CONGREGATIONAL COVENANT

As members of Christ’s body at Steinmann Mennonite Church , we joyfully make[1] this covenant with our God and with each other.

We will keep our eyes turned toward “Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith”[2],

by studying and following his example and teachings.  We will let this “mind be in us which was also in Christ Jesus”[3] as we seek to grow in Christ and ever more like Christ.[4]

We will deepen our spiritual lives

through regular prayer, study of the Scriptures, worship with God’s people and participation in the life and ministries of the church.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we will seek to live the Christ life together by encouraging and challenging each other as we “speak the truth in love.”[5]

We will grow as a welcoming people

by expressing God’s love in word and deed, within our families, our friendships, our neighbourhoods and our places of work and play.  We will welcome all people into our circles “as Christ has welcomed us.”[6]

We will become more deeply involved in God’s mission to our broader world,

by sharing our resources with “the least of these”[7] and “making disciples of all nations.”[8]   Recognizing that Christ “is our peace”[9], we accept God’s call to share in his “ministry of reconciliation.”[10]

In response to God’s call, we commit ourselves to the way of Christ.

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[1] On some occasions, when more appropriate, we will use the word “renew.”

[2] Hebrews 12:2

[3] Philippians 2:5

[4] eg. Romans 8:1; Ephesians 4:13; 1 Peter 2:21

[5] Assorted texts; the “truth in love” is found in Ephesians 4:15

[6] Romans 15:7

[7] Matthew 25:40

[8] Matthew 28:19

[9] Ephesians 2:14

[10] 2 Corinthians 5:18