By Bob Shelton
A covenant binds us together in unity and mission. Churches have at times asked, “Why didn’t the CCSB help when we had internal troubles?” The reality is we often tried but were blocked in offering assistance. This covenant shows we’re developing a culture in our churches to come alongside one another.
If a church needs help with worship, with a renewed momentum, with conflict resolution, we will help! When a church is in need, the covenant communicates our commitment. You are not alone. We will take a personal interest in your church. The covenant says we care for one another and we will help in times of need or crisis.
The following information is provided to answer some questions:
Q - Is the covenant a creed?
A - No, Baptists are not creedal. They cooperate through a statement of faith. (Our beliefs are covered in the CCSB Statement of Faith.) A covenant describes how we desire to relate based upon those shared beliefs.
Q - Is there any biblical basis for such a covenant?
A - Yes. Covenants are prominent throughout Scripture. God made covenants with Noah, Abraham and David. Jesus established the New Covenant.
A covenant is a voluntary expression of future intentions. It has binding consequences. The Acts churches related to each other this way. Paul’s response to the church in
Believers in
Their commitment to Christ would not allow them to sit idly by and do nothing while another church struggled. This is the spirit of the
Q - Why do we need to affirm the covenant?
A - Christians believe their word is their bond – a handshake is sufficient. However, since pastoral leaders change regularly in our convention and this is a church to church document, it is important for each congregation to read and affirm the spirit of the covenant. This is a trust document. Churches will correspond with the CCSB office that they have affirmed the covenant.
Q - Does this violate the church’s local autonomy?
A - No, the intent of this covenant is to offer prayer, counsel and support. Each church always has the final word in accepting or rejecting the offer of help from sister churches and leaders. (See preamble of covenant)
Q - What will new churches that join the CCSB do?
A - Because we are hoping to build a caring culture, we will ask each new congregation to affirm the
Q - Will the covenant be available in other languages?
A - Yes. Presently we have translations in French, Chinese and Korean. With help from our churches we would be glad to translate it into every language group in our convention.
Q - How will the covenant be enforced?
A - Participation in the covenant is voluntary for existing churches. While no one will force a church to participate it is our prayer that every CCSB congregation will see the value of participating in and honouring the covenant.
Q - How will the covenant be used?
A - It will be read at every significant CCSB meeting. (convention, orientation, staff meetings, etc.).
Q - What does it mean to grant congregational access?
A - When a church is in crisis or need they would know they could invite other churches and leaders to help them work through their situation. Each CCSB church would be able to call on or utilize the various ministries of other churches and leaders.
Q - What steps would our church need to take to participate?
A - Follow these steps:
For further discussion, a Covenant Orientation and New Name Q and A session will be led by Gerry Taillon and Bob Shelton on the morning of June 30, concurrent with e-quip leadership training and prior to the convention meetings in
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