Transition Team Covenant

Unity

“That they may be one as we are one….” (John 17:22)

 

“[Be] like-minded, having the same love [as Christ has for you], being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:2-4).

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We covenant to seek the unity that Christ exhorted us to have with one another, a unity that reflects the unity of the Godhead; a unity that is indeed empowered by God’s very life with and in us.

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This will mean:

• Seeking to be of like mind with one another

• Loving one another with the love of Christ

• Being one in spirit and purpose

• Prizing humility with one another, not seeking merely our own interests, but the interest of others and the common good of our community

• Submitting to the pastoral authority as unto the Lord.

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Resolving Conflict

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you…If they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” (Matthew 18:15-16) 10

 

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that our brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them, then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-34).

 

We covenant to resolve conflict in ways that honor God and our identity as his people during this pastoral search process.

 

This will mean:

• Taking the initiative to deal with wrongs that either we have done to another, or that another has done to us, with the aim of being reconciled.

• Addressing conflict with humility and tenderness

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Trust

“But as for me, I trust in you.” (Psalm 55:23)

 

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24)

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We covenant to trust God with the future of our community, and to communicate with our community in ways that embody this confidence in God’s goodness and faithfulness toward us.

 

This will mean:

• Wrestling with our own doubts and fears before God

• Being honest about our emotions with one another along the way.

• Leaning on one another from day to day, borrowing faith from one another in times when we doubt.

 

Prayer

“…But I am a man of prayer.” (Psalm 109:4)

 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

 

We covenant to see God in prayer, both corporately and individually, for the good of our community and this pastoral transition process.

 

This will mean:

• Praying together as a matter of first importance when we meet.

• Seeking God in our daily lives for wisdom and renewal 11

• Inviting our prayer team, congregation, and others as appropriate to intercede for our community during this process.

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Communication & Confidentiality

We covenant to maintain the integrity of the transition process through clear and confidential communication throughout.

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This will mean:

• The transition team will communicate regularly with congregation regarding updates related to the transition and soliciting input, as appropriate.

• Formal transition team engagement with pastoral candidates and subsequent deliberation will be limited to the transition team and their spouses, as appropriate, and to the pastors involved, until the time comes for the candidate to presented to the congregation.