What Is a Covenant?

A covenant is a strong and binding commitment, like a promise - broken only at great cost. It seems like we don’t have many covenants left in our culture. People and places seem so easy to walk away from them. But God calls us to a covenanted life. One where relationships and commitments matter.

When we become a Christian, we enter into a covenant with God. God promises to never leave or abandon us. Jesus’ staying power, his suffering and death on the cross, is proof of God’s total commitment to bring us into his family. Therefore, if God is covenant-keeping God, then his children are to be promise-making and promise-keeping people.

A church will almost always have a mix of people - believers, seekers, not sure, those interested, those committed, or not so much. Whoever you are, you are welcome here to learn, to sort things out, to help out and serve, or just to observe. We value you and you have a place here! But we wouldn’t be a true church if we didn’t call people to make a full commitment to Christ and to the body of Christ, which is the church.

The bible knows nothing of a commitment to God without a commensurate commitment to the vision, worship, mission of, and accountability to a local church (even with all of its foibles).

Our BBT membership covenant here is publicly declaring, “Jesus is my Lord and Broken Bread Toronto is my church family!” We hope that more and more of us will come to that place of decision.

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TO CHRIST

We affirm that Holy Love which sought us from heaven and came to us in the flesh in order that we who were once dead in our sins have been brought to life as children of God.

We can now live as a people set free, no longer under the weight of sin but under the grace of God.

We can now rest in the redemptive work of Christ active in us and all around us, made complete upon his return.

We can now walk as friends of God through every season of life because we know he can never leave nor abandon us.

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TO HIS CHURCH

We affirm that the Church throughout the ages is the light of the world, of which we are a local assembly.

We will protect the unity of our church by taking relationships seriously – by serving one another, by going out of our way for each other, by refusing to gossip or complain, by forgiving and taking care of one another, and by submitting to our leaders as they, themselves, demonstrate a greater submission to God and his word.

We will share in the witness of our church by regularly participating in worship, by living carefully in the world, by doing good for others in Jesus’ name, and by setting an example of a life touched by grace.

We will participate in the ministry of our church by serving humbly, praying fervently, giving generously, and labouring joyfully.

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TO HIS MISSION IN THE WORLD

We affirm the heart of God that seeks redemption for all things broken and lost in this world.

We will, as God leads us, offer ourselves - our abilities, our possessions, our prayers, and our hearts - to further the work of our church both locally and globally.

We will share the reasons for our faith with those in our communities who do not believe.

We will respectfully and humbly engage the people of our city, recognizing that everyone no matter their beliefs, because of God’s common grace, possess great worth, gifts and abilities.

We will go and fulfill God's desire to see many people come to new life, be baptized, and flourish in every way through the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

There are 4 decisions described below, followed by a form to make the decision that best suits you at this moment.

I am a Covenant Member, re-affirming my commitment to Christ, His Mission, and to the vision and ministry of Broken Bread Toronto.

This intention means that you are an existing Covenant Member and would like to re-affirm the ideals of Covenant Membership.

I would like to become a new Covenant Member of Broken Bread Toronto.

This intention affirms that you are already a Christian and want to live out your faith as an integral member of Broken Bread Toronto.

I am a Covenant Member but would like to re-consider my membership until a later time when I feel more ready to commit.

This intention means that you identify as a Christian but that living out the calling of Covenant membership, for whatever reason, has been a challenge.

I don't think I am a Christian but I want to learn more about the Christian life and what it means to be part of the church.

This intention expresses that you're not ready to identify as a Christian but do have a sincere desire to explore what Christianity teaches.