It is our resolve at Covenant URC to truly hold the Three Forms of Unity as reflecting the Word of God and promote these in our congregation. May the Lord keep us faithful to this task.

As the Belgic Confession mentions the marks of the true church are: the pure preaching of the gospel, the right use of the sacraments, and the practice of church discipline. In light of this we have committed ourselves to:

Christ-Centered Worship

As a congregation our worship intentionally points us to Christ and his work for us on the cross. We therefore have a formal liturgical worship service as opposed to a “free style” service. This is to keep all things orderly and reverent to God. The elements of worship include confession of sin, proclamation of deliverance in Christ, and responding in gratitude to this deliverance. The liturgical form of worship also protects the Christ-Centered nature of worship from ambitious pastors or other individuals who would introduce entertainment, personal agendas, or innovations into the service. (John 4:23-24; 1 Cor. 1:21-24)

Christ-Centered Preaching

The preaching of the Word should inform the congregation on how God has worked out his redemptive plan throughout history and for the future. It should point the people to Christ as the fulfillment of all things. (Luke 24:25-27; 1 Cor. 2:1-5)

Weekly Communion

The Bible says, “They devoted themselves to apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of the bread, and to prayer.” The Lord’s Table is important in strengthening the faith of the believer. We agree with the reformer, John Calvin, that whenever the Word is preached the Lord’s Table ought to be administered. (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 10:16-17; 1 Cor. 11:23-26)

Education and Spiritual Growth

The Bible teaches that Christians ought “correctly handle the word of truth.” We commit ourselves to grow in the knowledge of the truth and to defend our faith. (2 Tim. 2:15, 3:16-17; 1 Peter 3:15)

Family Worship and Parental Leadership

We are a covenantal community with the task of training our children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord. We encourage parents, especially fathers as covenant heads of their household, to teach their families at home and to lead in family worship. It is the task of the church to train and guide parents for this important role. (2 Tim. 3:14-15; Deut. 11:19)

Visitation and Accountability

The pastor and elders have the responsibility to oversee the spiritual and physical needs of the congregation. These needs cannot be met if the church leadership does not know everyone in the congregation. Our pastor and elders commit themselves to the responsibility of regular home visitation. Further we commit ourselves to the maintenance of proper church discipline for mutual accountability and the health of the church. (Titus 1:7-9)