According to R. Stanton Norman in his book, The Baptist Way: Distinctives of a Baptist Church (2005, Broadman & Holman), "Whether a church is a new work or an existing, well-established congregation, each Baptist church should have a covenant. Church covenants are usually written, and each person must agree to the covenant as a condition of membership in a local congregation. Covenants are based on and must reflect biblical principles." (p. 118)

Following is a sample church covenant written by Henry Webb based on his study of the expectations that Jesus revealed for His followers. His hope is that pastors and church leaders can use this as a starting point with their leadership team to develop or update their own church covenant.

A New Church Covenant

God established a covenant relationship, first with His people Israel, and then a new covenant with His people, the church.(1) Therefore, as members of God's covenant family known as _______________ Baptist Church, we commit ourselves to God and to one another to be Christlike(2) in our lives and relationships through the presence, guidance, and power of God's Holy Spirit.

We will love one another as Christ loved us,(3) honor one another above ourselves,(4) be kind and compassionate to one another,(5) encourage and build up one another,(6) comfort one another,(7) and offer hospitality to one another.(8)

We will have a spirit of unity based on our common bond in Christ,(9) be united in mind and convictions,(10) meet together regularly,(11) have equal concern for each other, suffer when one suffers and rejoice when another is honored,(12) and consider others more important than ourselves.(13)

We will use our God-given knowledge to instruct one another,(14) use our spiritual gifts to bless one another,(15) use the Word of Christ to teach and admonish one another,16 and nurture one another toward spiritual maturity measured by the life and ministry of Jesus.(17)

We will confess our sins to one another, pray for each other,(18) warn those who are idle, encourage the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with one another,(19) forgive one another as the Lord forgave us,20 and gently restore those who sin.(21)

We will not talk negatively about one another,(22) not pass judgment on one another, not put any stumbling block in one another's way,(23) not be morally impure, not use obscenities, not be greedy,(24) but we will be filled with the Spirit.(25)

We will let the light of our godly lives shine together to bring glory to God.(26)

  1. Hebrews 8:7-13; 9:15

  2. 1 Peter 2:21

  3. John 13:34

  4. Romans 12:10

  5. Ephesians 4:32

  6. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

  7. 2 Corinthians 1:4

  8. 1 Peter 4:9

  9. Ephesians 4:3-6

  10. 1 Corinthians 1:10

  11. Hebrews 10:25

  12. 1 Corinthians 12:25-26

  13. Philippians 2:3

  14. Romans 15:14

  15. 1 Corinthians 12:7

  16. Colossians 3:6

  17. Ephesians 4:13

  18. James 5:16

  19. 1 Thessalonians 5:14

  20. Colossians 3:13

  21. Galatians 6:1

  22. James 4:11

  23. Romans 14:13

  24. Ephesians 5:3-4

  25. Ephesians 5:18

  26. Matthew 5:16

Permission is granted for churches to adapt this for their use. Distribution for sale is strictly prohibited.

Dr. R. Henry Webb is retired director of pastoral ministries at LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, Tennessee. Before coming to LifeWay in 1977, he served as a pastor for thirteen years in Hawaii. He is currently serving as coordinator for LifeWay's Transitional Pastor training program and is a transitional pastor in Murray, Kentucky.