Book of Faith Resolution
As adopted by the Bethany Church Council on September 22, 2009
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Whereas all the baptized when they affirm their baptism promise “to hear the Word of God” and “to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed”;
Whereas all parents and sponsors covenant to place the holy scriptures in the hands of their children and nurture them in faith and prayer;
Whereas pastors at their ordination vow to be diligent in their study of the Holy Scriptures;
Whereas the ELCA has begun a Book of Faith Initiative inviting everyone to join the conversation, to make a commitment, and to become part of the initiative (see www.bookoffaith.org).
Be it resolved, that we become a “Book of Faith” church, committing ourselves to live in and from the Word of God in all our meetings, assemblies and events, so that as we regularly and increasingly hear, read, study, share and are engaged by God’s Word, we lead by example in faithful service and holy living;
Be it further resolved that the leadership of our Bethany Lutheran Church—shall be teachers of the faith of this church and shall provide leadership for the life and witness of this church”—in coordination with the Synod Advocate lead this initiative personally and through collaborative programmatic work within the existing framework of our ministry;
Be it further resolved that all members of Bethany Lutheran Church covenant together to begin a regular practice of Bible study and prayer, gathering with others in the community to speak and hear the Word from one another;
Be it further resolved that we celebrate and continue to support and strengthen those places where Scripture is already taught and engaged, such as Women of the ELCA Bible studies, camping and campus ministries, lay schools, congregational councils, Sunday school and other congregational groups.
Be it further resolved that we encourage other churches and organizations we support to become a “Book of Faith” organization, which will find expression by:
- exploring new opportunities for engaging the Bible,
- sending sufficient numbers of members to synod events for training as Bible study leaders,
- including biblical study as an integral part of all meetings and groups,
We covenant together to do these things in order to become more fluent in the first language of faith—the language of Scripture—that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, empowered, and sent by the Word.
