MERCYhouse Membership Covenant

 I affirm my belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I believe that Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins and through His death, burial and resurrection have entered into a relationship with God - who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  As one who is restored to God, I now desire to live in community with other redeemed people in the local church known as MERCYhouse in Amherst, MA.  

In response to the grace of this salvation, I devote myself to the following five devotions of our church:

  1. I devote myself to WORSHIP by seeking to continually surrender my entire life to God in response to God’s initiation with me in the gospel and by worshiping God regularly with other members of MERCYhouse.  (Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:1; Hebrews 10:24,25)

  2. I devote myself to the WORD by regularly studying the Bible both as an individual and with other members of MERCYhouse and by obeying those things that I am learning.  (Matthew 7:24; Acts 2:42; 2 Timothy 3:16,17; Psalm 119:11)    

  3. I devote myself to PRAYER by praying.  I will regularly pray for the leadership and mission of MERCYhouse.  I will also pray with and for fellow members of the church.  (Acts 2:42; Acts 1:13,14; Colossians 4:2)

  4. I devote myself to the FELLOWSHIP by living in biblical community.  I understand this to mean that I am regularly sharing my life with at least a few other church members and will seek ways to encourage others in their growth as disciples of Jesus.  I will continue to grow in my understanding of my spiritual gifts and will use them in ways that build up the church.  I will also commit myself to give generously in order to support the mission of the church and agree to support and submit to church leadership. (Acts 2:42; Romans 12:3-8; 2Corinthians 9:6-7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Hebrews 13:17)

  5. I devote myself to the MISSION by seeking to demonstrate and proclaim the gospel to those with whom I have influence. I will also make available my own time, talent and resources to help accomplish the mission to reach, build, and send students of the Five Colleges; accomplish the planting of new churches in the Pioneer Valley; and connect, train, and commission the families and singles of our church. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8)