What is Expected of a Member at Valley Bible Church?

One of the documents that we use here at Valley Bible Church is called "The Covenant For Members." Membership at Valley is open to anyone who will testify to faith in Jesus Christ and who is in agreement with the teachings of our Statement of Faith.

This document was developed and passed by the church body in 1999. Every membership class since that time has gone over its requirements. All who have become members since that time should have signed agreement with these biblical instructions.

The document begins with a preamble that is followed by the covenant terms. In the actual document the verses referenced are written out in full. It reads as follows:

Having testified publicly in writing or verbally in front of the Deacons of this church of my faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I now believe I am led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the Valley Bible Church community. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members of this community to the goal of the following as an expression of biblical conduct:

1. I will protect the unity of my church by acting in love toward other members; by refusing to gossip; by following the leaders. Scriptures are Romans 14:19; 1 Peter 1:22; Ephesians 4:29; and Hebrews 13:17.

2. I will share the responsibility for my church by praying for our members' ministries and growth and praising God for His provisions; by inviting the unchurched to attend; by warmly welcoming those who visit; by being involved in the decisions of the church at business meetings. Scriptures are 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2; Luke 14:23; Romans 15:7; and Acts 15:22, 14:27, 15:30.

3. I will serve the ministry of my church by discovering my gifts and talents; by being equipped to serve by my pastors/leaders; by developing a servant’s heart. Scriptures are 1 Peter 4:10; Ephesians 4:11-13; Philippians 2:4-5, 7.

4. I will support the testimony of my church by attending faithfully; by living a godly life; by giving regularly. Scriptures are Hebrews 10:25; Philippians 1:27; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Leviticus 27:30.

5. I will neither join nor leave the church as a means of avoiding relationships or church discipline. Scriptures are Romans 12:10 and Ephesians 4:32.

We believe that these covenant articles set a tone for serving the Lord and for spiritual growth for all of us. We invite you to pick up a full copy at the Connection Center. Feel free to study this by looking up the verses in context and most of all by seeking to follow its guidelines.