This is a mini catechism used at baptisms and on Easter and other special occasions, the Baptismal Covenant opens with a question-and-answer version of the statement of faith that is the Apostles’ Creed and adds questions regarding how we, as Christians, are called to live out our faith.
Our Baptismal Covenant as Lived in our Context (from the Diocese of San Diego)
1. Worship and Formation
"Will you continue in the Apostles’ teaching and fellowship, the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers? "
"I will, with God’s help. "
We are daring and fearless followers of Jesus, empowered by dynamic and transformative worship and spiritual formation practices and programs.
2. Repentance and Reconciliation
"Will you resist evil, and whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? "
"I will, with God’s help. "
We value repentance and reconciliation, acknowledging when we have turned away from God and one another, seeking wholeness and healing by turning back to God and one another. In this we seek to be a welcome and open community for all. If you have turned away from God, if you have tried to follow Jesus and have failed, or are trying for the first time, you are welcome here.
3. Evangelism
"Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of Jesus Christ? "
"I will, with God’s help. "
We are agents of God’s kingdom who instinctively live and share the good news of Jesus Christ within our communities and without, feeding those who are hungry to hear and receive the transforming good news.
4. Outreach
"Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? "
"I will, with God’s help. "
We bridge the several borders God calls us to transcend by offering our time, talent and treasure for the transformative inbreaking of God’s kingdom, and so meet Christ face-to-face in the hearts and lives of our neighbors, near and far.
5. Advocacy
"Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? "
"I will, with God’s help."
We offer our voices and presence to confront the brokenness in our lives, and the systems of which we are a part, with the healing and transforming power of the love of Jesus Christ.
6. Stewardship
"Will you be a faithful steward of all that God has entrusted to you, living a life of gratitude and generosity? "
"I will, with God’s help. "
We are faithful and courageous stewards of all that God has entrusted to us, willing to make hard choices when necessary to ensure that these gifts and resources are effectively and powerfully engaged in God’s mission.