your commitment, and an expression of your expectations. It establishes your relationship with our church and communicates that you are counting on us to be faithful in our ministry to you. It also communicates your intent to be faithful to our church in your involvement, attitude, service, and support.
When you become a Covenant Member you will have more opportunities to serve and lead. You will experience a higher level of pastoral care and discipleship training. You will be eligible to participate in matters of church business. You will also be expected to be faithful in participation, worship, service, stewardship, and spiritual growth.
What should Covenant Members expect?
We covenant that your elders, pastors, and deacons will meet the criteria assigned to them in the Scriptures (1 Tim. 3:1-13; 5:17-22; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
We covenant to set an example and join you in fulfilling the duties of church members (1 Cor. 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 1 Tim. 4:12).
We covenant to seek God’s will for our church community to the best of our ability as we study the Scriptures and follow the Spirit (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-5).
We covenant to care for you and seek your growth as a disciple of Christ, in part by equipping you for service (Eph. 4:11-13) and praying for you regularly, and in ministering to you when you are sick (James 5:14).
We covenant to exercise church discipline when necessary (Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor. 5; Gal. 6:1).
We covenant to provide teaching and counsel from the whole of Scripture (Acts 20:27-28; Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim. 5:17-18).
We covenant to be on guard against false teachers (Acts 20:28-31).
Who Can Sign the Member Covenant?
The invitation to Covenant Membership is extended to all those who:
1) Have responded to Christ in faith, and declare Him to be their Lord and Savior.
2) Affirm their agreement with our church Statements of Faith, Practice, and Mission.
3) Have attended a Covenant Member teaching session (class or personal appointment).
You may become a Covenant Member at any time during the year.
We ask all new Covenant Members to allow us to introduce you at a Sunday worship service.
Covenant Members are asked to renew their covenant each year at our Annual Covenant Member Meetings.