What is Covenant Discipleship? 


Our intention at Bread of Life Christian Church is to live as Christians rather than “do” Church.  “Covenant Discipleship” acknowledges that one cannot make a decision to be a disciple of Jesus without making major lifestyle changes.  Covenant Discipleship confirms that when we begin a new life in Christ, it is the beginning of a process that lasts a lifetime.  Covenant Discipleship is a making of promises that recognize that following Jesus means developing a relationship to a congregation.

Because each of us is the Beloved of God, our congregation is more concerned about an individual’s spiritual life and growth than we are about names on a membership list.  We are glad that people at all stages of their spiritual lives are participating in our congregational life.  At least annually, we take time for special emphasis on this most important concept in order to be challenged to a level of commitment not offered in many if not most Protestant congregations: Covenant Discipleship.

Once a year, usually at the time of Pentecost, everyone is invited to come forward in our worship service, and drop an envelope in a container.  Inside the envelope is a Covenant Statement.  All are asked to bring one forward whether theirs is signed or not, so that each decision remains private.  It is not revealed who our Covenant Disciples are and who chooses not to become one at that time.  This is a matter of personal decision and a higher commitment to spiritual growth with higher expectations from our Lord, Jesus.

The words of the Covenant Discipleship Statement are given below.  All were encouraged to carefully and thoughtfully read the statement, to pray about it, and maybe even talk to other family members about the decision to make this commitment.  This is the covenant everyone is invited to sign.
 

“My Covenant Discipleship”

By God’s grace given in and through Jesus Christ, whom I have confessed as Savior and Lord of my life, I joyfully commit myself to being a Covenant Disciple in Bread of Life Christian Church.

For the next twelve (12) months, as a Covenant Disciple, I am willing to give:

  • My time in weekly worship;

  • My energy and spiritual gifts in ministry;

  • My attention to a daily prayer-life;

  • My commitment to a Spiritual Life Group; and

  • My growth in financial stewardship, with a tithe (10%) and beyond, as my goal.

All of these efforts are for the purpose of building up this community of faith and its witness to Jesus Christ in the world.

In making this covenant, I am consciously pledging to love and serve the Lord, and to trust the Holy Spirit to lead me in all things to witness to my faith in word and action.

If there should be times when I feel like I am being stretched in uncomfortable ways, I will trust the Holy Spirit to use them to nudge me toward a deeper spiritual maturity.

May God bless me, and all who share in this covenant, that we may be a blessing to others.  Amen.

Signed: ______________________________________

Dated:  ______________________________________

It is our hope that everyone takes this challenge seriously, and understands this decision to be an opportunity for growth in their personal relationship to our Lord.

You are referred to the following links to seven sermons devoted to a more detailed and expanded discussion of “Covenant Discipleship.”
 

“That You May Come to Believe”

John 20:19-31

“My Time to Worship God”

Acts 2:46-47

“My Energy in Ministry”

Romans 12:1-8 &
Ezekiel 37:1-6

“My Attention to Daily Prayer and Study”

Acts 2:14, 36-42

“My Money to God”

Acts 2: 43-45

“Living in Covenant Discipleship”

John 17: 1-11

“Being a Disciple Instead of Joining a Church”

I Corinthians 12:12-14