Commitment Covenant for Launching an EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District church

Commitment Covanant
Texas-Oklahoma District Church Plant Covenant

Recognizing that there exists an interdependency among churches affiliated with the EFCA, and that those who attend EFCA churches must exhibit a spirit of humility, mutual support and accountability among the association of other EFCA churches.
I wish to openly state our commitment to work within the following guidelines:
1. I am unreservedly in agreement with the EFCA Statement of Faith.
2. I am in agreement with implementing a congregational form of government with in the two-year time frame after "Prevue Services" begin.
3. I fully agree to the process of developing leaders for the new church. Beginning with the Provision Leadership Team, accepted by the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district and eventually appointing elders for the new church recognizing the process may take 2 years or more.
4. I fully agree to be credentialed (license or ordination) before beginning the official launch phase of my church plant.   Each additional staff pastor will be encouraged to be credentialed.
5. I will demonstrate a spirit of harmony in working with my brothers and sisters in Christ (even across denominational lines), with the EFCA Texas- Oklahoma District representatives, and with the Regional Steering Committee assigned to us.
6. I agree to use the Articles of Incorporation approved by the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District as proposed by the Church Planting Coordinator. Any by-laws written prior to the new church functioning congregationally must receive final approval by the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District Superintendent.
7. I fully agree to lead the new church to begin tithing from the time of the grand opening service. The church will tithe back to the District Church Planting Revolving Fund the amount of funds received. After that, the church will participate in the EFCA Fair Share program by giving 1% to EFCA National Office and 2% to the District General Fund and endeavor to partner with other new District church planting projects, with the understanding that the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District reserves the right to adjust the program as may be needed.
8. I will attend the Church Planter's Network Meetings, Coaching Sessions, the Regional EFCA Pastor's Gatherings, and the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma Annual Conference.
9. I have read and fully agree with all principles and expectations outlined in "What it Means to be an EFC."

signed: ______________________________ date: ____________
phone:_________________ email address:___________________________