Church membership covenant example

A church membership covenant states the promises members make to one another as they follow Christ together. This original example covers worship, prayer, care, reconciliation and service.

Print and slides

Download the ProPresenter text file for text import. Congregational words use two phrase lines per slide. Instructions for the leader stay in the PDF.

Covenant and statement of faith

The statement of faith records what the church teaches. A covenant states how members agree to live together. Keep the two documents consistent, and give prospective members both before they are asked to join. After the church admits a member, the free membership certificate maker can print a record for them.

Teach the promises before membership

Walk through each sentence in the membership class and invite questions. Explain how the church helps someone who cannot attend because of illness, disability or caregiving. A promise to gather should include the congregation’s duty to care for members who need help.

Follow the adoption procedure

Read the existing bylaws before changing the covenant. Record which body can propose changes, the notice members receive, and the vote or other approval required. An example on a website cannot establish that authority for your church. Have counsel familiar with your state’s law and the church’s polity check membership, discipline and records provisions before adoption.

Keep the covenant with the membership records

Publish the adopted version and its effective date. Keep the minutes recording the decision and retain prior versions according to the church’s records policy. Give new members the version the congregation adopted, and arrange a way for people with reading or language needs to understand the same promises.

Membership covenant example

AllTrusting in Jesus Christ and depending on the Holy Spirit, we covenant to walk together as his people. We will gather for worship, hear his Word and pray for one another. We will pursue peace, speak truthfully and seek reconciliation when we sin against each other. We will care for those in need, serve according to our gifts and give faithfully as the Lord provides. We will teach the faith in our homes and commend Christ to our neighbors. When we move, we will seek a faithful church where we can continue this life together.

Trusting in Jesus Christand depending on the Holy Spirit,

All

we covenant to walktogether as his people.

All

Prepare the service

Have the church approve the wording through its membership process before asking members to affirm it. Print the adopted date and give each new member a copy.

Sources and permission

Church Posting wrote these prayers and responses, which churches may copy and adapt freely.