Membership of Chudleigh Baptist Church is open to anyone who is in agreement with our Church Covenant. This is a series of six simple promises that seek to embody our commitment to Christ and to one another.
The idea of a covenant is a rich biblical one. It expresses the way in which God enters into a relationship with his people. For example the covenant with Noah, after the flood. (Genesis 9:8-13). Later in the Old Testament there are other covenants - with Abraham, with Moses, with David, with Israel. Later again, there is the promise of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 34:25-32.) - a covenant written not on stone but on the people’s hearts. This is the new covenant that we find in the New Testament. Jesus speaks of this at the Last Supper- the new covenant sealed with his blood. A new relationship based on grace.
A covenant is an agreement. It has promises and responsibilities. God says ‘I will do this- in response, I ask you to do this’. It is not a contract. Not a legally binding document with sanctions but a practical expression of a relationship. We speak, for example, of the covenant of marriage. A relationship characterised by love, entered into freely. Our covenant is a practical expression of our love for and commitment to God and one another.
Here it is. As a member of Chudleigh Baptist Church I affirm my faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and commit myself to seek to:
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Live in a way that is consistent with being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
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Love God, his people and the world in practical and self giving ways.
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Pray for the church, its ministry and leadership and the world.
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Give to the church’s work generously and regularly.
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Meet (regularly) with God’s people for worship, fellowship and teaching.
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Serve the church’s ministry by using the gifts that God has given me.
Live, love, pray, give, meet, serve - that’s what we seek to do. We don’t always get it right, but that’s our goal. This is what we commit ourselves to together.
Towards the beginning of each year we hold Covenant Sunday when we have the opportunity to renew our commitment during a communion service. In this way an individual’s membership of the church is renewed annually. This is always a special Sunday and there is always a creative way for the children to take part as well.
For more information or if you would like to discuss becoming a member please get in touch using the Contact page.
To view our constitution, please click: