A New Direction for the Covenant...

After receiving some sage advice, I am now leaning towards using the Covenant developed so far for a Team Leader Covenant, rather than a Team Member Covenant, since it is so detailed and in-depth.

I do still believe that a written covenant is necessary. I can relate to the comments I've heard about it being impersonal, but the word Covenant makes me think of a marriage.

When a husband and wife stand before their family and friends to make promises to each other from a list read by a clergyman, few people see that as impersonal. To the contrary… it’s romantic. And when a person makes sacrifices to remain faithful to his or her spouse, it is rarely because they signed a piece of paper. Rather, it is because of the love that compelled them to sign the paper to begin with.

Although I agree that a Team Member Covenant should be simple and more understated, I think it’s important to emphasize the seriousness of the commitment, and provide a milestone point for people to look back and say, “on that day I had my mind made up, and I plan to live by that.”

I also believe that this is a good way to help us all realize that we will go through hard times, but we choose to be devoted to one another, no matter what. So here is my current idea:

Team Member Covenant

I. I am saved by the grace of God and the blood of Christ to serve Him with my whole being.

II a. I have been baptized subsequent to this decision, -or-
b. I would like to be baptized right away

III. I agree with The Core’s Beliefs, I share The Core’s Values, and I want to join in The Core’s Vision.

IV. I will strive to…

A. Live a lifestyle of undivided worship of God
B. Express my worship regularly with The Core
C. Grow consistently in Christ-likeness
D. Participate with The Core in discipleship, accountability and mentorship
E. Encourage genuine love, unity and community within the Body of Christ
F. Gather regularly with my Home Church, and do all I can to contribute to the success and vision of The Core
G. Share the love and truth of Christ with everyone
H. Support the efforts of The Core to reach the world in general, and Center-City Springfield in particular.