Our Covenant

HRF has worshiped together under a covenant, or statement on how we agree to live as a church, since 2013. The church covenant is equal parts promise, a summary of expectations, ethical statement, and biblical standard. We require all new members to publicly affirm it before joining the church. We also reaffirm our commitment to the covenant at various times throughout the year.

HAMPTON ROADS FELLOWSHIP CHURCH COVENANT

Having, as we trust, been brought by divine grace to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and to give up ourselves to him, and having been baptized upon our profession of faith, in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, we do now, relying on His gracious aid, solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with each other.

1. We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3)

2. We will walk together in brotherly love, as is becoming of members of a Christian Church, exercising an affectionate care and watchfulness over each other and faithfully admonish and entreat one another as occasion may require. (Hebrews 3:13)

3. We will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, nor neglect to pray for ourselves and others. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

4. We will endeavor to bring up such as may at any time be under our care, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and by a pure and loving example to seek the salvation of our family and friends. (Deuteronomy 6:7-9)

5. We will rejoice at each others’ happiness and endeavor with tenderness and sympathy to bear each other’s burdens and sorrows. (Galatians 6:2 ESV) (Romans 12:15)

6. We will seek, by Divine aid, to live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and remembering that, as we have been voluntarily buried by baptism and raised again from the symbolic grave, so there is on us a special obligation now to lead a new and holy life. (Colossians 1:9-10)

7. We will work together for the continuance of a faithful evangelical ministry in this church, as we sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines. We will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations. (Acts 4:32-35)

8. We will, when we move from this place, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word. (Hebrews 13:17)

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all.

Amen.