November 4, 2009

Believing in the Holy Trinity, we trust in Jesus Christ the only Saviour and Lord, king and head of the church, to empower us by the Holy Spirit to renew God's church for authentic witness and obedience.

We confess that we have often quenched our passion for your glory, your church and your world.
We confess our love for Christ has often been weakened by compromise.
We confess that we often have failed in our love for others in God's church.

Seeking to be renewed:

1. We covenant to be attentive to the Holy Spirit's voice speaking through the Scriptures and our brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the whole church and through others in the world.

2. We covenant to encourage renewal through responsible participation in the congregations and courts of the church, not shrinking from speaking the truth in love, acknowledging that God has given us gifts for building up and renewing the church.

3. We covenant to encourage and support one another towards renewal, recognizing the cost in time, energy, and resources.

4. We covenant to be responsive to the Holy Spirit fanning the flame of God's passion within us, in adoring worship, genuine community, sharing the gospel, and caring service.

Choose at least three of the following actions that will help you keep this covenant:

1. To set aside time each day to humble yourself before the Lord and listen (e.g. devotionals, prayer, reading of Scripture).

2. To speak of others only what is true, kind, and helpful.

3. To be intentional in prayer (e.g. using a prayer log or prayer list).

4. To remember to pray in support of those who have signed the covenant.

5. To pray daily for the salvation of a specific person and seek opportunities to witness.

6. To seek a group in which you will be accountable to keep your covenant (e.g. triad, spiritual director, or prayer partner)

7. To contact one person in your Presbytery to give support and encouragement each week.

8. To attempt one bold thing for the Lord each year (e.g. a mission trip, sharing the gospel, dying to self in some way).

9. To encourage others to join the covenant.

10. To encourage others to attend renewal events.

11. Rendering caring service (e.g. sponsor a child or needy family, donate to the Food Bank, give to PWS&D).

12. To meet with other covenanters once a year.

It is our intention to share helpful resources among those who have signed the Covenant. To join, send an e-mail to Calvin Brown, saying, "I wish to stand with you in covenanting to renew the church. Please add my name to the Covenant."