New City Church Partnership Covenant

Because the gospel is not merely the doorway into the Christian life but the power that sustains and shapes every moment of it, we covenant together not out of guilt, fear, or pressure, but because Jesus has brought us near by His blood and made us family.

All partnership expectations flow from Jesus’ finished work, not from our own merit.

Everything we do flows from the good news that Jesus Christ lived the life we could not live, died the death we deserved to die, rose again in victory, and now invites us into a new life shaped by grace, empowered by the Spirit, and anchored in His finished work.

This covenant is not a contract of burden—it is a response to redemption. Because Jesus has brought us near, we gladly link arms as family and commit ourselves to His Word, His people, and His mission.

This covenant exists to:

1. Establish the biblical and theological foundations that shape New City Church.
   
   
2. Clarify the mutual commitments of the Elders, Deacons, and Partners of New City as we pursue spiritual formation and gospel mission together.

The following beliefs summarize the core doctrines of historic, orthodox Christianity. These are the truths we joyfully confess and the foundation upon which we encourage, teach, worship, and live together. Partners are expected to affirm these beliefs and to approach any disagreements with humility, gentleness, and a commitment to unity in the gospel (1 Cor. 1:10; Heb. 13:17).

1. Scriptures
We believe the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments are the verbally inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God—our final rule for faith, doctrine, worship, and life. In Scripture, God speaks with perfect clarity, and through Scripture, He forms His people (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Matt. 5:18; John 16:12-13).

2. The Godhead
We believe in one sovereign and eternal God, existing in three co-equal, co-eternal Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each sharing the same divine essence, power, and glory (Deut. 6:4; 2 Cor. 13:14).

3. The Person and Work of Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who became truly human without ceasing to be truly God. He lived the sinless life we failed to live, revealing the Father perfectly.

We believe Jesus accomplished our redemption through His substitutionary death on the cross and secured our justification through His bodily resurrection.

We believe Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He intercedes for His people as our High Priest, Advocate, and returning King.

We believe Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead and to renew all things according to His perfect will (John 1:1–14; Col. 1:15–20; Heb. 1:1–3; 2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 3:21–26; 1 Cor. 15:3–8; Heb. 4:14–16; Heb. 7:23–28; Acts 1:9–11; Rev. 19:11–16; Rev. 21:1–5).

4. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin and awakens dead hearts to life. He regenerates, indwells, seals, sanctifies, and empowers every believer, uniting us to Christ and forming the character of Jesus in us (John 16:8, 11; 2 Cor. 3:6; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; Rom. 8:9; Eph. 5:18).

5. Total Depravity
We believe that all humanity, though created in God’s image, fell in Adam and is therefore spiritually dead, guilty, corrupted in nature, and completely unable to save ourselves or contribute anything to our salvation (Gen. 1:26-27; Rom. 3:22-23; 5:12; Eph. 2:1-3, 12).

6. Salvation
We believe salvation is entirely of God—accomplished by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. We believe salvation is applied to the sinner by the Holy Spirit and received by faith in Jesus Christ, whose blood cleanses us from all sin (Eph. 1:7; 2:8-10; John 1:12; 1 Peter 1:18-19).

7. Eternal Security and Assurance
We believe the redeemed are kept by the power of God and sealed by the Spirit. Our confidence rests not in our grip on God but in His grip on us (John 6:37, 40; John 10:27, 30; Rom. 8:1, 38-39; 1 Cor. 1:4, 8; 1 Peter 1:5; Eph. 1:13-14).

We believe assurance leads to joyful obedience, not careless living (Rom. 13:13-14; Gal. 5:13; Titus 2:11, 15).

8. Ministry and Spiritual Gifts
We believe the Spirit sovereignly gives gifts to build up the body. No gift proves spiritual maturity, and no gift is given for personal glory. Every believer is responsible for cultivating and using their gifts for the good of the church (1 Cor. 12:7, 11, 13; Eph. 4:7-8; Rom. 12:1, 8; 1 Cor. 13; 1 Peter 4:10-11).

We believe God hears prayer, heals according to His will, and uses His people to care for the hurting (John 15:7; 1 John 5:14-15).

9. The Church
We believe the Church is the blood-bought bride and body of Christ, made up of all believers everywhere (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:25, 27; 1 Cor. 12:12, 14; 2 Cor. 11:2).

We believe Jesus intends every believer to be rooted in a local church where they can worship, grow, serve, obey, and participate in God’s mission (Acts 14:27; 18:22; 20:17; 1 Tim. 3:1, 3; Titus 1:5, 11).

We believe in the autonomy of the local churches, free of any external authority and control (Acts 13:1, 4; 15:19, 31; 20:28; Rom. 16:1, 4; 1 Cor. 3:9, 16; 5:4, 7, 13; 1 Peter 5:1, 4).

We recognize believers’ baptism and the Lord’s Supper as ordained signs of God’s grace and testimonies of the gospel (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; 18:8; 1 Cor. 11:23, 26).

Eldership is a sacred calling to shepherd God’s people with the heart of Christ—a people formed by grace, sustained by the Spirit, and entrusted to our care by the Chief Shepherd Himself. These commitments are not burdens we shoulder to earn God’s approval; they rise from the grace we already stand in and from the love we have freely received in Jesus. Because Christ has bent low to serve His church, we bend low in humility. Because He carries His people through the valley and the feast, we walk with them in both suffering and joy. And because He laid down His life for the flock, we labor to lay down our preferences, our pride, and our comfort for their good.

To be an elder is to say:

“I am here to shepherd this flock with Christlike tenderness and courage. I will teach truth, guard unity, model holiness, and care for souls—not out of compulsion, but out of joyful devotion to Christ and His people.”

Eldership names what Scripture calls pastors to embody: a life of humble oversight, watchful care, faithful teaching, compassionate presence, and steady leadership. It is a commitment to walk closely with this church family, to lead not from distance but with approachability and gentleness, to pursue the wandering, strengthen the weary, protect the vulnerable, and cultivate spiritual and emotional health within the body.

Above all, eldership is a response to grace—a recognition that Jesus is the true Shepherd and that we serve only as under-shepherds of His flock. And because He has made us His own, we joyfully give ourselves to the flourishing of His church.

The Elders of New City covenant:

1. To shepherd with humility, approachability, and gentleness, modeling Christlike care, walking with our people in both suffering and joy, and laboring not only to teach truth but also to cultivate spiritual health and emotional well-being (1 Thess. 2:7-8; 1 Peter 5:2-3; Hebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28).
   
   
2. To ensure gospel-centered worship by preaching and teaching the Word of God with clarity, conviction, and Christ-centered hope (2 Tim. 3:16; Rom. 1:16).
   
   
3. To cultivate a family culture, encouraging and equipping our people to love one another deeply, joyfully, and sacrificially (John 13:34-35; Acts 2:42-47).
   
   
4. To lead missionally, evaluating every decision in light of our mission to help others live in light of the gospel and our vision of seeing the gospel transform ourselves, our families, our church, our city, and the world (Matt. 28:18-20).
   
   
5. To embrace theological depth, teaching sound doctrine not for mere information, but for worship—so that our church treasures God more deeply (Acts 20:27-28; 1 Tim. 4:16; Titus 2:1).
   
   
6. To appoint biblically qualified leaders, with prayerful discernment and spiritual integrity (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
   
   
7. To steward resources faithfully, guided by Scripture, mission, and the Spirit’s wisdom (1 Pet. 4:10; 1 Cor. 4:2; 2 Cor. 9:6–8; Prov. 3:9–10; Luke 16:10–11; James 1:5; Col. 3:23–24; Acts 20:35; Matt. 25:21).
   
   
8. To guard against false teaching, protecting the flock from error, and shepherding with gentleness and courage (Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:28-31; 1 Tim. 1:3-7; 1 John 4:1).
   
   
9. To practice restorative discipline, actively pursuing repentance, healing, and reconciliation (Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor. 5:1-13).
   
   
10. To model godly living, fulfilling the same commitments we call our partners to embrace and leading as examples worth imitating (Phil. 3:17; 1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:7-8; 1 Pet. 5:3).

Deacons are servant-leaders raised up to meet tangible needs within the body, protect unity, and support the ministry of the Word. Following the pattern of Acts 6, they labor to ensure that practical care, compassion, and service flourish in the life of the church.

Deacons are men and women who model Christlike humility, steward ministries of mercy, support the elders by freeing them to focus on prayer and teaching, and cultivate an atmosphere of joyful service. Their work strengthens the whole body and displays the love of Christ in visible, tangible ways (Acts 6:1–7; 1 Tim. 3:8–13; Phil. 1:1)

The Deacons of New City covenant:

1. To embody Christlike service, to serve with humility, compassion, and integrity—following the example of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve—meeting practical needs with grace and displaying the love of Christ through tangible acts of care (Mark 10:45; John 13:12–17; Rom. 12:6–13).

2. To cultivate unity and peace within the body, to pursue and protect the unity of the Spirit by handling conflict with gentleness, promoting reconciliation, and fostering a culture of encouragement, kindness, and mercy (Eph. 4:1–3; Col. 3:12–15; Gal. 6:1–2).

3. To support the ministry of the Word and the work of the Elders, to uphold the teaching ministry of the church by ensuring that practical needs are met, ministries are strengthened, and the elders are free to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:1–7; Acts 11:29–30; Heb. 13:17).

4. To steward ministries of mercy and care, to joyfully lead the church in caring for the hurting, the vulnerable, the overlooked, and those in need—ensuring that mercy, generosity, and compassion remain visible in the life of the church (1 Pet. 4:10–11; Titus 3:14; Gal. 6:9–10).

5. To model servant-hearted leadership, to live in a manner worthy of imitation, marked by dignity, self-control, and spiritual maturity—fulfilling the biblical qualifications for deacons and serving as examples of faithful, joyful obedience (1 Tim. 3:8–13; Phil. 2:3–4; Matt. 23:11).

Partnership is a joyful commitment to walk together as God’s family—a family formed by grace, shaped by the Spirit, and sent on mission. These commitments do not earn God’s favor; they flow from the favor we already have in Jesus. Because Christ has welcomed us, we welcome one another. Because He has poured out His Spirit, we pursue holiness and unity. And because He has sent us into the world, we link arms for the good of our neighbors and the glory of God.

To become a Partner is to say:

“I belong here. I will pray, serve, give, love, and grow alongside these people—not out of duty, but from delight in the gospel and devotion to Christ.”

Partnership names and embodies how Scripture calls us to live: a shared life of worship, accountability, generosity, mission, and care. It is a promise to walk with this church family through joys and sorrows, to pursue peace and unity, to receive correction with humility, and to use our gifts to build up the body.

Above all, partnership is a response to grace—an embodied declaration that Jesus has made us His own, and therefore we joyfully belong to one another.

Requirements for Partnership
These requirements do not create a Christian, but they clarify the essential foundations that must already be present for someone to enter into partnership. Requirements describe what must already be true of a believer, while expectations describe the areas in which every partner continues to grow. Together, they identify the shared faith, beliefs, and practices that unite us as a gospel-formed family and anchor our life together in Christ.

Faith
You profess personal faith in Jesus Christ—His atoning death, triumphant resurrection, and gracious salvation given freely through faith (Rom. 1:16-17; 3:22-23; 5; 2 Cor. 5:14-21; Eph. 2:1-10).

Belief
You submit to the authority of Scripture as the final word for faith and life, trusting God’s Word to shape your mind, heart, and obedience (Luke 24:25-27; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21, Matt. 5:18; John 16:12-13).

Practice
You commit to Scripture-saturated spiritual formation—pursuing regular rhythms of Bible reading, prayer, repentance, and dependence on the Holy Spirit—knowing that no partner grows apart from abiding in Christ (John 15:1–11).

Expectations for Partnership
These expectations do not make someone a Christian, but they describe the patterns of life that partners are learning to embrace. While requirements speak to what must already be true of every believer, expectations outline the ongoing areas of growth, pursuit, and obedience as we live together as a family of missionary servants. They reflect the Spirit’s work in shaping us into a people who love, serve, and follow Jesus in community.

As a Family Member, You Are Expected to:

1. Regularly gather with the church, knowing we cannot grow in isolation, and Christ knits our hearts together as we worship together (Acts 2:42–47; Heb. 10:24–25; Eph. 4:1–6; Eph. 4:15–16; Col. 3:15–17; Rom. 12:4–5).
   
   
2. Participate in a Missional Community, pursuing deep relationships, shared mission, prayer, confession, and encouragement (John 13:34-35; Acts 2:42-47; 2 Cor. 1:3-7; Gal. 6:1-2).

3. Pursue unity, submitting to the elders and laboring to maintain the bond of peace through humility, gentleness, and forgiveness (1 Cor. 1:10; Heb. 13:17; Psalm 133; John 17:20-23; Col. 3:12-17; 1 Peter 3:8; 5:5; Eph. 4:1-3).
   
   
4. Embrace corrective and restorative discipline, receiving biblical correction with teachable humility. If I am placed under discipline, I will remain in partnership and will not withdraw to avoid, obstruct, or undermine the process. I acknowledge that discipline is Christ’s loving means of restoration, and I will extend that same grace to others.  (Ps. 141:5; Matt. 18:15–17; 1 Cor. 5:1–5; 2 Cor. 2:5–8; Gal. 6:1–5, 8; 1 Tim. 5:20; 2 Tim. 2:25; Titus 1:9; 3:10–11; Heb. 12:5–11; Rev. 2:5–7, 14–25).
   
   
5. Depart in peace, if God leads you elsewhere:
   
   
   • Notify an Elder of New City Church in writing (email, handwritten note) of your decision to leave the church and remove yourself from Partnership with New City Church. This helps the Elders of New City know who is currently under their care. It also allows the Elders to wish you well as you follow God's leading to your next church and ensure there is peace as you go (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-4; Heb. 13:17).
     
     
   • Join another gospel-preaching church. This honors Christ, protects unity, and ensures ongoing shepherding care (Rom. 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 2:19; 5:29-30; Heb. 13:17).

As a Missionary, You Are Expected to:

1. Engage your relational circles with the gospel, demonstrating and declaring Christ’s love in ordinary rhythms of life (2 Cor. 5:17-20; 1 Pet. 2:9).
   
   
2. Practice sacrificial generosity, giving faithfully and joyfully to support the mission of the church (2 Cor. 8-9).

As a Servant, You Are Expected to:
Use your spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities to serve joyfully in the life of the church—building others up and revealing the beauty of Christ’s body. Serving is not a task to complete but a grace to embrace. It is the privilege of stewarding what God has entrusted to you—your time, your resources, your passions, your creativity, your strength—for the good of others.

Serving means stepping toward needs with the heart of Christ: meeting practical needs with compassion, encouraging the discouraged, supporting the ministry of the church with faithfulness, and leaning into the places where God has uniquely equipped you. In this way, your service becomes worship—an offering that displays the unity of the Spirit and the diverse beauty of the body of Christ.

Above all, joyful service is a declaration that Jesus has served us first, and therefore we gladly pour ourselves out for the flourishing of His people (Rom. 12:4–8; 1 Cor. 12:4–7; Eph. 4:15–16; 1 Pet. 4:10–11; Gal. 5:13; Phil. 2:3–4; Heb. 6:10; Col. 3:23–24; Mark 10:45; John 13:14–15).