We are together to be God’s Church, the local church called Oak Grove Baptist Church. We are not here by chance; rather, God has called each of us into this fellowship to embody together the attributes and qualities the Word of God gives to us as Christians. Having been baptized upon our profession of faith, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we now solemnly and joyfully renew our covenant with each other.

As members of this fellowship called Oak Grove Baptist Church, each of us intends to live under these commitments to God and to each other, according to His Word:

I am a member of the body of Christ, and because of this, I must be a functioning member. As a functioning member, I will give, I will serve, I will minister, I will evangelize, and I will study. I will seek to be a blessing to others. I will remember that “if one suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26).

Now you are the body of Christ, and individually members of it.
- 1 Corinthians 12:27

I will seek to be a source of unity in my church. I know there are no perfect persons, staff, or other church members – but neither am I. I will not be a source of gossip or dissension. One of the greatest contributions I can make is to do all I can in God’s power to help keep the church in unity for the sake of the Gospel.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
- Romans 12:18

I will seek to lead our neighbors to know and be changed by Jesus. Everyone, including my family, friends, coworkers, and people across the globe are our neighbors, and all of them need to know the Gospel. I will, through this covenant, give myself as Christ’s servant through participation in His mission in the world.

Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers? He said, the one who showed him mercy. And Jesus said to him, you go, and do likewise.
- Luke 10:36-37

I will commit to study the Bible, meditate, and pray to experience the presence of God more fully, educate our family members in God’s Word, instruct them in His ways; to gather with the Church to worship God, share the Gospel, and examine its implications for our lives.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17

I will lead my family to be good members of this church. We will be present when our church meets. We will pray together for our church. We will worship together in our church. We will serve together in our church. And we will ask Christ to help us fall deeper in love with this church because He gave his life for her.

…not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
- Hebrews 10:25

I will pray for the pastor and staff of this church. I understand that their work is never ending. Their days are filled with numerous demands that bring emotional highs and lows. They must deal with critics. They must be good husbands and wives. Because they cannot do all things in their own power, I will pray for their strength and wisdom daily.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
- 1 Corinthians 15:58

I will not let my church be about my preferences and desires. That is self-serving. I am a member in this church to serve others and to serve Christ. My Savior went to a cross for me. I can deal with any inconveniences and matters that aren’t just my preference or style.

But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
- Matthew 6:33

I will remember that this membership is a gift. When I received the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, I became a part of the body of Christ. I soon thereafter identified with a local body and was baptized. And now I am humbled and honored to serve and to love others in our church. I pray that I will never take my membership for granted but see it as a gift and opportunity to serve others and to be a part of something so much greater than any one person or member.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
- John 3:16

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.

Oak Grove Baptist Church
Burleson, Texas