Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Starting in November 2007 the membership of Christ Presbyterian Church began a "time of discernment" so we could reorganize her future as a small church.

The following Covenant is the result of these months of discernment. It is meant to be the foundation on which we grow CPC into an intentionally small church that fosters the spiritual journeys of Christ's disciples. The content of the Covenant comes from the core values of the Church of the Savior small group church community and the input and consensus materials from our discernment retreats. The Covenant represents a new Vision and Mission Statement for CPC plus the Practices by which we will fulfill the Vision and Mission.

The Practices are not an ala carte menu of spiritual behavioral recommendation but rather a holistic and integrated approach to growing in discipleship to Christ. Nevertheless, adopting any of these practices will be supported and celebrated. Neither are the Practices meant to be a list of rigid regulations. Flexibility will be applied when circumstances do not permit full participation in specific Practices. The practices are not meant to be stumbling blocks but stepping stones.

The full Covenant will be the commitment of Covenant Members. The commitment will be reconsidered annually by each member of CPC. Those who choose not to take on these commitments will be whole-heartedly welcome and supported as Worshiping Members of CPC. We want everyone to achieve their highest spiritual goals and those goals may change as your journey goes along. There is a place for everyone at CPC wherever you are on your spiritual path to growth in Christ.

The intent of this Covenant is beautifully stated by Elder Joe Cheben.

CPC is committed to foster and support each person on their path of spiritual growth. Although our focus is to maintain the integrity of the values contained in the Covenant, we pledge to honor and respect each person's level of commitment taking into account circumstances which may prevent adherence to some of our Practices. We affirm that as a spiritual community we seek growth, not perfection, and we welcome all in love. We are hopeful that each of you will form a stronger bond with God and the community of Christ on your journey.

THE COMMITMENT

We are called to membership in a church that supports serious discipleship. We work to transform the lives of our members and their worlds. We provide a nurturing environment in which disciples await their call and engage their spiritual gifts.

VISION

• We will consider self-proclaimed Christian of any denomination brother and sister in Christ.
• We will be a small growing church. Our definition of growth is related to spiritual depth, love and integrity of Christian community.
• We will be an open and affirming community that is without racial, cultural, economic or social barriers.
• We will relate to the world as a community of justice, compassion, reconciliation and hope.

MISSION

• We are called to give Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, practical priority in our daily life.
• We are called to confront injustice according to Jesus' teachings and stand with victims in love.
• We are called to encourage small groups to form around their common passion to serve Christ in specific ways.

PREAMBLE TO CORE PRACTICES

We demonstrate our desire to commit deeply to Jesus Christ by:

• Expanding our spiritual life through inward journeying
• Becoming an informed and mature Christian
• Working to heal pain in the world through our community commitments
• Welcoming the joy and accepting the work involved in discipleship

Our Core Spiritual Practices Will Be

1. On-time weekly worship
2. Undertake an inward journey including at least thirty minutes of daily prayer with an emphasis on listening
3. Participate in planned study on the Bible, theology, ethics and Christian spirituality.
4. Be accountable to a compassionate spiritual partner for these practices.
5. Demonstrate responsible stewardship honoring God's earth, its resources, people and all creatures
6. Discover one's spiritual gifts and unique call to mission with the aid of the community
7. Give sacrificially, proportionally and regularly to CPC beginning with 3% of income as a minimum goal and generous in-kind giving.
8. Commit to participating in a mission group consisting of people with a shared calling and common passion to serve Christ through a specific ministry.

Respectfully submitted by the Session of Christ Presbyterian Church

Your comments/questions are welcome. Please send them to
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