Friendly Baptist Deaf Church

Instrument No. I

“Church Covenant”

(A binding agreement made between you and the other members of this church)

Having been led, as we believe, by the Holy Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior; and, upon the profession (Declaring, stating) of our faith having been baptized in the name of the father, and in the name of the Son, and in the name of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, angels and this assembly (Gathering of people), most solemnly (sacredly and seriously) and joyfully enter into covenant (Binding agreement, or a sealed contract) with one another, as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love, to strive for the advancement (promotion, progress) of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity (success and wealth) and spirituality; to sustain (maintain, keep, or hold on to) its worship, ordinances (established religious rite or observances of baptism and the Lord’s supper), discipline (corrections) and doctrines (things taught and preached); to contribute (Give) cheerfully, regularly (faithfully) and liberally (As much as you are convicted of God to give) to the support of the ministry, the expense of the church, the missionary work thereof and when necessary, the relief of the poor.

We also most solemnly (truly, seriously) pledge (Promise) to maintain (keep up) family and secret devotion; to spiritually train our children; and untiringly (without failure or becoming weary of) the salvation of our kindred (Family) and acquaintances (People we meet); to walk circumspectly (careful, cautiously) in the world; to be just (Honest) in our dealings, faithful in our engagements (appointments or obligations), and exemplary (be an example) in our deportment (behavior, actions); to avoid all tattling (Gossip), backbiting (talking bad about one another) and excessive anger (anger that is above normal); to abstain (To keep from, withhold) from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, sale and use of any tobacco and to be zealous (enthusiastic, excited) in our efforts to advance the whole cause of our Lord Jesus Christ in every sphere of our lives.

We further engage (bind myself by promising) to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress (sorrow or misery); to cultivate (to prepare and use) Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech, to be slow to take offense (Slow to get my feelings hurt), but always ready for reconciliation (becoming friendly again), and mindful of the rules of our Savior, to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage (promise), that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Holy Word.

And all the people at the Friendly Baptist Deaf Church said… “Amen”