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Koinonian Covenant

The following covenant has been agreed to by fifteen people at Valley Friends Church:
I realize that joining the partnership at Valley Friends Church is not the same thing as becoming a member of the Body of Christ. For, once I have Repented I automatically become part of the Church that stretches down through the centuries in all its authority and power.
Yet, it is obvious in the Scriptures that one who has committed themselves to follow Christ must act upon that specifically when and where they live. I realize that God has put us here at this time in history and in this location to bring the Gospel to this community and to the ends of the earth. To this purpose, I will become a partner with those who corporately unite to accomplish the task of the ministry of reconciliation.
To join in this partnership of the gospel, I understand that as time goes on I will be committed to becoming more and more like Jesus Christ, which is the will of God for my life. I affirm that conforming to his image involves the changing of the purpose of my life, the methods by which I attain that purpose and my very character. That, in this continual transformation, my goals and lifestyle will become more and more consumed with the ministry of reconciliation, which is that no one perish but all come to life and themselves become conformed to the image of Christ.
I understand that I must labor at God’s will with God’s methods, avoiding sensationalism, working behind the scenes, incarnately with those whom God has placed before me. Working all the more to be articulate, clear and gentle. I will care for the poor and the needy through acts of kindness, which is the context for the articulation of the truth. I will take responsibility for those that God has put in my path, pointing them to intimacy with the Father and not delegating them to others.
I will press on to total absorption in the Kingdom of God, in it’s goals, plans and practices. I understand this is not an elite invitation, but a call to everyone to follow Christ. I will devote myself to a significant study of the Scriptures, to reflect upon them throughout each day. I will devote myself to the partners in the ministry who have also given themselves to these things. I will devote myself to prayer: secret, common and corporate. To practice what the Lord teaches me, as he leads me in the tutelage of his Spirit. I will commit myself to join with a house church, attending the meetings for instruction, celebration and the building up of the brethren. Where I will be nurtured and will nurture with the patience and endurance that love affords. I realize that everything I have has been given by him and now defer all I have, or will have, to his use knowing that our Lord has guaranteed my care, as his responsibility.
As the Lord Jesus Christ guides me in decisions and the investment of my life, I will seek the blessing and verification of the brethren, for he will make it clear to them as well, to protect me from the deceit of my old nature. To this I commit myself for life, without reservation, for I have taken the time to ‘count the cost’ of following the Lord Jesus Christ.