Covenant for Christian Life Together
at
Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church
Introduction
In October of 2002, the congregation of Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church called the Rev. Laurel Underwood Brundage to be their pastor. At that time the Presbytery of Lehigh urged us to consider means by which we could promote spiritual and relational health within and among our faith community and build good relationships between the congregation, the church leaders, and the pastor.
The leadership of the church gathered to explore the idea of a biblically based covenantal agreement that would call us to use "holy manners" in our life together. A writing team went to work. They developed this covenant, which has been approved by the session, presented to the leaders who originally gathered, and submitted to the Presbytery. Like the covenants of old, this one consists of mutual promises.
After a preamble that summarizes our understanding of God's love, God's intent, and God's call to us, there are four sets of promises.
The people of the congregation,
the leaders,
and the pastor
of Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church each have a set of promises, organized along biblical and theological themes. These promises build, one set on the other. Because the leaders are from the people, they must continue to keep the promises made by the congregation as they shoulder the extra measure of responsibility expected of leaders. The pastor, as one of those leaders, must make every effort to personally maintain the standard set for both the people and the leaders and go beyond it, accepting the unique responsibilities of a minister.
The fourth set of promises will be made by the Presbytery of Lehigh . We are a part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Since we have responsibilities to the Presbytery and they to us, it is appropriate that they have a role in our covenant.
This covenant is not designed to anticipate all the problems we could possibly have and outline ways to approach or address them. Other policies and procedures will need to be developed. But this covenant will be the measuring rod against which those policies will be evaluated. We believe that if all of us keep these covenantal promises and call each other, gently and lovingly, to live by this standard, then we will not only build our life together on a foundation strong enough to stand for generations, we will also meet the biblical challenge to "live in love" (Ephesians 5:2) and keep Jesus' new commandment.
"A new command I give you.
Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
John 13:34
Preamble
As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other;
just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body.
And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom;
and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3: 12-17
We understand and believe that.
• God loves us.
God intends for us to reflect the love we have received
by loving one another as God has loved us.
• God intends all people and all things to work together for good.
Leaders, pastors, people, and presbyteries have gifts and roles that should be used for the common good.
Therefore, God calls us.
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
Galatians 5:22
We, the people of Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church, promise and covenant to grow in.
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Generosity
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing,
whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me,
and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9
In addition to the covenant we have made as members of PVPC,
We, the leaders* of Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church,
promise and covenant to serve with.
Energy
Intelligence
Imagination
Love
"Will you seek to serve the people with energy, imagination, intelligence, and love?"
question answered at ordination
* "Leaders" include elders, deacons, trustees, pastor, staff, and others who serve in leadership roles.
"Now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13
In addition to the covenant I have made
as a member of this church family and a leader of PVPC,
I, the pastor of Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church,
promise and covenant to have and to show.
Hope
Love
Covenant of the Presbytery
Tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight,
not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it - not for sordid gain but eagerly.
Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock.
In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders.
And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another,
for "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time.
Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:2-3, 5-7
We, the Presbytery of Lehigh, through the appropriate Committees and Care Teams
promise and covenant to.
Tend the flock
Be examples
Humble ourselves