Why a Church Covenant? 

The FBCVA Covenant is rooted in our love for the church body and its individual members whom we hope will experience the fullness of joy which is found in walking with the Lord. The primary purpose of this covenant is to serve as an accountability document with these functions: 

• To clarify the biblical obligations and expectations for both the elders and the individual members of FBCVA. 

• To establish teaching and Biblical direction for the flourishing of the FBCVA body.

• To serve as a tool for reflection and growth toward holiness. 

Each of these functions is in accordance with the document’s overall vision to provide an accessible explanation of the Scriptures in hopes that FBCVA would grow in the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. This covenant provides the framework for the FBCVA family to live out both the Great Commandment and the Great Commission (Matthew 22:37-40; Matthew 28:18-20).

Members of FBCVA

As those who are being transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to reflect the character of Christ through the pursuit of certain attitudes and actions and the rejection of others. The Scriptures refer to this reality as “living by the Spirit” (Rom. 8). Living by the Spirit results in conformity to Christ, aligning heart and actions with God’s revealed will. The covenant is not intended to be an exhaustive list of moralistic behavior, but rather an acknowledgement of our communal pursuit of holiness for the good of each other and the glory of God. 

As a member of FBCVA, I covenant…

  • to submit to the authority of the Scriptures as the final authority on all issues (Ps. 119; 2 Tim. 3:14–17; 2 Pet. 1:19–21). 

  • to pursue the Lord Jesus Christ through regular Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and practice of spiritual disciplines (Luke 18:1; Acts 17:11; 1 Cor. 9:24– 27; Eph. 5:1–21; 1 Thess. 5:12–22).

  • to follow the command and example of Jesus by participating in the ordinances prescribed to His Church: 

    • by being baptized after my conversion (Matt. 28:19-20).

    • by regularly remembering and celebrating the person and work of Christ through communion (Luke 22:14-20). 

  • to regularly participate in the life of FBCVA by attending weekly services, engaging in gospel-centered community, and serving those within and outside of this church (Acts 2:42–47; Heb. 10:23–25; Titus 3:14).

  • to steward the resources God has given me, including time, talents, spiritual gifts, and finances. This includes regular financial giving, service and participation in community that is sacrificial, cheerful, and voluntary (Matt. 25:14–30; Rom. 12:1–2; 2 Cor. 8–9; 1 Pet. 4:10–11).

  • by God’s grace through the power of the Holy Spirit, to walk in holiness in all areas of life as an act of worship to Jesus Christ (Romans 12:1-2, 1 Pet. 1:13–16, 4:1–3). Believers should strive to put certain attitudes and actions to death while stirring and stimulating love and good deeds through the Spirit.

  • to refrain from such activities that the Scriptures would deem foolish (Rom. 14:14–23).

  • to take seriously the responsibility of Christian freedom, especially actions or situations that could present a stumbling block to another (1 Cor. 8:1–13).

  • to submit to the discipline of God through His Holy Spirit by: 

    • following the biblical procedures for church discipline where sin is evident in another—the hope of such discipline being repentance and restoration. 

    • receiving righteous and loving discipline when approached biblically by fellow believers (Ps. 141:5; Matt. 18:15–20; 1 Cor. 5:9–13; Heb. 12:5–11). 

  • to do the following when I sin: 

    • confess my sin to God and to fellow believers. 

    • repent and seek help to put my sin to death (Rom. 8:13; Col. 3:5; James 5:16; 1 John 1:6–10).

  • to submit to the elders and other appointed leaders of the church and diligently strive for unity and peace within the church (Eph. 4:1–3; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:5).

  • to do the following should I leave the church for righteous reasons: 

    • to notify the appropriate leaders. 

    • to seek another church with which I can carry out my biblical responsibilities as a believer.


The Elders (Pastors) of FBCVA

As shepherds and overseers of a local church, pastors/elders are entrusted with protecting, leading, equipping, and caring for the corporate church body and its individual members.

 

The Elders (Pastors) covenant…

  • to oversee the selection of elders and deacons (including staff members who serve in these offices) according to the criteria assigned to them in the Scriptures (1 Tim. 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Pet. 5:1–4).

  • to prayerfully seek God’s will for our church community and steward her resources to the best of our ability based on our study of the Scriptures and following of the Spirit (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1–4).

  • to care for the church and seek her growth in grace, truth, and love (Matt. 28:16–20; Eph. 4:15–16; Col. 1:28; James 5:14; 1 Pet. 5:1–4).

  • to provide teaching and counsel from the whole of Scripture that is Biblically-based, Christ-Centered, and Gospel-Driven. (Acts 20:27–28; 1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Tim. 4:1–5; Titus 2:1).

  • to equip the members of the church for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:11–16) and to  guard against false teachers and teachings (Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:28–31; 1 Tim. 1:3–7; 1 John 4:1).

  • to lovingly exercise discipline, when necessary, for the glory of God, the good of the one disciplined and the health of the church as a whole (Matt. 18:15–20; 1 Cor. 5; Gal. 6:1; James 5:19–20).

  • to set an example and join members in fulfilling the obligations of church membership stated below (Phil. 3:17; 1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:7–8; 1 Pet. 5:3).