Family Discipleship Ministry Covenant.pdf

I recognize that as a Christian it is both my privilege and my responsibility to be under the authority of God and His Word. I affirm and promise, God helping me, to abide by the following biblical principles as guideposts for my life and for my involvement in Family Discipleship ministries at Bethlehem Baptist Church.

PRINCIPLE #1: SPIRITUAL GROWTH (2 Peter 1:5−11)

• to strive toward growth in faith and to fan the flames of my love for God and His Word; to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling" and thus be an example in "speech, conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity" to the children, youth, and young adults I lead (Ephesians 4:1, 1 Timothy 4:12)

PRINCIPLE #2: DILIGENCE (Colossians 3:23, 24)

• to work diligently in my ministry, not looking for the praise of men but working only to please Jesus; knowing that “my labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58) and that one day I will hear the words “well done good and faithful servant, enter into my rest” (Matthew 25:21)

PRINCIPLE #3: TEAMWORK (Proverbs 27:17, 1 Corinthians 12:7, Galatians 6:2−5)

• to work toward a unified vision of ministry by making efforts to participate in trainings, team meetings, and other meetings and communications as encouraged by the leadership for personal growth and encouragement of others.
• to resist envying the gifts of another or comparing myself to another, but rather to conscientiously use my gifts to enhance the ministry to children, youth, and young adults and to encourage my brothers and sisters in their labors for the kingdom knowing that we are all working toward the same end of glorifying God
• to choose to judge another person’s actions and words in the best possible light knowing that we are all on the same team; to avoid causing dissension or discord, but rather to work toward making Family Discipleship ministries a glory to God. If I disagree with a policy or decision, I will choose either to overlook it or to discuss it graciously with the person responsible for the policy or decision.
• if there should arise a conflict with another, to choose either to forgive and forget, or to confront according to the guidelines set forth in Matthew 18:15−17:
  1. To go to my brother alone in humility and love to reconcile our difference or to exhort my brother, always with the goal of reconciliation and gaining a brother.
  2. If the situation warrants further attention, to bring one or two others with me if my initial attempt is rebuffed.
  3. If the situation cannot be resolved, and it should be pursued further, I will then bring it to the attention of a Family Discipleship pastor/minister.
  4. If it is still not resolved, I will place the responsibility of further action in the hands of the Family Discipleship Department.

PRINCIPLE #4: MAINTAIN AN “UNHINDERED” ENVIRONMENT (Luke 18:16, Matthew 18:5,6)

• to refrain from inappropriate behavior and also avoid any appearance of evil in relating to adults, young adults, youth or children
• to admonish or report inappropriate behavior
• I have read the “Policies and Definitions Regarding Inappropriate Behavior” included on pages 12 and 13. I understand the policies and definitions outlined and I am willing to abide by them.

I continue to embrace and joyfully resolve to work in harmony with my brothers and sisters to implement the vision of ministry to families as set forth by Bethlehem’s Family Discipleship Department.