We understand a covenant to be an agreement between parties, whereby each party makes a commitment for the mutual benefit of all. As members of Southshore Bible Church, we enter into this covenant with one another with the understanding that we will strive toward these goals even as we fail to achieve them with perfection.
ONE
To prioritize our own spiritual growth by regularly reading the Bible and praying (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Timothy 2:8).
TWO
To work out our salvation by increasingly glorifying God by what we do and say. We shall seek to obey that which is clearly revealed in the Bible (Philippians 2:12-13).
THREE
To discern God’s will according to our conscience in matters that are not clearly revealed in the Bible. We shall extend freedom to one another to live according to our own personal conscience without trying to bind one another to our own personal standards and convictions (Romans 14:1-6).
FOUR
To pursue unity with one another as a true family in Christ. In keeping with our ability, and the appropriateness to do so, we shall seek to meet the relational, spiritual, practical, and material needs of one another (Romans 12:9-18).
FIVE
To love one another with the same love with which God loves each of us, being quick to extend grace, mercy, and forgiveness when needed. We are committed to the biblical principles for reconciliation as outlined by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 18:15–35.
SIX
To be a contributing member of the church by: (a) attending worship services and discipleship opportunities regularly (Hebrews 10:23-25); (b) attending membership meetings (Acts 6:2); (c) giving generously (2 Corinthians 9:6-7); (d) serving in Southshore ministries that match our individual giftedness and desire (Ephesians 4:11- 12)
SEVEN
To increasingly live out our biblical roles in the family by seeking to understand and to exercise God’s vision for each of us as a husband, wife, father, mother, son, or daughter. Likewise, we shall increasingly live out our biblical role in the workplace by seeking to understand and to exercise God’s vision for us as an employer or employee (Colossians 3:18-24).
EIGHT
To submit to the Southshore elders for they are keeping watch over our souls as those who will have to give an account to Christ. We shall endeavour to make this oversight a joy for them (Hebrews 13:17).
NINE
To submit to the governing authorities of Barrie, Simcoe County, Ontario, and Canada because they are the Lord’s servants in civil society, even if they do not know Christ. We shall make every effort to be a productive and contributing citizen (Romans 13:1-7) so that our witness to Jesus Christ is not hindered.
TEN
To be ready to share the hope we have in Christ with anyone who asks and to prayerfully seek opportunities to do so (1 Peter 3:15).