Our Covenants

Definition of “Covenant”

The word covenant comes from the Hebrew word “berith” which signifies a relationship between two parties whereby each bound themselves to perform certain services or duties for the other. Thus, a covenant is a binding agreement or commitment to practice our relationships with Christ and each other in a manner that is consistent with the teachings of the Bible. A covenant is a serious commitment that should not be taken lightly. It is the ground upon which we agree to work together to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ and the advancement of His kingdom.

“A Church covenant is not a document whose value comes from being used once in the formation of a church and then being placed in a cornerstone only to be discovered by a later generation of members. Rather, a covenant is a living agreement whose biblical principals offer permanent sustenance for a church genuinely trying to be regenerate.”

-Deweese

Covenant of Purpose

Covenant of Respect

Membership Covenant

Covenant of Purpose

We agree together that this church will exist: To be a demonstration of the character and glory of Christ in Middletown and the surrounding area through the formation of a community of believers who will share their lives, goals and hearts- both rejoicing and mourning together, reaching out to the lost and joining in the worship of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; and to equip this community to do His work; and to build up the church through the teaching of the truth, which is God’s Word.

Covenant of Respect

If you have a problem with me, come to me (privately).
If I have a problem with you, I'll come to you (privately).
If someone has a problem with me and comes to you, send them to me. I'll do the same for you.
If someone consistently will not come to me, say, "Let's go to this person together, I'm sure they will see us about this." I'll do the same for you.
Be careful how you interpret me- I'd rather do that. On matters that are unclear, do not feel pressured to interpret my feelings or thoughts. It is easy to misinterpret intentions. I will be careful how I interpret you.
If it's confidential, don't tell. If you or anyone comes to me in confidence, I won't tell unless a) the person is going to harm himself/herself; b) the person is going to physically harm someone else; c) a child has been physically or sexually abused. I expect the same from you.
I do not read unsigned letters or notes.
I do not manipulate; I will not be manipulated; do not let others manipulate you. Do not let others try to manipulate me through you.
When in doubt, just say it. The only dumb questions are those that don't get asked. We are a family here and we care about each other, so if you have a concern, pray, and then (if led) speak up.
If you have a criticism of me or my ministry, I expect it to be constructive. If it is constructive, I will appreciate it. For criticism to be constructive it must involve the following:

it emerges from your desire to see me succeed;

you have already thought through a better way of doing things and you are willing to risk your reputation on its workability (don't come to me unless you have a way to fix what you see wrong);

it is a high-quality criticism which arises from your own talent in that particular area;

if it is concerning my ministry, it must be in synch with the stated purposes of my ministry and of the church overall (please don't distract me from achieving my/our goal). I will do the same for you.

The Fair Haven Membership Covenant

“Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior, and being in agreement with Fair Haven’s statements, strategy, and structure, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the Fair Haven church family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following:

1. I will protect the unity of my church.

· By acting in love towards other members.

· By refusing to gossip and resolving conflicts using Matthew 18:15-17. (See the Covenant of Respect)

· By following the leaders.

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Romans 15:5,6

"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

"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you."

Hebrews 13:17

2. I will share the responsibility of my church.

By praying for its growth.
By inviting the unchurched to visit.
By warmly welcoming those who visit.

"To the church ... we always thank God for you and pray for you constantly."

1 Thess. 1:2

"Go out to the roads and county lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full."

Luke 14:23

"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."

Romans 15:7

3. I will serve the ministry of my church.

By discovering my gifts and talents.
By being equipped to serve by my pastor.
By developing a servant’s heart.

"Each one of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others."

1 Peter 4:10

"God gave ... 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

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Phil. 2:3,4

4. I will support the testimony of my church.

By attending faithfully.
By living a growing and godly life.
By giving regularly.

"Let us not give up the habit of meeting together ... but let us encourage one another."

Heb. 10:25

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ."

Phil. 1:27

"On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income ... "

1 Cor. 16:2