Copyright © 2018 Grace Covenant Church. All rights reserved.
The Core Values of Grace Covenant Church
Because we believe that the Holy Bible is the Inspired, Infallible, and Inerrant Word of God, it alone is and will be the basis and authority of answering any and all questions regarding the purpose, structure, and function of the church. The following beliefs are non-negotiable and are the foundation on which this constitution and these by-laws are based.

1.  WE BELIEVE IN A HIGH VIEW OF GOD

Isaiah 42:8; 46:9-10; Ps 115:3; Rev 4:11

☐ The Lord God is God over all creation, the object of our worship, the focus of our service, the author and perfecter of our faith. Everything we do will be judged by and is intended to magnify the glory of Almighty God.

2.   WE BELIEVE IN A HIGH VIEW OF SCRIPTURE

Hebrews 4:12-13; II Tim 3:16-17; II Pet 1:19-21

☐ The Holy Scriptures contain the authoritative, sufficient, infallible, inerrant revelations of God to man. They are the  
final authority over our ministries, representing the will and instructions of God. They are the fullness of the message  
of hope that unites and defines our ministry.

3.   WE BELIEVE IN THE TEACHING OF SOUND DOCTRINE

Titus 2:1; II Tim 4:3-4

☐ Since God’s revelation to man has been given in the form of literary text, we have an obligation to understand and teach His word according to sound doctrine. We teach it out of obedience to our Lord rather than to please man (Gal 1:10, I Thes 2:4).

4.   WE BELIEVE IN PERSONAL HOLINESS

Eph 5:3-12; Rom 12:1; I Pet 1:15-16; II Cor 7:1; Matt 18:15-20

☐ Having been laid hold of by Christ in salvation, Christians are called to a life of holiness as to be a reflection of the
character of Christ in the world. We have become new creations of God created unto good works which God has
prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Now, as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, we are to stir one
another up to follow Christ in holiness. We are accountable to God and one another for how we live, for we have
been bought and are not our own.

5.   WE BELIEVE IN SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY

Col 1:18; I Pet 5:1-4; Heb 13:17; I Tim 5:17

☐ God has clearly defined the structure of authority for the church. Christ is the head of the church and He mediates His rule through the shepherding of godly elders (pastors). The elders (pastors), having a high view of God and scripture, being devoted to the preaching, teaching and practicing of sound doctrine, and being examples of personal holiness before the congregation, are responsible to lead the church. The congregation is accountable to the elders (pastors) and the elders are accountable to God. Therefore, decision making authority is vested in the elders (pastors), who shepherd the church.

6.   WE BELIEVE IN GODLY RELATIONSHIPS

John 13:34-35; I Thess 4:9; Eph 5:22-6:1

☐ The greatest evidence of Christ in the life of any Christian is found in love for other believers. As Christians, we must pursue and maintain godly relationships, loving and encouraging one another so that Christ will be evident among us. This is seen in Godly families as well.

7.   WE BELIEVE IN THE NECESSITY AND VALUE OF PRAYER

I Thess 5:17; Eph 6:18; Matthew 21:13

☐ The church is by definition a “house of prayer.” Prayer is a large part of every Christian’s life. Private and Public
prayer must not be neglected.

8.   WE BELIEVE IN PASSIONATE PRAISE

Ps 118:1; 150:2-6; I Pet 1:3-4

☐ Throughout God’s Word we see the resounding refrain: PRAISE THE LORD! We, as God’s people, join the chorus, by the Holy Spirit’s work of regeneration in our hearts; we exalt the name of Jesus Christ all to God’s glory! Praise involves us focusing our minds’ attention and hearts’ affection on the worth of who God is and what He does.

9.   WE BELIEVE IN THE CALL TO SERVE OTHERS

Matt 20:28; I Pet 4:10; Phil 2:3-4

☐ We are called to follow Christ’s example in serving others out of love! This service takes on many different forms and involves us putting others before ourselves in our resources of money, talents, and time.

10.  WE BELIEVE WE MUST MAINTAIN A MISSIONS FOCUS

Matthew 28:18-20; Rom 10:14-15

☐ We are called to preach the gospel to all nations, all peoples! We will always maintain a focus that remembers the
Lord’s desire and plan to save people of all nations!
Grace
Covenant
Church
Portsmouth, RI