Elder Covenant

In addition to subscribing to the Three Forms of Unity, elders are also required to subscribe to our elder covenant. Our elder covenant is intended to unite the leadership of The Cross Fellowship in believing and teaching biblical principles that are opposed in our current culture. It is also a statement of what The Cross Fellowship will teach. Members do not need to subscribe to this covenant, but should know what The Cross Fellowship stands for in these areas.

1. The Bible

I believe that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired, infallible, sufficient, and authoritative Word of God.

2. Men and Women

I believe God created men and women equally in the image of God, but that God has given the offices of pastor, elder, and deacon exclusively to men. However, because of the unique gifts, wisdom, and experience God has given to women, I will invite and welcome the input and help of godly women in church life, especially in dealing with issues relating to women and children..

3. Shepherding

As I believe that communicant members must have a biblical confession of faith and a life that is in line with that confession, I therefore commit to shepherding those entrusted to my care.

4. Conflict

I believe Matthew 18:15-18 must be followed in all church discipline and in all disputes among Christians, except in cases such as domestic abuse or other criminal conduct, which must be reported to civil authorities immediately.

5. Education

I believe that parents, wherever possible, should provide a Christian education for their children in Christian schools and home schools, and therefore the church should commit to supporting this financially.

6. Sexuality

I believe the following are sins that result from the fall but can be repented of for full and free forgiveness in Christ:

  • All sexual contact outside of biblical marriage (marriage being defined as the exclusive union of one man and one woman).

  • All sexual lust (heterosexual, homosexual, transgender, etc).

  • All abortion of any human life from conception onward (except where the life of the mother is genuinely at risk).

7. Creation

I believe that Genesis 1-11 is literal history, meaning that:

  • God created the universe in six days (“day” as commonly understood).

  • Adam and Eve were created as the first human beings.

  • The flood of Noah’s time was worldwide.