Xenos Christian Fellowship Cincinnati
Servant Covenant
The following is a voluntary agreement assented to by people in Xenos Christian Fellowship (Cincinnati) who desire to serve God in specific ways in our church. Those who are elders, deacons, and members of the Ministry Forum have agreed to live by the following principles.
Spiritual Commitments
1. I endorse whole-heartedly and without reservation the Statement of Faith of Xenos Christian Fellowship.
2. I will continue to cultivate a vital spiritual life by:
· Maintaining a daily prayer life,
· Spending regular time in God's Word,
· Maintaining active involvement in Christian fellowship, including regular participation in a home church and/or small group,
· Responding obediently to God's discipline in my life
· Purposing to discover, develop, and use my spiritual gifts in Christian ministry.
3. I will lead a moral life consistent with the requirements for deacons as stated in 1 Timothy 3:8-12. If I have a serious moral lapse, I will promptly bring this to the attention of those who oversee my ministry, and I will cooperate with their judgment about how this problem may affect my ministry role.
4. I will maintain a healthy family life. If my family life is experiencing serious problems, I will promptly bring this to the attention of those who oversee my ministry, and I will cooperate with their judgment about how this problem may affect my ministry role.
Unity in the Church
1. I will regularly attend the Central Teaching. I will use this meeting to enhance my own outreach efforts, and I will attend this meeting with a servant's attitude (reaching out to new people, helping where needed, etc.). I will also serve at least once a year in a Central Teaching-related ministry during this term of service as a member of the Team (e.g., Children’s Program; Book Table; Set Up & Break Down; and Music)
2. I will be a faithful financial supporter of the General Fund, not under compulsion, but willingly. I will seek to model biblical attitudes about giving, including giving generously and joyfully.
3. I will be a loyal supporter of the leadership of Xenos, and I will be an active advocate of its vision and goals. I will do my best to keep those whom I influence informed of the overall Xenos vision and goals and to solicit their active support for these areas. If my conscience forbids me to do these things, I will exercise appropriate positive dissent and strive to reach agreement. If agreement is not possible, I will offer to step down from leadership and/or resign from the Servant Team.
4. If I have complaints, problems, or disagreements with Xenos leaders or members, I will seek to resolve these things in a responsible manner by talking with the appropriate person(s). I will not spread disunity or dissension by talking irresponsibly about these matters. If I cannot agree with my leaders, I will follow legitimate avenues of appeal.
5. I will forgive those who wrong me, and I will not tolerate an attitude of bitterness or strife in my own heart. I purpose to conduct myself with humility, compassion, and forbearance toward my brothers and sisters in Christ. As God convicts me to do so, I will seek forgiveness from those whom I have wronged.
6. I understand that my compliance with Ministry Forum requirements will be verified periodically. I agree to surrender the office of leader and/or membership in the Ministry Forum, if requested to do so by the leadership of the church. I also agree to submit to biblical church discipline, if necessary.
Servant Responsibilities
1. I will accept my responsibility to serve others in Christian love. This includes:
a. Doing my best to reach out to unchurched and unbelieving people.
b. Doing my best to develop disciples of Christ who will lead or serve as models of Christian living.
2. I will cooperate with those who oversee my ministry, which includes reporting in a manner acceptable to them. I will be dependable and accountable to fulfill the responsibilities pertaining to my ministry.
3. I will acquire the training necessary to be a competent servant. If I am deficient in my training at this time (Xenos Core Course), I will complete the training needed as soon as possible. I will also participate in periodic continuing education and training programs which will enhance my spiritual life and my ministry effectiveness. As a Ministry Forum member, I will teach or take at least one approved course every two years.
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