St. John's Baptist Church

Church Covenant
(Adopted February 1981)

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge and holiness; to give it a place in our affections, prayers and services above every organization of human origin; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us, toward its expenses, for the support of a faithful and evangelical ministry among us, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world.

In case of differences of opinion in the church, we will strive to avoid a contentious spirit, and if we cannot unanimously agree, we cheerfully recognize the right of the majority to govern.  We also educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintance; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and just to those in our employ, and faithful in the service we promise others; endeavoring in the purity of hear and good will towards all men to exemplify and commend our holy faith.

We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to encourage others unto every good work and work; to protect each other's reputation from destruction, not needlessly exposing the infirmities of others; to participate in each other's joys, and with tender sympathy, bear one another's burdens and sorrows; to cultivate Christian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of the Savior in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew (Matt. 18:21-35) to secure it without delay; and through life, amid evil report, and good report, to seek to live to the glory of God, who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

When we move from this place, we engage as soon as possible to unite with some other church where we carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's work.