As a member of Southshore Bible Church, I enter into the following covenant:
One
I covenant to prioritize my own spiritual growth by regularly reading the Bible and praying (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Timothy 2:8).
Two
I covenant to work out my salvation by increasingly glorifying God by what I do and say. I shall seek to obey that which is clearly revealed in the Bible (Philippians 2:12-13).
Three
I covenant to discern God’s will according to my conscience in matters that are not clearly revealed in the Bible. I shall extend freedom to others to live according to their own personal conscience in these same matters without trying to bind them to my own personal standards and convictions (Romans 14:1-6).
Four
I covenant to pursue unity with the members of Southshore as a true family in Christ. In keeping with my ability, and the appropriateness to do so, I shall seek to meet the relational, spiritual, practical, and material needs of my fellow members (Romans 12:9-18).
Five
I covenant to love the members of Southshore with the same love with which God loves me, being quick to extend grace, mercy, and forgiveness when needed. I am committed to the biblical principles for reconciliation as outlined by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 18:15–35.
Six
I covenant 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 my giftedness and desire (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Seven
I covenant to increasingly live out my biblical role in the family by seeking to understand and to exercise God’s vision for me as a husband, wife, father, mother, son, or daughter. Likewise, I shall increasingly live out my biblical role in the workplace by seeking to understand and to exercise God’s vision for me as an employer or employee (Colossians 3:18-24).
Eight
I covenant to submit to the Southshore elders for they are keeping watch over my soul as those who will have to give an account to Christ. I shall endeavour to make this oversight a joy for them (Hebrews 13:17).
Nine
I covenant 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. I shall make every effort to be a productive and contributing citizen (Romans 13:1-7).
Ten
I covenant to be ready to share the hope I have in Christ with anyone who asks and to prayerfully seek opportunities to do so (1 Peter 3:15).