Baptists/Bapist Church Covenant

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Expert: - 4/21/2009


Question
Why was the Church Covenant written and hung on the walls of each Bapist Church? And why is it important?

Answer
No one can speak for every Baptist Church but for many that I know it was for two reasons.  

One, everyone that walked into that Church could read and know what that church believed about various issues. No guess work as to whether they believed in drinking alcoholic beverages or other things listed in the covenant.  Based upon that open confession of faith a person could have sufficient facts to make a decision about joining that church.  If the person was a social drinker and that church held to abstinence then the person must decide to abstain from alcohol or joining that church. It isn't a bad idea as many today will join a church because of the music or friendly people and later find out that the church teaches and believes something other than what they do and then they leave felling frustrated for wasting their time or feeling like they did not have full disclosure even though they never asked the pastor or anyone about any doctrinal issue.

Secondly, it is good to have for the congregation to reread from time to time to remember their covenant and why they exist and how they are to serve one another and their community. Unfortunately, it often just becomes something they get used to seeing every Sunday and few may ever actually read it.  Yet, if the pastor feels like the congregation is getting off track he can them do a series of sermons based on that covenant causing them to evaluate themselves and the church hopefully renewing their commitment to that covenant.  

Hopefully, this has been of some help to you.  Next time you see one, ask a member or the pastor why it is there.  You may find them stuttering or get a really great answer.  Blessings to you!

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Dr. Ronald E. Shultz

Expertise

I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.

Experience

I have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.

Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73

Publications
Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000


Awards and Honors
Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975

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